When it comes to preparing drinks for your Thanksgiving gathering, this Apple Cider Punch recipe is a total game-changer. It’s the easiest drink you’ll ever whip up, boasting a blend of fresh and simple ingredients that can be prepared in advance. Whether you’re hosting a fall celebration or a Thanksgiving feast, this punch is sure to be a hit. The star of this concoction is the apple cider, harmoniously combined with ginger ale, apple slices, orange slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. Not only does this punch taste amazing, but the infusion of fresh fruit and cinnamon sticks gives it an abundance of fall flavors.
Pro tip: When serving this Thanksgiving punch, leave the fruit in; it not only enhances the taste but also adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving tablescape. You don’t need to rush out and spend a fortune on a pitcher or punch bowl, either, especially when you’ll likely use it only a couple of times each year. Instead, check out your local thrift shops for a great deal!
The versatility of this Apple Cider Thanksgiving Punch extends beyond its mocktail version. You can easily transform it into an alcoholic punch by substituting champagne for the ginger ale. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out a portion of the ginger ale for apple brandy, which adds a delightful twist.
To take things up a notch for a party, set up a serving tray alongside your pitcher of punch, complete with glasses. Create a memorable touch by dipping the glass rims in water or maple syrup and rolling them through a plate of cinnamon sugar. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a slice of apple or orange, and you’ll have a stylish punch station that will undoubtedly impress your guests.
And here’s the best part–this punch is incredibly flexible and can be easily scaled up or down to accommodate your specific serving size requirements. I hope you fall in love with this easy, festive punch, and it becomes a cherished addition to your Thanksgiving traditions. Wishing you a fantastic fall season and a joyful Thanksgiving!
Apple Cider Punch:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Yields: 8 servings
Plain Strolls / Autumn Days / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Ingredients:
- ½ gallon apple cider
- 20 ounces ginger ale (or any type of sparkling juice you like, that pairs well with apple!)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Optional, for Glass Rims:
- Maple Syrup
- Cinnamon Sugar
Instructions:
- Stir together the apple cider and ginger ale in a large pitcher or punch bowl. (If you want to make this an alcoholic punch instead of a mocktail punch, replace the ginger ale with champagne. You could also do part ginger ale and part apple brandy.)
- Add the cinnamon sticks and fruit. Stir everything together well, then let it chill in the fridge to get the flavors mingling for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
- Serve and enjoy! If desired, dip glass rims in maple syrup then coat in cinnamon sugar. Add an apple or orange slice and a cinnamon stick to the glasses for garnish. This recipe can be scaled up or down as needed to serve whatever size crowd you need.
Are you making this punch recipe for Thanksgiving? Show us on Tiktok and Instagram @lulus–and shop more autumnal looks in our Fall Fashion Shop!
This recipe comes from our food contributor, Stephanie Simmons, of Blue Bowl. Her goal with her kitchen-tested recipes is to get you excited about cooking, show you how good food can taste, and prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a good meal.
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