Sparkling Thanksgiving Punch (Non-Alcoholic)
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This Thanksgiving punch could not be easier to make or more delicious. You only need two simple ingredients and it can be made with or without alcohol. Packed with the delicious flavors of fall and winter and sure to become a go-to party drink!
Try some of our other fall favorite drinks, like my Apple Cider Sangria and Apple Spice Mimosas! It can be made as a cocktail or mocktail!
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. One Sweet Appetite and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
Recipe Features
- Quick and Easy– Five minutes of your time and easy enough that any family member can make it.
- 2-Ingredients– Yes, that’s right. You only need TWO simple items to make this show stopping punch recipe.
- Perfect for Parties– Easy to double or even triple!
When you look at the list of non alcoholic thanksgiving drinks- this fall punch lands firmly at the top. It is so easy to make and tastes out-of-this-world amazing. It will have guests begging you for the recipe and blow their minds when you tell them it has only 2 ingredients.
Often overlooked, thanksgiving drinks can quickly become the perfect compliment to the meal! Especially when it is refreshing and filled with delicious fall flavor. This drink is all about the cider, make sure you pick a quality one, and beats the store bought sparkling cider any day of the week!
Thanksgiving Cider Punch Ingredients
The beauty of this apple cider punch is that you cannot mess it up. You can also take it from “family friendly” to “adult beverage” with one quick change. So, what’s the secret to getting amazing flavor without a lot of ingredients? I’ll show you.
- Apple Cider– This is the star of the show. You need to either: A- pick a quality cider that is delicious all on it’s own OR B- add a little bit of spice. I couldn’t recommend the Trader Joe’s cider more. It’s full of flavor, slightly sweet but not too much, and works so well with the ginger soda. Another option we love is the slightly more tart fresh cider found in most grocery stores throughout fall and winter, but that one will need the extra spices.
- Ginger Ale– Sparkly bubbles with the slightest ginger flavor. This is what will give it a super refreshing vibe that everyone loves. You could also opt for the slightly more spicy ginger beer for a more bold flavor combo.
- Apple Pie Spice– Optional, but a fun add-in when you reach for the cheaper ciders.
- Fresh Fruit- Another optional ingredient that is more for display than flavor. Sliced apples and oranges make this drink look ecxtra elegant.
How to make a Cider Punch
Making apple punch is as easy as chill, mix, and serve. There are a few tiny tips I’ll share to help you get that “wow” factor when serving.
- Chill the cider and soda for at least 4 hours, if not overnight.
- When ready to serve, combine the two in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Serve over ice in tall cups.
If using the optional apple pie spice:
- Chill the cider and soda for at least 4 hours, if not overnight.
- Add the cider to a pitcher or punch bowl.
- Sprinkle the apple pie spice and whisk well to fully combine.
- Add the ginger ale just before serving and enjoy.
Punch Serving Tips
- Fresh fruit adds an elegant finish to any punch recipe.
- Add ice to the cups, not the punch bowl, to keep from watering down the drinks.
- Making a double batch? Start by only making half and make a fresh batch about 2 hours later. This will ensure ultimate fizz in your sparkling punch recipe.
- Remember that soda starts to lose the bubble around the 2 hour mark. Try not to make your punch until you are ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- Always pick an apple cider that tastes good on its own. I like the ease of only 2-ingredients and don’t want to add any more work to the recipe. Trader Joe’s is our favorite, but use one that you love that contains a little holiday flavor.
- Want to spice things up? Try mixing in a dash of pear or plum juice.
- Chill all of the ingredients before you start. This will ensure you are ready to serve immediately after mixing.
- Always add the ginger ale just before serving to keep it at it’s sparkliest.
- For a little more spice swap the ginger ale for ginger beer.
FAQ’s
Here’s the skinny. This recipe does not contain alcohol. However, you could easily turn this into a Thanksgiving alcoholic punch! Here’s some quick tips to help you decide the best way to turn this into an adult beverage:
1. Swap the ginger ale with sparkling wine or champagne.
2. Add a cup of vodka to the drink.
3. Let the adults add a shot of whiskey to their glass and top off with the punch.
Sparkling punch will stay fresh for roughly 2 hours. After that point it will start to lose the fizz and need additional soda.
There are several ways to keep punch chilled. For this recipe, you can freeze cubes of cider ahead of time and add directly to the punch bowl. You could also use the cider to freeze a large ring, which will melt slower and keep the punch cold for longer. Adding frozen fruits, like cranberries, is another great alternative to ice.
Because this punch recipe uses a sparkling soda, it is not recommended to make ahead of time. You can, however, pour the cider into the pitcher and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
No punch bowl? No problem! The dollar store has large glass bowls (or plastic) that will work wonderfully with a ladle. You can also use large pitchers, extra large jars, or a clean glass vase (amazing centerpiece idea).
More Punch Recipes
- Fruit Punch Recipe
- 3-Ingredient Grape Punch
- Sparkling Holiday Punch
- Easy Party Punch
- Make-Ahead Sangria (single serve)
- Raspberry Peach Sangria
- Hawaiian Punch Recipe
More Cocktail Recipes
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Thanksgiving Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 64 oz Apple Cider (chilled)
- 1 Liter Ginger Ale (chilled)
- 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice (optional)
- Apple and Orange Slices (optional)
Instructions
- Chill the cider and soda for at least 4 hours, if not overnight.
- When ready to serve, combine the two in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Serve over ice in tall cups.
If using the optional apple pie spice:
- Chill the cider and soda for at least 4 hours, if not overnight.
- Add the cider to a pitcher or punch bowl.
- Sprinkle the apple pie spice and whisk well to fully combine.
- Add the ginger ale just before serving and enjoy.
Notes
- Always pick an apple cider that tastes good on its own. I like the ease of only 2-ingredients and don’t want to add any more work to the recipe. Trader Joe’s is our favorite, but use one that you love that contains a little holiday flavor.
- Want to spice things up? Try mixing in a dash of pear or plum juice.
- Chill all of the ingredients before you start. This will ensure you are ready to serve immediately after mixing.
- Always add the ginger ale just before serving to keep it at it’s sparkliest.
- For a little more spice swap the ginger ale for ginger beer.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
