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Festive Cranberry Orange Apple Cider Thanksgiving Punch

Close-up of a glass filled with bright red thanksgiving punch, ice, fresh cranberries, and an orange slice.
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Make this crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving punch that blends tart cranberry, sweet orange, and warm apple cider. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for serving a large group, with simple instructions to make it alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apple cider
  • 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice preferred)
  • 2 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 1 liter ginger ale or lemon-lime soda (chilled)
  • 1 cup vodka or white rum (optional, for spiked version)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish
  • Ice ring or cubes

Instructions

  1. If making the alcoholic version, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and vodka or rum in a large punch bowl or dispenser. Stir well to mix.
  2. Chill the juice mixture for at least 2 hours before serving, or prepare this step the day before.
  3. Just before serving, gently add the chilled ginger ale or soda to the juice mixture. Stir slowly to keep the carbonation.
  4. Add a large ice ring or plenty of ice cubes to the punch bowl to keep it cold.
  5. Garnish the top of the punch with the thin orange slices and whole cranberries.
  6. Serve immediately in glasses filled with ice.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving mocktail, simply omit the vodka or rum. This version is a great holiday punch for a crowd of all ages.
  • To make this a Prosecco punch for Thanksgiving, substitute the ginger ale with chilled Prosecco, adding it just before serving.
  • Prepare the juice base (cider, cranberry, orange) up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it refrigerated. Add the sparkling element only when guests arrive.
  • For extra fall flavor, add 1/4 cup of Fireball whiskey or a cinnamon simple syrup to the base mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/thanksgiving-punch-recipe-cranberry-orange/