A cozy, colorful drink that captures the spirit of the season
This Festive Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail is the perfect way to toast the holidays with family and friends. Filled with the crisp sweetness of apple cider, the tang of cranberry juice, and a splash of citrus, it’s a refreshing and alcohol-free drink that everyone can enjoy. Its rich red hue, sparkling bubbles, and fruity garnish make it both elegant and cheerful. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or simply craving something seasonal and uplifting, this easy healthy recipe delivers cozy autumn flavor in every sip.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 glasses
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh apple cider (unsweetened if possible)
- 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice cubes
- Orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This punch comes together easily with just a few basic tools.
- Large pitcher or punch bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Serving glasses or mason jars
Step-by-Step Directions
- Combine the juices: Pour apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemon juice into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir well to mix.
- Add sweetness: Stir in maple syrup or honey if you prefer a lightly sweet flavor.
- Add spice: Sprinkle in ground cinnamon or drop in a cinnamon stick, stirring gently to infuse warmth into the punch.
- Add bubbles: Just before serving, pour in sparkling water or ginger ale to give the punch a refreshing fizz.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice, ladle in the punch, and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for a festive finishing touch.
Pro Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare the juice base in advance and refrigerate it. Add sparkling water right before serving to keep the fizz fresh.
- Flavor variation: Add a splash of pomegranate juice or a few apple slices for more depth and color.
- Kid-friendly idea: Use sweetened cranberry juice and extra orange slices for a naturally sweeter version.
- Beautiful presentation: Serve the punch in a clear glass bowl with floating fruit and herbs for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 glass | ~95 | 0g | 24g | 0g | 0g | 21g |
Conclusion
The Festive Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail is a simple yet elegant way to bring warmth and color to your holiday table. Its blend of apple, cranberry, and citrus creates a perfect harmony of sweet and tart, while the cinnamon adds a touch of cozy spice. Serve it chilled and sparkling for a refreshing toast that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults. This mocktail captures the heart of Thanksgiving in a glass, joyful, comforting, and full of seasonal cheer.
Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail
Ingredients
For the punch
- 2 cups fresh apple cider (unsweetened if possible)
- 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice cubes
- Orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Pour apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemon juice into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir well to mix.
- Stir in maple syrup or honey if you prefer a lightly sweet flavor.
- Sprinkle in ground cinnamon or drop in a cinnamon stick, stirring gently to infuse warmth into the punch.
- Just before serving, pour in sparkling water or ginger ale to give the punch a refreshing fizz.
- Fill glasses with ice, ladle in the punch, and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for a festive finishing touch.