Thanksgiving Punch
A festive, refreshing drink to bring everyone together during the holiday season!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sparkling water (or ginger ale)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- Cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Combine Juices
In a large punch bowl, pour in the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Stir well to combine the flavors.
2. Add Sparkling Water
Right before serving, gently stir in the sparkling water (or ginger ale) to give the punch a bubbly, festive touch.
3. Garnish the Punch
Add the fresh cranberries, orange slices, and apple slices to the punch bowl. If desired, toss in a few cinnamon sticks for added flavor and a decorative touch.
4. Serve
Pour the punch into glasses over ice. Garnish each glass with a slice of fruit or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Tips:
- For an adult version, add a splash of rum or bourbon.
- Chill all the ingredients beforehand to keep the punch refreshing without needing too much ice.
- Use sparkling apple cider for an extra apple-forward fizz.
FAQ for Thanksgiving Punch
Can I make this punch ahead of time?
Yes, you can combine the juices and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the sparkling water or ginger ale and garnishes just before serving to keep the fizz intact.
Can I use another type of juice?
Absolutely! You can swap the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice or another berry juice for a different twist. Apple cider is the key juice for flavor, but feel free to experiment with variations.
Can I use frozen cranberries or fruit for garnish?
Frozen cranberries or fruit slices can be used as garnish. They’ll keep the punch cold and add a festive look, but fresh fruit adds the best visual appeal and flavor.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this punch?
Yes! This recipe is naturally non-alcoholic. For a festive flair, you can use sparkling water, or you can substitute ginger ale for a bit of sweetness and effervescence.
How can I make the punch less sweet?
If you’d like a less sweet version, reduce the amount of orange juice or use a sugar-free cranberry juice. You can also adjust the ratio of sparkling water to juice to balance the sweetness.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover punch can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the punch loses its fizz, you can add a fresh splash of sparkling water or ginger ale before serving.
Enjoy this delightful Thanksgiving Punch as the perfect accompaniment to your holiday celebration!