- Bright, crowd-pleasing nonalcoholic punch blends apple cider, cranberry, and orange juice with ginger ale for a festive, family-friendly Thanksgiving drink.
- Easy, make-ahead recipe: mix juices up to 24 hours ahead, chill fruit and ginger ale separately, add fizz just before serving.
- Customizable and visually stunning: garnish with orange/apple slices, cinnamon, berries, or swap mixers for seasonal twists and dietary needs.
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Souhail
Every Thanksgiving, I find myself searching for that one drink that feels just as festive as the food — and this Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch has officially become a holiday staple in my home. It’s vibrant, crisp, and perfectly balanced with the flavors of apple cider, cranberry, and orange juice, all finished with a sparkling fizz from ginger ale. It’s the kind of punch that even the adults sneak refills of — and the best part is, everyone can enjoy it!
I first made this punch on a whim one chilly November morning when I wanted something special but fuss-free for our Thanksgiving table. Since then, it’s been my go-to for holiday gatherings, Friendsgiving dinners, and even cozy fall weekends. The mix of sweet apple cider, tart cranberry, and bright citrus makes it taste like autumn in a glass.
Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just want a festive drink to sip while prepping the turkey, this punch brings the holiday cheer without the booze. Plus, it comes together in minutes and looks absolutely gorgeous in a punch bowl — garnished with slices of orange and apple that make it look as beautiful as it tastes.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch
You know those recipes that just work, no matter who’s at the table? This Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch is one of them. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with seasonal flavor — the kind that instantly makes your house smell (and feel) like Thanksgiving. The secret? A simple balance of sweet, tart, and sparkling elements that come together in perfect harmony.
Here’s why this punch is always a hit:
- It’s perfectly balanced. The apple cider brings cozy sweetness, the cranberry adds a tangy kick, and the orange juice gives it that bright citrusy lift.
- Everyone can enjoy it. This is a 100% alcohol-free drink, making it perfect for kids, adults, and anyone skipping the booze but still craving something special.
- It’s quick and effortless. No stovetop, no syrups, no fancy steps — just pour, chill, and serve.
- It’s stunning on the table. Those floating orange and apple slices make it look like a Pinterest-worthy holiday centerpiece.
- It’s customizable. Want more sparkle? Add extra ginger ale. Prefer it tart? Up the cranberry juice. You can even toss in pomegranate seeds or cinnamon sticks for a festive twist.
This punch isn’t just a drink — it’s that cozy, crowd-pleasing moment that ties your Thanksgiving spread together.
What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Rushing Later)
When it comes to big holiday meals, anything you can prep ahead is a win. Thankfully, this punch is incredibly make-ahead friendly. A little planning means you’ll be sipping (not scrambling) when guests arrive.
Here’s what you can do ahead of time:
- Mix the base. Combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice up to a day ahead. Keep it chilled in the fridge.
- Slice your fruit. Slice oranges and apples a few hours before serving. Store them in an airtight container with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Chill the ginger ale. Make sure it’s ice-cold before adding it — this keeps your punch fizzy and refreshing.
- Set up your serving station. Arrange glasses, ice, and garnishes ahead so serving is effortless.
Come Thanksgiving Day, all you’ll have to do is pour in the ginger ale, give it a gentle stir, and let everyone serve themselves a little sparkle.
How To Make It
Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch
10
servings10
minutes1
hour110
kcalThis Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch is a refreshing, family-friendly holiday drink that brings together apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale for a perfectly balanced flavor. It’s festive, fizzy, and the perfect way to toast the season without any alcohol.
Ingredients
4 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup orange juice
1 liter ginger ale
Orange and apple slices, for garnish
Directions
- To make this Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch, start by grabbing a large punch bowl — it’s going to be the star of your drink table. Pour in the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice, and give everything a quick stir to blend those bright fall flavors. I like to chill the mixture for at least an hour so it’s nice and cold when it’s time to serve.
- When your guests arrive and you’re ready to pour, stir in the ginger ale right before serving — that’s what gives the punch its bubbly sparkle. Add slices of oranges and apples for a festive touch (and bonus: they look beautiful floating in the punch). Serve it cold over ice and watch everyone come back for seconds.
Notes
- Make it fancy: Add fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds for extra color and texture.
- Keep it cold: Freeze a few orange slices in ice cubes for a pretty way to keep your punch chilled without watering it down.
- Flavor upgrade: A cinnamon stick or two gives this drink a cozy spiced aroma that screams Thanksgiving.
- Kid-approved: This punch is perfect for little hands — sweet, bubbly, and totally safe.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 10
- Calories: 110kcal
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 26g
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Mix It Up: Creative Twists on the Classic Punch
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Once you master the base version, you can easily adapt it for any occasion — from Christmas brunch to summer cookouts. These fun variations keep the flavor profile fresh, exciting, and totally customizable for your crowd.
Here are a few of my favorite twists:
- Spiced Autumn Punch: Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a dash of nutmeg while the juice mixture chills. The result is a cozy, fragrant drink that pairs beautifully with a slice of toast spread with Homemade Apple Jam.
- Citrus Sparkler: Substitute half the ginger ale with sparkling orange soda and toss in fresh mint leaves for a bright, zesty twist.
- Berry Harvest Punch: Mix in frozen cranberries or raspberries for a fruity, colorful finish. Bonus: they act as ice cubes and keep the punch cold without watering it down.
- Tropical Thanksgiving Punch: Add a splash of pineapple juice and garnish with lime slices for a tropical spin that feels like sunshine in a glass.
- Winter Wonderland Punch: Swap cranberry juice for white grape juice and add pear slices and rosemary sprigs for an elegant wintery look.
Whether you’re serving it at a formal holiday dinner or a casual get-together, these variations keep things festive and flexible — because a great punch should fit every celebration.
How to Serve It Like a Pro
When I serve this Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch, I like to make it feel like more than just a drink — it’s part of the whole experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a full-on Thanksgiving feast, presentation really sets the tone. The golden cider color and floating fruit slices already look stunning, so it doesn’t take much to make it feel extra special.
Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- Set up a self-serve punch station. Use a large clear punch bowl or glass beverage dispenser so guests can admire the colors and help themselves.
- Add a decorative touch. Scatter cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or mini pumpkins around the serving area for a warm, seasonal vibe.
- Garnish smartly. Fresh orange and apple slices aren’t just pretty — they infuse the punch with even more flavor.
- Pair it with light bites. This punch goes perfectly with sweet treats like Orange Fish Cookies or even a slice of pumpkin pie. The balance of sweet and tart refreshes your palate between bites of heavier holiday dishes.
- Serve chilled, not icy. Too much ice will water it down; instead, chill everything thoroughly beforehand.
Trust me, guests will keep asking, “What’s in this punch?” — and you’ll love being able to say it’s completely alcohol-free and totally delicious.
Storage Instructions
Now, storing it properly ensures it tastes just as good on day two. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house!), here’s how to make sure your punch stays fresh and fizzy.
- Separate the fizz. Store any leftover punch without the ginger ale added. Keep the juice mixture in an airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days, and add fresh ginger ale right before serving again.
- Keep it cold. Refrigerate immediately after your gathering so the flavors stay crisp.
- Revive before serving. If the punch has been sitting a day or two, stir it well and taste — you can always add a splash of extra juice to brighten it up.
This punch tastes just as good (if not better) the next day once the flavors have had time to mingle. It’s a wonderful make-ahead option for busy hosts who like to stay one step ahead.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can mix the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge and wait to add the ginger ale until right before serving so it stays nice and bubbly.
If you don’t have ginger ale on hand, you can use sparkling apple cider, lemon-lime soda, or even club soda for a lighter fizz. Sparkling apple cider adds sweetness, while club soda keeps it crisp and less sugary.
Presentation makes all the difference! Add thin orange and apple slices, fresh cranberries, and a few cinnamon sticks. For a holiday sparkle, freeze edible flowers or berries in ice cubes — they look amazing floating in your punch bowl.
Yes! Swap regular juices for their no-sugar-added versions, or use diet ginger ale. The flavor stays delicious and refreshing, but it’ll be lighter on the sugar. You can also dilute the juice mixture slightly with sparkling water.
If you want to serve it warm, skip the ginger ale and heat the cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice gently on the stovetop with cinnamon sticks and cloves. Keep it on low — you don’t want to boil it. Serve warm in mugs for a cozy fall drink.
Even though it’s called Thanksgiving Punch, it’s a hit year-round! It’s perfect for Christmas brunch, baby showers, New Year’s Eve, or any family-friendly celebration. I’ve even served it at a summer picnic — just chill it extra well.
Cheers to a Festive, Family-Friendly Thanksgiving
And there you have it — a Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch that’s as joyful and cozy as the holiday itself. What I love most about this drink is that it brings everyone together, from kids to grandparents, around the same cheerful bowl of fall-inspired goodness. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight and elegant enough for your Thanksgiving dinner table.
Between the apple cider sweetness, the cranberry tartness, and that bubbly ginger ale finish, this punch has everything you need to make your holiday feel extra special — no alcohol required. Whether you serve it in a big punch bowl with floating fruit slices or pour it into mason jars for a casual gathering, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot on your fall menu.
So go ahead, mix up a batch, and raise a glass to good food, great company, and the little traditions that make Thanksgiving truly unforgettable.