Thanksgiving Punch

Get into the holiday spirit with this festive Thanksgiving Punch recipe! Made with apple cider, whiskey, and a mix of fruit juices.

  • Prep10 min
  • Total10 min
  • Yield12 people
  • Calories161

Ingredients Steps Notes

Thanksgiving Punch

This Thanksgiving Punch is the best Turkey Day drink recipe to serve your guests! It’s made with apple cider, whiskey, fruit juice, brandy, and soda and packs the delicious flavors of fall and winter in one delicious holiday drink recipe!

If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic to serve the kids, simply keep the whiskey on the side or make my Crockpot Apple Cider and omit the rum! My Slow Cooker Wassail and Cranberry Apple Cider Punch recipes are also great recipes to try!

Close up of a glass filled with Thanksgiving punch and garnishes.

What Do People Drink At Thanksgiving Dinner?

Thanksgiving Punch is the drink you never knew you needed when it comes to being around family! Just kidding (sort of). But let’s face it, a cup or two of the good stuff helps the conversation and the good times roll!

I’m guessing most people sit down at the table with a glass of their favorite wine, soda, or water. But I think that a signature drink or punch can really make the holidays extra special. Something unique and tasty that everyone gets to look forward to once a year, and this punch is just that for my family!

When it comes to Thanksgiving Recipes, it’s easy to overlook beverages. But there’s no reason Thanksgiving drinks can’t be a “thing”! And a big bowl of homemade punch is the perfect way to help fill out the feast table. And tastes delicious alongside a slice of Pumpkin Pie!

Initially published in 2018 and updated with new photos in 2024, this Thanksgiving Punch Recipe has become a favorite holiday tradition of many and has over 100 5-star reviews!

This punch has now become a Thanksgiving tradition for my family. I first made it last year (2019) and it was a HUGE hit. I will now make it every year. Thank you!

– Kristen

Overhead photo of two glasses of red punch for Thanksgiving.

Needless to say, this Thanksgiving Punch recipe is a tasty signature drink to prepare if you’re hosting the big meal. It’s full of winter and fall flavors, plus some cinnamon spice that really packs a punch … get it?!

Thanksgiving Punch Ingredients

Fireball Whiskey and Apricot brandy spike this punch, then apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lemon-lime soda make it extra fruity and a little sparkly!

For a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch, try this Autumn Punch recipe!

What If I Can’t Find Apricot Brandy?

You can use any brandy you want. A plain brandy would be fine, but I love what the fruit-flavored ones bring to the recipe – try apple, ginger, or blackberry.

Ingredients to make Thanksgiving Punch on a table.

How To Make Thanksgiving Punch

Step 1: For the best flavor, combine all of the ingredients except for the soda and ice in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

Step 2: Refrigerate for several hours (or more).

Step 3: Add the soda and ice just before serving so it’s fresh! Or serve over ice so the punch doesn’t get diluted while sitting in the bowl!

A ladle scooping punch out of a bowl.
A ladle scooping Thanksgiving punch out of a bowl.

Can I Make This A Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch?

Obviously, this Thanksgiving Alcoholic Punch isn’t for the kiddos, but they don’t have to be left out. Just make another batch without the hard stuff, and it’ll be (almost) as good! Just add extra soda or ginger ale for them. You could also make a batch of Kinder Punch!

Can I Make This Punch Recipe In Advance?

You can combine all of the ingredients except for the soda and ice in a large punch bowl or pitcher and refrigerate overnight. This will let the flavors really build, then add soda and ice just before serving.

Close up of a glass of red Thanksgiving punch on a table with decorations.

If Sparkling Thanksgiving Punch is a hit on Thanksgiving, make it for Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year, too! The cozy notes of apple, cranberry, and cinnamon make it perfect to enjoy all season long.

In fact, maybe this recipe should be called “Holiday Punch,” instead! But you should definitely try my Christmas Punch, Christmas Sangria, and New Year’s Eve Punch too!

Beer and wine are good for gatherings, but when it comes to celebrations, something special is in order! Thanksgiving Punch is the perfect cocktail to enjoy with friends and family this holiday season, and it’s always a hit.

More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes:

Overhead photo of a bowl of red party punch garnished with apple and orange slices and cranberries.

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Steps

  1. Combine , , , , and in a large punch bowl or pitcher.

  2. Top off with and .

  3. Garnish with , , , and .

  4. To make ahead, combine all ingredients except for the soda and ice in a large punch bowl or pitcher and refrigerate overnight. Add soda, ice, and garnishes just before serving.

Notes

  1. If you do not have apricot brandy, another fruit brandy like apple or blackberry could be used.
  2. Make sure to use 100% cranberry juice and not cocktail juice. I like to use Ocean Spray Pure; this gives it a reddish tone, and others may leave it to look more orange, which is perfectly fine, too!
  3. Club soda can be used in place of lemon-lime soda for a less sweet punch.
  4. This recipe post was updated with new photos in 2024, the recipe did not change.

Nutrition

  • Calories161
  • Carbs22g
  • Sugar21g
  • Sodium9mg

Estimates per serving, when a serving size is listed.