Beverages often take a back seat on Thanksgiving, especially when your table includes such savory bites as roasted turkey, Thanksgiving slaw, stuffing and mashed potatoes. But a festive drink can make the meal feel even more special. This easy Thanksgiving punch is a beautiful addition to the holiday table, and it couldn’t be simpler to make.
Made with cranberry juice, orange juice and sparkling seltzer, this punch has just the right balance of sweet, tart and refreshing (and it looks really pretty!) The cranberry gives it a gorgeous ruby-red color, while orange juice adds a bright citrus note that keeps the drink from feeling too heavy.
Thanksgiving Punch: Non-Alcoholic Version
One of the best things about this punch is that it’s nonalcoholic. This makes it an easy choice for a Thanksgiving gathering with guests of all ages. It’s also a nice alternative to serving everyone individual drinks, since you can mix up a big batch and let guests help themselves.
Alcohol-Containing Edition
The seltzer adds plenty of fizz without making the punch overly sweet. If you’d like to turn it into an adults-only drink, guests can easily add a splash of their favorite spirit to their own glass.
How to Make Thanksgiving Punch
This punch comes together in just a few minutes. Combine the cranberry juice and orange juice in a large pitcher or punch bowl, then add the seltzer just before serving so you don’t lose the carbonation.
Give everything a gentle stir, add your garnishes, and serve over ice. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, mix the juices in advance and refrigerate them. Add the seltzer and garnishes right before your guests arrive.
Thanksgiving Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- 4 cups seltzer
- Optional garnishes: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, apple slices or cranberries
Instructions
Add the cranberry juice and orange juice to a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir to combine.
Just before serving, pour in the seltzer and gently stir. Serve chilled over ice.
You can serve this as a cocktail, with appetizers, or even with dessert, such as pumpkin pie or pecan pie dump cake.
Make It Festive With Garnishes
The garnishes are what really make this punch feel like a Thanksgiving drink. Add a few cinnamon sticks to the punch bowl for a warm, seasonal touch. Orange and apple slices add color, while a handful of fresh cranberries makes the whole thing look especially festive.
For an extra-pretty presentation, freeze cranberries and orange slices into ice cubes or a large ring of ice. As the ice melts, it will keep the punch cold while adding even more holiday color.