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This Thanksgiving punch is simple yet stunning. Serve fall in a glass that captures the holiday spirit in every sip!
The secret to hosting Thanksgiving effortlessly? Having a go-to list of easy but fun Thanksgiving drinks that’ll keep everyone happy!
Meals shouldn’t be the only part of your Thanksgiving menu that gets love.
This holiday punch adds sparkle to the table and only takes 10 minutes to make.
Featuring a blend of apple cider, vodka, apple butter, and spices finished with champagne and ginger beer, it might just top your list of favorite spiced punch recipes.

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Not sure what to serve before or after the big holiday feast? You can’t go wrong with a Thanksgiving turkey board and sweet potato bites!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Punch Recipe
- This apple cider vodka punch is a festive crowd-pleaser, perfect for Thanksgiving!
- Made for a group, this Thanksgiving punch recipe takes the stress out of hosting this holiday season.
- From the cinnamon sugar rim to the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and apple slices, this Thanksgiving cider punch looks like a signature cocktail but comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
Apple cider and vodka – The base of our Thanksgiving punch.
Apple butter – Lends a robust apple flavor, perfect for fall punch recipes.
Cinnamon sticks and star anise – Must-haves in fall punch recipes! Not only do they add flavor, but they also double as garnishes in festive drinks.
Champagne and ginger beer – To make our Thanksgiving big-batch cocktail bubbly and fun.
Apples – We’ve only used red apples, but you can do a mix of green and red ones for a more vibrant, sparkling Thanksgiving punch!
Brown sugar and ground cinnamon – Because Thanksgiving punch recipes deserve a fall twist on their sugar rim.
Ingredient Substitutions For Spiked Thanksgiving Punch
Apple juice
You can use apple juice instead of apple cider. Just note that apple juice is sweeter, so consider adding more spices to your Thanksgiving punch.
Ginger ale
Ginger ale makes a good alternative to ginger beer! Because it has a more delicate flavor, the other ingredients in this Thanksgiving punch recipe will shine out more.
Fresh cranberries
You can substitute the apples with fresh cranberries to add a pop of color to your festive batch cocktail!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Let the Flavors Develop
I recommend chilling your Thanksgiving punch in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix the punch 3 to 4 days ahead and just add the champagne and beer right before serving. Always add the bubbles last to keep your holiday drink fizzy!
Add Salted Caramel
Instead of cinnamon sugar, you can dip the rims of your serving glasses in caramel sauce, then sprinkle them with salt.
Thanksgiving Adult Punch Recipe FAQs
What is a good Thanksgiving punch?
The fall flavors of this cider punch make it perfect for Thanksgiving! Alternatively, you can make a non-alcoholic punch with apple cider, ginger ale, orange juice, and pomegranate juice, and just have the guests add the alcohol themselves. Caramel whiskey would be perfect!
What is a good non-alcoholic drink for Thanksgiving?
You can’t go wrong with cozy fall drink recipes, such as spiced mulled cider, pear punch, or even hot chocolate, as non-alcoholic options for a crowd on Thanksgiving. And speaking of hot chocolate, try our homemade hot chocolate mix, perfect for pairing with a hot cocoa charcuterie board!
What alcohol would taste good in this punch?
You can spike this Thanksgiving adult punch with caramel whiskey or spiced rum!
How to keep punch cold without diluting?
How to make Thanksgiving punch cold without diluting? Instead of ice cubes, freeze cider in a Bundt pan to make a cider ice ring.
How to store Thanksgiving punch?
This spiked Thanksgiving punch is best enjoyed on the day it’s made, as the bubbles will dissipate over time. However, you can still refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days.
More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes
- Pumpkin Roll
- Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
- Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
- Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule
I found this recipe for Apple Pie that I HAVE to try!
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Thanksgiving Punch
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/3 cup apple butter
- Cinnamon sticks
- 1 bottle champagne
- 1 bottle ginger beer
- 2 apples
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Star anise
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, whisk together apple jam, apple juice, and vodka until combined.
- Add some star anise.
- Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors blend.
- On a small plate, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- To serve, dip the rim and side of each glass in apple juice, then coat with the cinnamon sugar.
- Pour in the punch.
- Top with champagne and ginger beer, then garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and star anise.
Notes
- I recommend chilling your Thanksgiving punch in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- You can mix the punch 3 to 4 days ahead and just add the champagne and beer right before serving. Always add the bubbles last to keep your holiday drink fizzy!
- Instead of cinnamon sugar, you can dip the rims of your serving glasses in caramel sauce, then sprinkle them with salt.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!