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Quick Thanksgiving Punch Recipe - Holiday Entertaining Made Simple

This Thanksgiving Punch recipe captures all the cozy, festive flavors of fall in just 7 minutes. A refreshing blend of apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and warming spices, perfect for both kids and adults at any holiday gathering.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 8 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup ginger beer or ginger ale
  • 2 –3 tbsp maple syrup or honey optional
  • 1 medium orange thinly sliced
  • 1 large apple thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 –3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 –2 star anise pods optional
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Method
 

  1. Wash and thinly slice the orange and apple (1/4-inch thick). Rinse cranberries if frozen.
  2. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Stir gently to blend.
  3. Add maple syrup or honey to taste, stirring until fully dissolved.
  4. Add sliced fruit, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods. Stir gently.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Just before serving, pour in ginger beer or ginger ale and stir gently to retain carbonation.
  7. Serve over ice with mint leaves for garnish. Ladle fruit into each glass for a festive presentation.

Notes

For make-ahead preparation, mix the juices, fruits, and spices up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Add the ginger beer just before serving for maximum fizz. Store leftovers (without fruit) up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for later use.