To make Thanksgiving punch for a crowd, start with apple cider and cranberry juice, add orange and a little spice, then split the bowl: top one with ginger beer or sparkling water for an alcohol-free punch, and stir whiskey or rum into the other. Mix the still ingredients ahead and add ice, bubbles, and alcohol only when you serve. For by-the-glass drinks, see how to make Thanksgiving cocktails and how to make a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink. For a warm pot of cider, see how to make apple cider for a crowd. More table and drink help is in Thanksgiving table, drinks and activities guide and the Thanksgiving guide.
Mix a still base, then split the bowl
For about 12 cups of base, stir together 6 cups apple cider, 3 cups unsweetened cranberry juice (or a cranberry cocktail if you want it sweeter), 1 cup fresh orange juice, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add a few thin orange slices, a handful of fresh cranberries, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Chill this base for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Just before serving, pour half the base into each of two bowls or pitchers. For the alcohol-free punch, add 2 to 3 cups chilled ginger beer or sparkling water. For the spiked punch, add 1 1/2 to 2 cups bourbon, rye, or light rum — start on the low side and taste. Add a large ice ring or a generous scoop of ice to each bowl so the punch stays cold without turning watery in the first hour.
Make it ahead and keep it cold
The still base can wait in the refrigerator overnight. Do not add ice, sparkling drinks, or alcohol until guests are about to pour; bubbles fade and ice dilutes a bowl that sits too long. Keep a backup pitcher of the base and a bottle of ginger beer in the fridge so you can refill. If you are serving both versions, label the ladles so the alcohol-free bowl stays that way. Set the bowls on a sideboard, not in the middle of the dining table.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the punch the day before?
You can mix and chill the still cider-and-cranberry base a day ahead. Add ice, bubbles, and alcohol at serving time so the punch stays bright.
How much alcohol should I add?
Start with about 1 1/2 cups spirits for half the base, taste, and add more if you want it stronger. Keep a clearly labeled alcohol-free bowl beside it.
What if I only want a non-alcoholic punch?
Use the same base and top the whole batch with ginger beer or sparkling water. The mocktail page has by-the-glass options.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips 1.5-Qt Stainless Mixing Bowl — A large mixing bowl is useful for stirring the still cider-and-cranberry base.
- OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk — A whisk blends citrus into the base before it goes into the refrigerator.
- OXO Good Grips 8-Inch Double Rod Strainer — A strainer catches pulp if you juice the oranges by hand.
- OXO Good Grips Bent Icing Spatula — A spatula gets the last of the fruit and spice out of the mixing bowl.
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