This Thanksgiving Fruit Punch is a festive, dessert-inspired drink that’s sweet, refreshing, and bursting with holiday flavors. Made with sparkling cider, cranberry juice, citrus, warm spices, and creamy sherbet, it feels like a seasonal treat in a glass. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a dish to share, this punch delivers that “wow” factor with minimal effort. Serve it as a fun, family-friendly dessert alternative—or customize it to fit your holiday table.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 large punch bowl
Ingredients
- 1 (64-ounce) bottle cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
- 1 (48-ounce) bottle sparkling apple cider, chilled
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pint orange sherbet or vanilla ice cream (for a dessert-style creamy finish)
- 1 cup sliced oranges
- 1 cup sliced apples
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 liter ginger ale (added right before serving)
- Optional garnish: cinnamon sticks, mint, sugared cranberries
Directions
- Combine the Base Flavors
In a large punch bowl, pour in the cranberry juice, sparkling apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Stir gently to blend the flavors. - Add Warm Seasonal Spices
Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk lightly to ensure the spices dissolve evenly into the liquid.
Tip: A quick whisk breaks up the cinnamon so it doesn’t float on top. - Incorporate the Fruit
Add sliced oranges, apples, and fresh cranberries to the bowl. These not only infuse the punch with flavor but also give it a beautiful, festive appearance. - Make It Dessert-Style
Add scoops of orange sherbet or vanilla ice cream directly into the punch. Let them melt slightly for a creamy, dreamy texture.
Best Practice: Add ice cream right before serving to maintain that smooth, semi-melting swirl. - Add the Fizz
Slowly pour in the ginger ale. Stir gently to combine without losing too much carbonation. - Serve & Garnish
Ladle into glasses and garnish with cinnamon sticks, mint sprigs, or sugared cranberries if desired. Serve immediately for the best bubbly texture.
Warning: Don’t add ice to the punch bowl—it waters down the flavor. Instead, chill all ingredients beforehand or place ice in individual serving cups.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 175
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
- Sodium: 28mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: 57% DV
- Calcium: 3% DV
- Potassium: 180mg
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving Fruit Punch is the perfect blend of fall flavors, creamy sweetness, and festive sparkle—making it an ideal dessert-style drink for your holiday table. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as a fun alternative to traditional desserts or pair it alongside pies and pastries, this punch adds a joyful, seasonal touch to your Thanksgiving celebration. Cheers to a delicious and memorable holiday!
