When I first created this non-alcoholic Thanksgiving punch, I had no idea it would become the most requested recipe from my holiday gatherings! This gorgeous, fruit-filled mocktail combines sweet pear, crisp apple, and bright citrus flavors in a drink that looks as festive as it tastes.
I've served this to everyone, from my picky siblings to my friend's toddlers, and the pitcher is always empty by the end of the night. It takes me just 10 minutes to throw together while looking like I spent hours crafting it.
Why I Love This
- Quick & Effortless: Ready in just 10 minutes - perfect for busy holiday hosting
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare most components the day before to reduce day-of stress
- Budget-Conscious: More affordable than individual cocktails while still looking impressive
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors and fresh garnishes create an Instagram-worthy centerpiece
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The balanced combination of sweet, tart, and spice appeals to all palates
- Versatile Base: Can be customized with seasonal fruits or transformed into an alcoholic version for adults
- Inclusive Option: Everyone from kids to non-drinkers can enjoy this special beverage
Ingredients
I carefully selected these ingredients to create the perfect fall flavor profile. The pear nectar and apple cider form a sweet, autumn-inspired base, while the lemon juice adds brightness that balances the sweetness. Ginger ale provides gentle bubbles and a subtle warmth, and the fresh fruit not only makes the punch beautiful but infuses it with natural flavors.
The rosemary and cinnamon bring in aromatic holiday notes that make this punch feel special without being complicated. Each ingredient serves a purpose in creating a balanced, festive drink that feels like Thanksgiving in a glass.
For the Base:
- 1 cup pear nectar or pear juice (see "Pro Tips" for best options)
- 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 2 cups ginger ale or alcohol-free sparkling wine
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds depth)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
For Garnish:
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady), thinly sliced
- 1 blood orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 regular orange, sliced into rounds
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 4-6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Additional cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Ice cubes or large ice block
Equipment
- Large Glass Pitcher or Punch Bowl (2-gallon capacity) - For mixing and serving; glass showcases the beautiful colors
- Long-Handled Wooden Spoon - For gentle stirring without damaging fruit or disrupting carbonation
- Sharp Chef's Knife - For cleanly slicing fruit garnishes
- Cutting Board - Preferably with juice groove to capture fruit juices
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer - For extracting fresh lemon juice if using
- Measuring Cups - For accurate ingredient proportions
- Fine Mesh Strainer - Optional, for removing pulp from fresh lemon juice
- Decorative Glassware - Elevates the presentation; consider gold-rimmed or vintage styles
- Ice Bucket - Keeps additional ice cold without diluting the punch
How To Make
- Wash and slice all fruit (pears, apples, and oranges). Set aside about ¼ of the sliced fruit for garnishing glasses later, and place the rest in your punch bowl or pitcher. Add the cranberries to the pitcher as well.
- Pour the pear nectar, apple cider, and lemon juice into the pitcher with the fruit. Add the cinnamon and optional vanilla extract, then stir everything gently to combine.
- If you have time, refrigerate this mixture for 1-2 hours to let the flavors blend together (if you're in a hurry, you can skip this step).
- Right before you're ready to serve, slowly pour in the ginger ale or alcohol-free sparkling wine, gently stirring just once or twice to preserve the bubbles.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice, add a few pieces of your reserved fruit to each glass, pour in the punch, and finish with a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Pear Nectar: If you can't find pear nectar, try apple juice, white grape juice, or peach nectar instead. Each will give your punch a slightly different flavor, but all work beautifully.
- Apple Cider: Regular apple juice will work in a pinch - just add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg to bring in those autumn flavors.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice adds a different kind of tartness, or use orange juice if you prefer something sweeter.
- Ginger Ale: Try sparkling water mixed with a tablespoon of ginger syrup for less sweetness, or use kombucha for a probiotic twist.
- Blood Orange: Ruby red grapefruit or more regular orange slices will maintain the beautiful color contrast.
- Cranberries: Pomegranate seeds or raspberries make gorgeous substitutes with different flavor notes.
- Rosemary: Thyme, sage, or mint sprigs offer different aromatic qualities but are equally festive.
Pro Tips
On Pear Nectar: True pear nectar has a thicker consistency and more concentrated flavor than juice. Look for brands like Looza, Goya, or Jumex in the international foods section.
For the Perfect Apple Cider: Use unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider when possible for a more robust flavor profile. Local orchards often sell the best seasonal cider.
Ice Management: For punch that doesn't get diluted, freeze some of the apple cider in ice cube trays to use instead of regular ice cubes.
Carbonation Trick: Pour carbonated ingredients down the side of the pitcher rather than directly into the mixture to preserve more bubbles.
Presentation Enhancement: Rim glasses with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an elegant, festive touch.
Herb Infusion: Gently bruise rosemary sprigs before adding to release more aromatic oils.
FAQ
You can prepare all components except the carbonated beverage up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the refrigerator and add the ginger ale or sparkling wine just before serving.
Use frozen cranberries, pre-chilled ingredients, and consider making an ice block with some of the punch ingredients frozen inside.
Absolutely! Skip the carbonated beverage and heat the remaining ingredients on low for 2-3 hours. Add a splash of apple juice if needed to adjust consistency.
Not at all! The lemon juice and natural fruit flavors create a balanced profile that's sophisticated enough for adults while still appealing to children.
Bring the base mixture in a sealed container and the carbonated beverage separately. Combine and add fruit garnishes at your destination.
Yes, though I recommend using fresh for the sliced garnishes. Frozen cranberries actually work better than fresh as they help keep the punch cold.
The recipe scales easily. Simply maintain the same ratios and use a larger serving vessel.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Ultimate Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup pear nectar or pear juice see "Pro Tips" for best options
- 2 cups apple cider unfiltered preferred
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice about 3-4 lemons
- 2 cups ginger ale or alcohol-free sparkling wine
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional but adds depth
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
For Garnish:
- 1 pear thinly sliced
- 1 apple Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, thinly sliced
- 1 blood orange sliced into rounds
- 1 regular orange sliced into rounds
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 4-6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Additional cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Ice cubes or large ice block
Instructions
- Wash and slice all fruit (pears, apples, and oranges). Set aside about ¼ of the sliced fruit for garnishing glasses later, and place the rest in your punch bowl or pitcher. Add the cranberries to the pitcher as well.
- Pour the pear nectar, apple cider, and lemon juice into the pitcher with the fruit. Add the cinnamon and optional vanilla extract, then stir everything gently to combine.
- If you have time, refrigerate this mixture for 1-2 hours to let the flavors blend together (if you're in a hurry, you can skip this step).
- Right before you're ready to serve, slowly pour in the ginger ale or alcohol-free sparkling wine, gently stirring just once or twice to preserve the bubbles.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice, add a few pieces of your reserved fruit to each glass, pour in the punch, and finish with a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!
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