Thanksgiving punch is the perfect pairing to go with the feast you have prepared! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this quick and easy drink just for your guests.

Thanksgiving is probably one of my favorite holidays. My memories are full of times with family members. Whether hiking out in the woods with cousins, aunts, and uncles on my grandparents’ property, or gathering around a fire playing games or whatnot, Thanksgiving has always been about spending quality time with family and being grateful for the time we get with each other.

While most families are interested mostly in the main course (who wouldn’t be?), I do remember falling in love with the different snacks, desserts, and drinks that would be shared on this special holiday. In my mind, the drink options are what can take a normal dinner and make it fancy. Many people enjoy many types of beverages, but I really love my dad’s special punch. This super simple Thanksgiving punch is non-alcoholic, which is great when you have kids around, but even as an adult, I relish the opportunity to serve and partake of it.

A benefit of this refreshment is just how versatile it can be. Kids don’t like cranberry juice? Use another juice they do like. Need a lot or a little? It’s easy to make as much or as little as you need. Want something that can be used for any holiday? You can alter this recipe to match your holiday theme or for any party you wish. Plus, it can easily be fancied up with some berries and sliced apples or oranges, or you can just keep it simple. Whatever works best for your family or gathering.

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What drinks go with Thanksgiving dinner?

In my book, Thanksgiving punch with sprite is a great pairing with Thanksgiving dinner. I especially love the cranberry apple juice with the carbonation of the Sprite. Now, I grew up with this drink, so to me, it is by far the best, but punch of all kinds seems to be a big tradition for most families as well. Plus, this punch is a great Thanksgiving drink for the family since it is non-alcoholic, which means you don’t have to worry about little ones grabbing the wrong cup.

Can you make the punch a day ahead?

Because this punch is made with carbonated soda, it is best to make the same day you are going to consume it. If you make it ahead, it will not be carbonated and will end up flat. You could add the concentrate to the pitcher ahead of time and place in the fridge until you want the punch and then simply add the Sprite, ice, and fruit. Since this recipe is so quick to make though, I often don’t worry too much about making it ahead of time.

What do you need to make Thanksgiving punch?

Sprite or 7-Up: Any lemon-lime soda will work. My family has used these two the most often, but you could also use another brand if that’s what your family is used to.
Frozen Juice Concentrate: Cranberry or Cranberry Apple juice concentrate are the the more traditional choices for Thanksgiving, but you could easily choose straight apple, grape, or any other juice that you and your family love. Holiday dinners are about making our favorite things, right?
Pitcher: Personally, I have the Pampered Chef Family Size Quick Stir Pitcher (I’m not affiliated, just really love it!), and we love it for making juice in! However, you could use any mixing pitcher or even a wooden or plastic spoon to stir everything together. I will say that the mixing pitcher makes life a lot easier though.
Berries, Sliced Fruit of Choice, or Herbs: While this is totally optional, if you are looking to make dinner a little fancier, feel free to top the Thanksgiving punch with fruit or herbs to match the flavor you chose or even compliment it! Cranberries and apples are always pretty, but raspberries and mint would be delicious too. Be creative with it and come up with your own combinations!
Water/Ice: Water/ice is not a requirement, but it can be helpful if the punch is too strong or sweet for your taste. Also, this punch is best served cold, and if you are able to keep your punch cold in the fridge or elsewhere, great! But ice can be helpful when you are limited on fridge space.
Punch Bowl: My family keeps our punch in the pitcher we make it in, but we aren’t fancy. If you are looking for a nicer presentation, I suggest using a punch bowl. That way everyone can see the beautiful fruit slices and berries, and it’s self-serve while people wait for dinner to be ready.

How to make Thanksgiving Punch:

Start by putting the frozen concentrate into your pitcher. I suggest letting it sit out for a bit beforehand or defrosting it slightly in the microwave if in a plastic container. This will make it easier to mix into the soda without making it go flat from over-mixing.

Pour your soda over the top of the concentrate. If there are still large chunks of the concentrate, use a wooden spoon to break them up before mixing with the pitcher tool until combined. This is the point where you will want to test the punch and adjust to your liking by adding some water, ice, or soda depending on your taste. Soda will keep the sweetness but dilute the flavor of the concentrate. Water or ice will dilute both the sweetness and the flavor.

Now you get to add the berries or fruit, if using. Those of you who want to use the punch bowl, I would place the ice in the bowl ahead of time and pour the Thanksgiving punch over the top. Then gently lay the fruit slices or berries on top for presentation. Enjoy!