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Festive Cranberry Apple Cider Punch: Convertible Cocktail or Mocktail

Close-up of a glass punch bowl filled with dark red Thanksgiving punch, garnished heavily with floating fresh cranberries and orange slices.
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Make this easy Thanksgiving Punch, a crowd-pleasing, sparkling fall beverage perfect for your holiday table. This recipe offers a simple, refreshing base that converts easily between a family-friendly mocktail and a spiked cocktail.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups apple cider
  • 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
  • 2 liters ginger ale or sparkling water (chilled)
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon or spiced rum (optional, for cocktail version)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish/infusion)

Instructions

  1. Combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a large punch bowl or beverage dispenser. If making the cocktail version, stir in the bourbon or spiced rum now.
  2. Chill the mixture for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend.
  3. Just before serving, gently pour in the chilled ginger ale or sparkling water. Stir slowly to keep the carbonation.
  4. Garnish the punch bowl with the orange slices, fresh cranberries, and the cinnamon stick.
  5. Serve immediately. This recipe is easy to make in large batches ahead of time; only add the carbonated beverage right before guests arrive.

Notes

  • For a slow-cooker version of this Holiday Punch Recipe, combine all non-carbonated ingredients in a slow cooker on low heat for one hour before serving. Do not add the ginger ale until serving.
  • To make this a beautiful Thanksgiving Table Drink centerpiece, freeze some cranberries and orange slices in a large bundt pan with water to create a decorative ice ring.
  • If you prefer a less sweet punch, substitute half of the ginger ale with plain sparkling water.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/thanksgiving-punch-cranberry-apple-cider-recipe/