This Sparkling Apple Cider Punch is the easiest thing on the Thanksgiving menu. Apple cider, a splash of orange juice and ginger ale, with sliced fruit and cinnamon sticks floating in the pitcher.
Holiday drinks can quietly become one of the pricier parts of hosting. This punch costs very little, serves ten, and everyone at the table can drink it, kids included.
Mix the cider, orange juice, fruit and cinnamon ahead of time so the flavors blend, then add the ginger ale right before serving so it stays fizzy.
It looks beautiful in a glass pitcher or a punch bowl, and it tastes like fall.
What You’ll Need
- Apple cider: Fresh, unfiltered cider from the refrigerated section has the most flavor. Apple juice works and is usually cheaper.
- Orange juice: Adds brightness.
- Fruit and cinnamon: Apple and orange slices and cinnamon sticks flavor the punch and make it look festive.
- Ginger ale: Adds fizz and sweetness. Sparkling water makes a less sweet punch.
Tips for Party Punch
- Chill everything first. Cold cider and ginger ale keep the punch from getting watered down by melting ice.
- Let the base steep. An hour in the fridge lets the fruit and cinnamon flavor the cider.
- Add the fizz at the last minute. Ginger ale goes flat within an hour.
- Make cider ice cubes. Freeze extra cider in an ice cube tray so the punch stays cold without being diluted.
Prices are from Walmart’s and ALDI’s websites for stores in Columbus, Ohio, checked in October 2026. Ohio’s grocery prices are within about 1% of the national average, so you may pay more or less depending on where you live, and prices change often. Here’s how we price our recipes.
Cost: Ingredients – $6.38 from Walmart, $5.91 from ALDI · Per Serving – $0.59 to $0.64
Sparkling Apple Cider Punch
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the apple cider, orange juice, apple slices, orange slices and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors blend.
- Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale and stir gently.
- Serve over ice with a few slices of fruit in each glass.
Notes
- Use sparkling water instead of ginger ale for a less sweet punch.
- Add a handful of fresh cranberries for color.
- For an adult version, guests can add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to their own glass.
- Apple juice works if you can’t find cider, though the flavor is milder.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Mix the cider, orange juice, fruit and cinnamon up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate.
- Add the ginger ale and ice just before serving.
- Leftover punch keeps in the fridge for 2 days, though it loses its fizz.
- Freeze extra cider in ice cube trays to chill the punch without watering it down.
Hosting this season? See our New Year’s Eve Party Menu for Small Groups and Thanksgiving Dinner for 4 (With Real Prices).
Apple Cider Punch: Your Questions
Can I make it for adults?
Yes. Add 1 to 1½ cups of bourbon, spiced rum or brandy to the base, or let guests add a splash to their own glass.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes. Heat the cider, orange juice, fruit and cinnamon gently on the stove and leave out the ginger ale and ice.
What other holiday drinks do you have?
Cranberry Spritzers, Winter Sangria and homemade Egg Nog.
