This Thanksgiving punch is an easy fall beverage made with apple cider, caramel syrup and pumpkin pie spice. It’s a fun and festive holiday drink recipe the whole family will enjoy!

A pitcher of Thanksgiving punch recipe with a serving of punch in a mason jar garnished with cinnamon stick and sliced apples.

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Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch

If you’re looking for an easy fall drink to round out your holiday menu, this Thanksgiving punch recipe is a must-try. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, it takes only 5 minutes to prepare and tastes like caramel apple cider with a hint of cozy spice.

Like my crockpot wassail and holiday sangria mocktail, this festive punch is also perfect for serving a crowd during the holidays. It’s sweet, crisp, and full of comforting fall flavor, one sip and everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love It

  • Easily serves a crowd. This is a great fall party punch to whip up for Thanksgiving dinner with only 3 ingredients in 5 minutes. It makes about 32 servings total!
  • Kid-friendly Thanksgiving punch. A mocktail that is safe for guests of all ages! Both kids and adults can enjoy this delicious Thanksgiving punch non-alcoholic style.

Ingredient Notes

Thanksgiving punch ingredients including apple cider, caramel syrup, pumpkin pie spice, an apple and cinnamon sticks.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Apple cider: This is the base of the apple cider punch. You can make my crockpot apple cider or buy it premade. You’ll need 2 gallons.
  • Caramel syrup: Gives it a rich, caramel flavor. The punch will taste like a caramel apple in drink form!
  • Pumpkin pie spice: Adds warm and comforting fall spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Apple pie spice is another favorite.
  • Garnish (optional): I love to add sliced apples, orange slices or fresh cranberries in the punch and cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs or candied oranges for garnish. My kids love to add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles.

How to Make Thanksgiving Punch

Showing how to make thanksgiving punch by stirring ingredients together in a large pitcher.
  1. Pour the apple cider into the drink dispenser or large pitcher (all but 1/4 of the 2 gallons). Next pour in the caramel syrup.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice. You can add as much or as little as you want. I’m usually a little heavy handed. :) The spice has a tendency to float to the top, so just make sure to give it a good stir again before serving.
  3. Serve the punch chilled, at room temperature or warm.
Top down view of Thanksgiving punch garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Serving Tips

  • Stir well. Don’t be alarmed if you notice small specks of pumpkin spice floating at the top of the pitcher. Just stir before serving and it will mix into the punch again.
  • Adding fruit. If you’re adding apple slices or cinnamon sticks on top for decoration, don’t add them in until just before serving to prevent browning.
  • Serve hot or cold. What I love about this Thanksgiving punch is that it can be served so many different ways! Whether it’s at room temperature over ice, chilled in the refrigerator ahead of time or warm in a crockpot, it tastes delicious each way. Just remember to stir it often in order to keep the flavors blended.
  • Avoid watered down punch. When serving this punch cold, keep chilled right up until serving time then serve ice on the side in an ice bucket for guests to help themselves.
  • Presentation. Consider serving this Thanksgiving punch in a fun punch bowl or beverage dispenser with festive serving cups and holiday-themed drink stirrers.

Can I Make This Punch Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can easily make it in advance 1 day ahead if desired. Prepare as directed, then store covered in the fridge until ready to serve the next day. Make sure to give it a big stir before serving so that the spices and flavors combine together again.

A mason jar cup filled with Thanksgiving cider punch.

It’s fun to garnish this homemade punch with whipped cream, sprinkles or even vanilla ice cream, too!

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Pitcher full of Thanksgiving punch garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Thanksgiving Punch

5 from 81 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 32
This Thanksgiving punch is an easy fall beverage favorite made with apple cider, caramel syrup and pumpkin pie spice. It's a fun and festive crowd-pleasing drink!
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Ingredients 

  • 2 gallons apple cider (not spiced)
  • 6-12 ounces caramel flavoring syrup (I like Torani), add more to taste
  • 1-2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Optional: Cinnamon sticks, Sliced apple circles

Instructions

  • Combine apple cider and caramel syrup. Pour apple cider (all but 1/4 of the 2 gallons) into a drink dispenser. Add 6-12 ounces of the caramel syrup.
  • Add warm fall spice. Whisk in 1-2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. Some of the spice may float to the top, but whisk again right before serving. Taste and add more pumpkin spice, if desired.  
  • Serve. Serve chilled, at room temperature, or warm. Stir occasionally to keep the flavors equally distributed. Add cinnamon sticks and sliced apples to the punch just before serving, if using.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Make-ahead: This punch is easy to make 1 day in advance and serve chilled right from the fridge. Give it a good whisk and garnish with cinnamon sticks or apple slices just before serving. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 109kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 9mg, Potassium: 239mg, Fiber: 0.5g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 3IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

Can I cut this Thanksgiving punch recipe in half?

Definitely. If you have a smaller crowd, feel free to make a half batch. Simply use 1 gallon of apple cider, 2-4 ounces caramel syrup and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice. It will make about 16 servings.

Is there a way to make it a spiked punch for adults?

Although we don’t drink alcohol, others have had success adding in spiced rum, caramel flavored vodka or cinnamon whiskey. I’d also not add it directly as some people prefer more or less, plus you don’t run the risk of someone indulging in a cocktail that is not supposed to be drinking.

Can this Thanksgiving fall punch be made hot?

Yes, that is a great option! You can heat it up on the stove or in the crockpot. Sometimes we top it off with some ginger ale to add a little fizz to it when serving!

How long will it keep in the fridge?

This Thanksgiving punch will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week.

Fall punch in glass gallon dispenser.

Recipe contributed by Jessica from Fantabulosity.