Every holiday season, I like to have one drink that brings everyone together — something festive, fizzy, and family-friendly.

This Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch is my go-to Thanksgiving drink. It’s sweet, tangy, and bursting with bubbles from sparkling cider and soda water, with the perfect balance of apple and cranberry flavors.

It’s beautiful in a punch bowl and makes any gathering feel special — whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy fall get-together.

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Recipe Highlights

This punch is both elegant and easy, combining crisp apple cider with tart cranberry juice and fizzy sparkling water for a drink that feels like a celebration in every sip.

It’s quick to prepare and great for serving a crowd. The floating slices of oranges, cranberries, and apples make it look just as stunning as it tastes.

  • Festive, colorful punch perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas
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  • Lightly sweet with a refreshing cranberry-apple sparkle
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  • Ready in just 10 minutes
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  • Can easily be made non-alcoholic or spiked for adults
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  • Gorgeous presentation in a large punch bowl or pitcher

Ingredient Notes

  • Apple Cider (3 cups): The base of the drink; choose high-quality cider for natural sweetness and a rich apple flavor.
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  • Cranberry Juice (2 cups): Adds tartness and vibrant red color that complements the cider perfectly.
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  • Sparkling Water or Club Soda (2 cups): Provides fizz and balances the sweetness of the cider.
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  • Ginger Ale (2 cups): Adds gentle spice and effervescence; use diet ginger ale for a lighter version.
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  • Fresh Orange Slices: Bring citrus brightness and visual appeal to the punch.
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  • Fresh Cranberries: Add color and seasonal flair — perfect for floating on top.
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  • Apple Slices: Reinforce the cider flavor and make a lovely garnish.
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  • Optional Spirits: Add 1 cup of sparkling wine or vodka for an adult twist.

How to Make My Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch

  1. Chill All Ingredients: Make sure your cider, juices, and sparkling drinks are thoroughly chilled before assembling the punch.
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  2. Combine the Base: In a large punch bowl or beverage dispenser, pour in apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale.
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  3. Add Sparkle: Just before serving, gently stir in the sparkling water or club soda to keep the fizz fresh.
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  4. Garnish: Float orange slices, apple slices, and fresh cranberries on top for color and flavor.
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  5. Serve: Ladle into glasses filled with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick or sprig of rosemary if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this punch alongside:

  • Thanksgiving turkey or ham for a light, refreshing pairing
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  • Appetizers like baked brie, charcuterie, or cranberry meatballs
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  • Sweet desserts such as pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or pecan bars
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  • For a brunch spread, pair with quiche or cinnamon rolls

Tips for the Best Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch

Always chill all ingredients before mixing so the punch stays cold longer without needing much ice.

Add the sparkling elements (soda or sparkling water) right before serving to preserve the bubbles.

For a festive look, freeze cranberries and apple slices into ice cubes ahead of time.

Want a little kick? Swap sparkling water for prosecco or add a splash of spiced rum for adults.

Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch – Festive Drink
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Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch – Festive Drink

Recipe by JoanneCourse: Beverage (Non-Alcoholic Punch)Cuisine: American (Holiday)Difficulty: Easy
Servings

8-10

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Calories per serving

120

kcal

This Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch is a festive, fizzy blend of apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale — sweet, tart, and refreshing for any Thanksgiving celebration.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups apple cider (chilled)

  • 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail)

  • 2 cups sparkling water or club soda (chilled)

  • 2 cups ginger ale (chilled)

  • 1 medium orange (thinly sliced)

  • 1 small apple (thinly sliced)

  • ½ cup fresh cranberries

  • Optional: 1 cup sparkling wine or vodka (for adults)

  • Cinnamon sticks or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Chill all ingredients until cold.
  • In a large punch bowl, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale.
  • Add sparkling water just before serving.
  • Stir gently to mix without losing carbonation.
  • Float orange and apple slices and fresh cranberries on top.
  • Serve over ice and garnish with rosemary or cinnamon sticks if desired.

Notes

  • For a sweeter punch, add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup before serving.
  • Freeze extra cider and cranberry juice base in ice cube trays for future gatherings.
  • Use sparkling cranberry juice for extra bubbles and color.
  • Garnish each glass with a thin orange twist for an elegant touch.
  • Great for both kids and adults — simply leave out the alcohol for family gatherings.

Storage of Leftovers

  • Do not freeze the fully mixed punch (with carbonation and fruit): The carbonation and fruit will not freeze well.
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  • Refrigerate: Store leftover punch (without ice) in a covered pitcher for up to 2 days.
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  • Re-Fizz: Add a splash of fresh sparkling water before serving leftovers to restore bubbles.
Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch – Festive Drink