Non Alcoholic Fall Punch — Autumn Harvest Mocktail

Easy 10-minute Thanksgiving party drink for kids and adults

Crisp apple, cranberry, and orange meet warm cinnamon for a sparkling fall punch that feels festive without the alcohol.

Why You’ll Love It

• Party-friendly and kid-approved: Built for Thanksgiving Party Drinks for Kids with familiar flavors that adults love too.
• Fast crowd batch: Scales in minutes for Thanksgiving Punch Recipes Non Alcoholic Easy using grocery-store staples.
• Make-ahead smart: Base can chill overnight; add bubbles at serve for fresh fizz—perfect for Nonalcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks.
• Balanced, not sugary: Tart cranberry and citrus keep it bright for Fall Drink Ideas For Party.
• Flexible: Serve chilled or gently warmed for cozy gatherings (Non Alcoholic Drinks Thanksgiving).

Ingredients

• Apple cider (unfiltered): The fall backbone; choose fresh, not from concentrate if possible.
• 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened): Adds tart structure and deep color—adjust sweetness with maple.
• Orange juice + fresh orange slices: Bright citrus for balance and aroma.
• Sparkling water or ginger ale: Add right before serving for fizz. Ginger ale = sweeter/spicier; sparkling = lighter.
• Maple syrup (to taste): Natural sweetness that reads “fall.” Start light; guests can add more.
• Whole spices: Cinnamon sticks, a few whole cloves, and star anise for an aromatic, bakery-warm vibe.
• Fruit mix-ins: Thin apple and pear slices, pomegranate arils, and fresh cranberries for color and crunch.
• Optional flavor boosters: A splash of pomegranate juice for jewel tone, or vanilla extract for roundness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Build the base: In a large pitcher or drink dispenser, combine 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups cranberry juice, and 1 cup orange juice.
2. Season: Stir in 2–3 Tbsp maple syrup (to taste), 2–3 cinnamon sticks, 3–4 whole cloves, and 1 star anise.
3. Chill: Add sliced apple, pear, and orange. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours) to infuse.
4. Finish with fizz: Right before serving, add 3–4 cups cold sparkling water or ginger ale. Stir gently.
5. Garnish: Add fresh cranberries and pomegranate arils. Serve over ice with cinnamon stick stirrers.
6. Warm option: For a cozy service, strain out fruit, heat base on low until steaming (do not boil), then ladle into mugs and top with a splash of hot water as needed.

Safety cues: If serving warm, keep under a bare simmer to avoid muting citrus aromas. No alcohol—family friendly.

Pro Tips

• Fizzy last: Carbonation fades fast; add bubbles just before guests arrive.
• Sweetness control: Start with minimal maple; offer a small pitcher of maple on the side.
• Color pop: Toss apple slices with a splash of OJ to prevent browning and keep visuals bright on the buffet.
• Service speed: Pre-slice fruit the day before and store airtight.
• Photo-friendly: Clear dispenser + whole spices + cranberries = instant holiday centerpiece.

Variations

• Cranberry-Forward Thanksgiving Punch: Swap half the cider for more cranberry; use sparkling water for a tarter sip (Thanksgiving Recipes Drinks Non Alcohol).
• Spiced Ginger Punch: Use ginger beer instead of sparkling for kick (Thanksgiving Nonalcoholic Drinks).
• Kids’ Apple Pie Punch: Add a splash of vanilla, omit cloves for gentler spice (Thanksgiving Party Drinks For Kids).
• Pear-Pomegranate Fall Punch: Replace half the OJ with pear nectar; add pomegranate arils (Non Alcoholic Fall Punch Recipes).

How to Serve

• Chilled station: Ice bucket, ladle, and cinnamon stick stirrers near your dessert table next to Vegan Pumpkin Pie.
• Warm welcome: Mug service at the door for guests on chilly nights; pass a plate of Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls.
• Two-bowl setup: Family punch bowl (this recipe) + adults’ bowl of Simple Apple Cider Sangria.
• Dessert pairing: Sip with pecan desserts like our Pecan Pie Recipe.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make-ahead: Mix base (no bubbles) up to 24 hours ahead; keep chilled.
• Leftovers: Store strained punch (no fruit) up to 3 days refrigerated. Re-add fresh fruit before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze base (no fruit, no bubbles) up to 1 month; thaw overnight in fridge.
• Reheat warm version: Low heat until steaming; do not boil.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, but flavor will be lighter. Add extra cinnamon and a splash of vanilla for depth.

How do I keep it from being too sweet?
Use unsweetened cranberry juice and sparkling water; sweeten by the tablespoon with maple.

How many does this serve?
About 12–14 cups total once fizzy water is added, or 12 servings at 10–12 oz each.

Can I make it redder for photos?
Stir in ½–1 cup pomegranate juice—gorgeous color, balanced tartness.

Simple Nutrition (estimate, per 10-oz serving)

Calories 90 • Carbs 22g • Sugars 19g • Fat 0g • Protein 0g • Sodium 10mg
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary by ingredients and bubbles used.