This Thanksgiving Punch is a fun, spicy drink made with pear juice, ginger, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for everyone, young and old, to enjoy at your holiday gatherings!
Trust me, it brings joy to the table! I love pouring it into fancy glasses—who doesn’t feel festive with a colorful drink? Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll have more time to enjoy with loved ones.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pear Juice: Fresh pear juice gives the punch a vibrant flavor. If you can’t find it, high-quality bottled juice works too. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try apple or white grape juice for a different twist.
Apple Cider: Non-alcoholic apple cider adds depth to the punch. You could switch it for apple juice, but cider has that special autumn essence that really shines through. For a spicy kick, consider spiced apple cider if available.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink. Bottled juice works, but fresh always tastes better! You can also substitute with lime juice for a different, zesty taste.
Ginger: Ginger adds a warm spiciness. If ginger syrup is hard to find, fresh grated ginger is a fantastic substitute. You might want to start with a little and adjust to your preference—ginger can be quite potent!
Why is Infusing the Punch Important?
Infusing the mix is key for maximizing flavors. Heating the ingredients allows the spices to release their aromatic oils into the punch. Here’s how to infuse it well:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot over medium heat.
- Watch closely; let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes—not boiling, just enough to blend the flavors.
- Be sure to strain out the spices afterward to avoid intense flavors in the finished punch; this keeps it balanced and enjoyable.
After heating, cooling is important too! Allow the punch to chill adequately in the fridge so it’s refreshing on the palate when served over ice. Happy mixing!
Thanksgiving Punch – Non-Alcoholic Spicy Pear Punch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Punch:
- 4 cups pear juice (preferably fresh or high-quality bottled)
- 2 cups apple cider (non-alcoholic)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup ginger syrup or fresh grated ginger (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Ice cubes
For Garnish:
- Fresh pear slices
- Fresh cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Thanksgiving Punch takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. It’s quick to make, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Ingredients:
In a large pot or saucepan, mix together the pear juice, apple cider, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This combination will create the flavorful base for your punch!
2. Heat Up The Mixture:
Place the pot over medium heat and gently heat the mixture until it starts to simmer. Once it reaches this point, reduce the heat to low and let it brew for about 10 minutes. This allows the spices to release their flavors, making the punch aromatic and warm!
3. Strain Out the Spices:
After the infusion time, carefully remove the pot from heat. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the cinnamon sticks and cloves. This step makes sure that your punch is smooth and not overly spicy!
4. Add the Ginger:
Stir in the ginger syrup or freshly grated ginger, adjusting the amount according to how spicy you like it. Make sure to give it a good stir to mix in the ginger evenly!
5. Chill the Punch:
Let your punch cool to room temperature for a bit. Once it’s cooled down, pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to chill. A cold punch is refreshing, especially during festive gatherings!
6. Serve It Up:
To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled punch over the ice. It’s going to be a showstopper in your glass!
7. Add Festive Garnishes:
Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh pear and a few cranberries for a beautiful and festive touch. It makes the drink not only tasty but visually appealing too!
8. Optional Touch:
If you like, you can place a cinnamon stick in each glass for stirring and extra aroma. It adds a lovely final touch!
Enjoy this cozy, refreshing, and festive punch at your Thanksgiving gathering. Cheers to a wonderful holiday!
Can I Use Store-Bought Ingredients for This Punch?
Absolutely! Store-bought pear juice and apple cider work well in this recipe. Just make sure they are high-quality for the best taste!
What Can I Use Instead of Ginger Syrup?
If you can’t find ginger syrup, fresh grated ginger is a great alternative. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your desired spice level. If you want a milder flavor, you can also use a bit of powdered ginger.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Punch?
Leftover punch can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and you might want to add some fresh ice!
Can I Make This Punch Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the punch a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge after it’s cooled down. This makes it super convenient for your Thanksgiving gathering!
