This Thanksgiving Punch is a fun, fruity drink that everyone can enjoy! Made with spicy pear juice and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a perfect fruity treat for the holiday.
Serving this at your holiday table will make everyone smile! I love to sip on it while chatting with family. Plus, it’s super easy to make in large batches—party time! 🍐🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pear Juice: Look for natural or lightly sweetened pear juice. If that’s hard to find, you can use apple juice instead. It won’t have the exact flavor, but it will still work nicely!
Sparkling Cider: I prefer sparkling apple cider for that extra fizziness and sweetness. If you want a lighter drink, go for sparkling water or club soda. It keeps the flavors bright and refreshing.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adjust the sweetness to your taste. I like to start with honey but switch to maple syrup for a more unique flavor. If you need it to be vegan, stick with the maple syrup!
Spices: The cinnamon, cloves, and ginger bring warmth to the punch. If you don’t have whole cloves, you could try a pinch of ground cloves instead. Just be cautious, as it packs more flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Infuse Flavors in the Punch?
Infusing the flavors is key to making this punch really special. Here’s the process:
- Combine your juice and spices in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering—this is when the magic happens.
- Let it steep on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This time allows the spices to release their flavors.
- After steeping, strain out the spices to avoid any grainy bits in your drink.
- Mix in fresh lemon juice once it’s cooled for a bright finish. You want that fresh, zesty kick—trust me!
Following these steps ensures that every sip is bursting with flavor, making your Thanksgiving gathering even more enjoyable.
Thanksgiving Punch – Non-Alcoholic Spicy Pear Punch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Punch:
- 4 cups pear juice (natural or lightly sweetened)
- 2 cups sparkling apple cider or sparkling water for a lighter version
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger or a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
For Garnishing:
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- Fresh cranberries
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing punch takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus some additional time to steep and cool the mixture. If you plan to serve it chilled, make sure to allow for another 30 minutes in the fridge. Overall, you can have this delightful drink ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Infuse the Flavors:
In a large saucepan, combine the pear juice, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and sliced ginger. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to low and let the spices steep for about 10-15 minutes. This allows all the lovely flavors to blend together!
2. Strain the Mixture:
After steeping, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain out the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger pieces. This way, you’ll have a smooth punch without any spice remnants.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Cool:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. If you want to speed things up, you can place it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Combine with Sparkling Elements:
Once cooled, pour the spiced pear juice into a large punch bowl or pitcher. Gently add the sparkling apple cider or sparkling water and stir lightly to combine. This will give your punch a fizzy kick that everyone will love!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the punch over the ice. For a beautiful presentation, garnish each glass with a thin pear slice, a few fresh cranberries, and a small sprig of rosemary. It adds a festive touch that’s perfect for Thanksgiving!
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing, spicy pear punch. It’s the perfect drink for celebrating with family and friends this Thanksgiving!
Can I Use Different Types of Juice in This Punch?
Absolutely! While pear juice is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with apple or white grape juice for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the juice you choose.
Is It Possible to Make This Punch Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the spiced pear juice mixture a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and add the sparkling cider just before serving to keep it bubbly and fresh.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Punch?
Leftover punch can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, for the best flavor and fizziness, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of cloves or omit the ground ginger. Taste the mixture before serving and adjust as needed. You can always add more spice gradually!
