Thanksgiving Punch With Rum

When the holidays come around, there's nothing more essential than a good punch recipe for serving at all the big meals and parties that you're sure to attend (and host). Rum punch is a classic because it's a crowd-pleaser, and this one is easy to make with all the classic fall flavors you'll want.

Read on for all the information you need to make a Thanksgiving rum punch.

What Is Thanksgiving Rum Punch?

Punches are a broad category of drink; they can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, but they almost always include fruit juice.

For our purposes, a punch is basically a batched cocktail that's great for making ahead of time and serving to large groups of people.

This Thanksgiving punch recipe, made with rum, is strong without tasting like it, an important element for getting any party started, or taking the edge off the stress of a family gathering.

Why Should I Make Rum Punch for Thanksgiving?

We like a rum punch for Thanksgiving because it's a little more unexpected than, say, a bourbon punch which feels a little obvious in the autumn. Rum is more celebratory and special, and it also gives you the opportunity to serve a little after dinner bourbon as a digestive, if you want.

But the best thing about rum punch, or really any punch, is that it can be batched and served out of a punch bowl or pitcher, which means you don't have to stir up cocktails for every guest. Instead, they can pour their own beverages, making it easier for you to relax and enjoy your own gathering.

How Do You Make a Rum Punch?

Like any good cocktail, making rum punch is all about balancing flavors. This version starts with an apple cider simple syrup made with honey, cloves, and cinnamon.

Once infused, cooled, and strained, that syrup is mixed with cranberry juice, spiced rum, more apple cider, and ginger beer.

We like to serve this drink in a punch bowl, with big squares of ice and plenty of sliced apples and citrus for garnish.

Can I Make Rum Punch Ahead of Time?

One of the best things about any punch is that they're easy to prep ahead of time. For this punch, combine all the ingredients except the ginger beer in an airtight container up to two days before your event. When you're ready to serve, simply transfer the mixture to a punch bowl or large pitcher, add the ginger beer and garnishes.

How Should I Serve Rum Punch?

Any punch is great for serving in a big punch bowl, but you don't need to have a fancy, crystal-cut bowl and ladle to create a lovely serving experience. Any nice-looking bowl will do, as will a generous pitcher.

To bring the punch to the next level, make an ice ring by freezing water in a Bundt pan.

Editorial contributions by Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme.