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Cozy Friendsgiving Pumpkin Spice Punch: An Easy Fall Mocktail

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This warm, aromatic pumpkin spice punch is the perfect non-alcoholic drink for Friendsgiving. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is a crowd-pleaser that will convert even the biggest punch skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider (unfiltered is best)
  • 2 cups 100% pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber preferred)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated preferred)
  • 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 cups ginger beer or ginger ale (for serving)
  • Apple slices (for garnish)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Whipped cream or coconut cream (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, whisk together the apple cider, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup over low heat until the pumpkin is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  2. Add the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Whisk until combined.
  3. Turn the heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam that forms on top.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Pour the punch through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or serving pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to press the solids through for a silky smooth texture.
  5. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
  6. Keep the punch warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting or on the stovetop over the lowest heat until ready to serve.
  7. Just before serving, pour in the ginger beer or ginger ale and stir gently. Ladle into mugs or glasses. Garnish each with a thin apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of rosemary. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

The punch base (without ginger beer) can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the fizz. For a spiked version, add 1 cup of dark rum or bourbon after straining. To make it less sweet, reduce maple syrup to 1/4 cup or add extra lemon juice. The smoked paprika is a secret ingredient that adds depth without heat—don’t skip it.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin spice punch, Friendsgiving punch, fall mocktail, non-alcoholic punch, pumpkin punch, apple cider punch, easy fall drink

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/cozy-friendsgiving-pumpkin-spice-punch-an-easy-fall-mocktail/