Skip Playing Bartender All Thanksgiving—Make This Winter Aperol Punch Instead

Name: Skip Playing Bartender All Thanksgiving—Make This Winter Aperol Punch Instead
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 10 serving(s)
Ingredients: 6 fresh bay leaves; 1 navel orange, sliced into wheels; 1 lemon, sliced into wheels; 1 mandarin orange, sliced into wheels; 13 oz. Aperol; 9 oz. sweet vermouth (we used Carpano Antica); 15 oz. fresh orange juice (from 3 to 4 navel oranges); 4 oz. fresh lemon juice (from 3 to 4 lemons); 5 navel orange wheels, halved; 50 whole cloves; 1 750-mL bottle Prosecco rosé, chilled; 1 c. club soda, chilled; 10 rosemary sprigs

Because you have enough to do on Turkey Day without running a cocktail bar, too.

By Susan ChoungPublished: Nov 2, 2026

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Mike Garten

Yields:

10 serving(s)

Total Time:

3 hrs 20 mins

Think big-batch Aperol Spritz, but make it winter party–ready. This bright, easy-drinking punch pairs fresh citrus juice with clove-studded oranges and fragrant rosemary for a festive flourish at Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering. A showstopping citrus-and-bay-leaf ice ring keeps it chilled, while the make-ahead base means you can do most of the work before guests arrive.

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Ingredients

For ice ring

6 fresh bay leaves
1 navel orange, sliced into wheels
1 lemon, sliced into wheels
1 mandarin orange, sliced into wheels

For punch base

13 oz. Aperol
9 oz. sweet vermouth (we used Carpano Antica)
15 oz. fresh orange juice (from 3 to 4 navel oranges)
4 oz. fresh lemon juice (from 3 to 4 lemons)

For serving

5 navel orange wheels, halved
50 whole cloves
1 750-mL bottle Prosecco rosé, chilled
1 cup club soda, chilled
10 rosemary sprigs

Directions

1. Step 1Make ice ring: In Bundt pan or tube pan, arrange bay leaves and citrus wheels in decorative pattern. Slowly and carefully (to keep pattern intact) add 2 cups water and freeze until solid, at least 3 hours. Once solid and pattern is set, fill with 5 to 6 cups more water depending on size of pan.
2. Step 2Make punch base: In large pitcher or jar, stir together Aperol, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and lemon juice to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 24 hours.
3. Step 3When ready to serve, using toothpick, poke 5 evenly spaced holes in pith of each orange half. Insert 1 clove into each hole; set aside for garnish.
4. Step 4Into punch bowl, pour punch base, then gently stir in Prosecco rosé and club soda.
5. Step 5To unmold ice ring, briefly dip outside of pan into large bowl of warm water until ice loosens. Place ice ring in center of punch bowl.
6. Step 6Serve punch in ice-filled glasses. Garnish each serving with 1 clove-studded orange slice and 1 rosemary sprig.