Why should Thanksgiving have all the fun? Let Halloween in on the pumpkin pie action by turning the classic autumnal dessert into a punch.

This blend of spices, apple cider and ginger ale is delicious and rich, yet still refreshing. And it's easily adapted. Leave it as is for kids, but add vodka or rum for an adult version.

Also, consider continuing the pie theme by baking up some pumpkin gingerbread cookies (think crust) for dunking in glasses of the punch.

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Pumpkin pie punch

Start to finish: 10 minutes

Makes 1 1/2 gallons (about 24 cups)

15-ounce can pumpkin puree

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 gallon apple cider

2-liters ginger ale, cold

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Add the apple cider and whisk until smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Chill.

In a large punch bowl, gently stir together the cider-pumpkin mixture and the ginger ale. Serve with ice.