Christmas Punch

This sparkling bowl of Christmas Punch is one of the best Holiday drinks out there. It’s filled with brightly colored orange slices and beautiful fresh cranberries, but it’s the incredible taste that will have you coming back for seconds. Keep it non-alcoholic for kids, or add vodka, rum or champagne for the adults.

The Best Christmas Punch

I love Christmas time with all the great festive traditions, fantastic food and bright colors. That’s where this wonderful punch fits in perfectly for those beloved get-togethers. It’s a favorite Holiday punch loved by everyone because its not too sweet, and it’s filled with love.

For the adults, add some vodka, champagne or rum to enjoy during Christmas celebrations. This is a terrific way to serve drinks for a large self-serving crowd. Plus, it’s healthier than other drinks with all the vitamin C packed juices! Well, maybe that’s just an excuse, but it’s still true.

Why Make This Christmas Punch

✅ DELICIOUS. This easy Christmas punch recipe tastes so delicious and fresh, and with added alcohol, it makes a wonderful cocktail for any Christmas get together.

✅ EASY TO MAKE. It doesn’t get any easier. Combine liquids, add the rest of ingredients, and drink up!

✅ CROWD PLEASER. Served in a beautiful punch bowl, with striking red and orange colors, this punch screams Holiday parties that your guests will devour.

✅ CUSTOMIZABLE. Any punch can be customizable. Use some base ingredients and then play around with flavors you prefer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cranberry Juice – I use bottled cranberry juice. Not only will this add great cranberry flavor but it will make the overall punch a lovely red color.
• Orange Juice – Any orange juice will do.
• Apple Cider – Apple cider will add another layer of sweet, crisp flavors.
• Sparkling Water – Sparkling water always adds that extra bubbly feel. Use your favorite sparkling water.
• Cranberries – Top off the punch with fresh cranberries to add to that Holiday feel.
• Orange – Use 1 whole orange and cut it into slices to top off the punch bowl with. It’s not only festive looking but provides a lot of contrasting color.
• Cinnamon Sticks – Cinnamon sticks have amazing flavor that go well in a Christmas punch, especially with orange. Plus they serve as a great stirring stick.
• Star Anise – Star anise will impart a warming flavor that reminds me of cloves or cinnamon, and will elevate your punch. They also look gorgeous!
• Rosemary Sprigs – Adds a bit of depth but also provides for some nice contrasting green accents to the punch bowl. We have to have all our Christmas colors covered.
• Alcohol – Vodka, rum or champagne can amp up this punch for any party loving adult.

How To Make Christmas Punch

Combine all the liquids. This really is as easy as it can get. Just pour the cranberry juice, orange juice, apple cider, sparkling water into a large punch bowl or pitcher and stir to combine.

Garnish the punch. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices, plus any optional garnishes you like such as rosemary, cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Add ice. Add some ice cubes to the punch bowl to keep it cold.

What Else Can I Use In This Punch?

This is a customizable punch so including other ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, or sprigs of rosemary is another way to change up the taste, according to your preferences. You can also use different beverages or fruit juices like ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, apple juice, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice, lemons, limes, mandarins, or pomegranates.

What Is The Official Drink Of Christmas?

Eggnog is probably the most popular, Moscow Mule or, a Tom and Jerry is a traditional Christmastime cocktail in the United States. It is a variant of eggnog with brandy and rum added and served hot, usually in a mug or a bowl.

Expert Tips

1. Have fun and experiment with different ingredients.
2. This is a great make ahead punch the day before. Mix only the liquid ingredients and the day of the party, add any solid ingredients, including ice.
3. Make two bowls; one non-alcoholic Christmas punch for the kids, and one with alcohol for the grown-ups. A champagne punch is a special treat!

Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, it’s best to remove the non-liquid ingredients, tightly cover with plastic wrap and then place in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Give it a quick stir before pouring for best results.

Freezing is possible if you have the room. Place in an airtight container with only the liquid ingredients (without alcohol) and freeze for up to 1 month. Remove and place in the refrigerator to thaw the day before you need it, and then add any solid ingredients as well as any alcohol.

More Great Recipes To Try

• Cranberry Orange Cookies
• Hot Mulled Cider
• Cranberry Quick Bread
• Cranberries and Cream Cheese Bread
• Candy Cane Popcorn
• Cranberry and Banana Muffins