Name: Christmas Punch Recipe: Sparkling, Festive
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 130 min
Ingredients: 4 cups 100% cranberry juice; 2 cups pineapple juice; 1½ cups fresh orange juice; ½ cup lemon juice; ½ –¾ cup simple syrup; Cinnamon (nutmeg, cloves); 2 –3 cups ginger ale or prosecco; Cranberries + orange slices + rosemary

Introduction

Table of Contents

Christmas Punch is the ruby-red, sparkling drink that instantly makes any holiday gathering feel like a celebration. Tart cranberry, bright citrus, warm spices, and a fizzy finish create the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and merry. One pitcher serves a crowd and looks stunning with floating cranberries and rosemary “trees.” Presented in a clear glass punch bowl brimming with ice and fruit, optionally garnished with cinnamon sticks and star anise, this Christmas Punch offers pure holiday joy that disappears just as quickly as cookies for Santa.

Ingredients

For the Christmas Punch (makes ~3 quarts / serves 12–16): • 4 cups 100% cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail)
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1½ cups fresh orange juice (about 4 oranges) + zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½–¾ cup simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 2–3 cups ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or prosecco (add just before serving)
• 2 cups ice

For Garnish: • Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Orange slices
• Rosemary sprigs (upside-down = tiny Christmas trees)
• Optional: star anise, cinnamon sticks for stirring

Step-by-Step Process

Make a spiced base
In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice + zest, lemon juice, simple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Stir well.
Chill
Cover and refrigerate 2–24 hours (overnight is best—flavors bloom beautifully).
Finish with fizz
Right before serving, add cold ginger ale/prosecco and ice. Stir gently.
Garnish
Float cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs. Add cinnamon sticks or star anise.
Serve
Ladle into ice-filled glasses. Give each glass a rosemary sprig “tree.”

Tips for Perfect Christmas Punch

• Use 100% cranberry juice—the cocktail is too sweet
• Make base 1–2 days ahead—flavor gets richer every hour
• Add fizz at the last minute—keeps maximum sparkle
• Freeze cranberries in ice cubes—keeps punch cold without diluting
• Taste before serving—adjust with extra citrus or syrup
• Rosemary upside-down in glass = instant holiday garnish magic

Variations and Customization

• Classic Boozy: add 1½ cups rum, vodka, or bourbon
• Sparkling Only: replace still juices with sparkling cranberry + prosecco
• Warm Mulled: heat gently with extra spices (no fizz)
• Kid-Friendly: use sprite + extra orange juice
• Cran-Apple: swap pineapple for apple cider
• Pomegranate Luxe: add 1 cup pomegranate seeds + arils

Storage and Serving Tips

• Base keeps 5–7 days in fridge—add fizz day-of
• Freeze base (without fizz) up to 2 months
• Serve ice-cold—chill pitcher in fridge first
• Quick refresh: add fresh fruit and bubbly
• Perfect in punch cups, mason jars, or champagne flutes
• Pair with cookies, cheese board, or midnight toast

Nutritional Information

Based on 16 servings (non-alcoholic):
• Calories: 100 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars 22g)

FAQ

1. Can I make it alcoholic?
Yes—add rum, vodka, bourbon, or prosecco just before serving.

2. Is my punch too tart?
Add more simple syrup, ¼ cup at a time.

3. Best non-alcoholic fizz?
Ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or sparkling apple cider.

4. Can I prep the day before?
Yes—best 12–24 hours ahead. Add ice and fizz right before guests arrive.

5. Sugar-free version?
Use monk fruit sweetener, diet cranberry juice, and sparkling water.

Conclusion

This Christmas Punch is pure holiday magic—bright, festive, and so delicious that glasses never stay full for long. One pitcher and suddenly the tree lights twinkle brighter, the laughter gets louder, and everyone’s gathered around asking for refills while sneaking extra cranberries. Keep the ingredients stocked all December, because once people taste it, they’ll be begging you to bring “that red punch” to every party from now until New Year’s—and you’ll happily oblige.