This Christmas Punch is a satisfying holiday cocktail that is festively stunning for a holiday party or Christmas eve celebration. Cranberry, pomegranate, and orange flavors delight and it can be made ahead of time. Even the grinch would approve! Includes tips, garnish ideas, and video.
What is sparkly, festive, sweet and sassy? Well…I like to think I am (lol), but I am actually talking about today’s Christmas Punch Recipe!
Below is a delightful recipe that will add some merriment to your next holiday get-together. A sweet, tangy combination of cranberry, orange, and pomegranate juices combine to make this festive holiday punch.
It’s also really pretty and balanced out by fresh pomegranate seeds, orange slices, and a sprig of festive rosemary that looks like a Christmas tree!
I put myself through college as a bartender and cocktail waitress at a classic billiards hall and pub. Although I very rarely drink, I loved the atmosphere and the fun of creating beautiful drinks. I could prattle on about the history of bourbon, but I enjoyed mixing the fruity cocktails the most.
But I especially love this punch for a party because:
- It’s stunning and festive with the right amount of holiday sparkle.
- Takes less than 10 minutes to make – because party hosts have enough on their plate!
- Delicious without being too sweet.
- Makes a wonderful centerpiece that guests will flock to and strike up a conversation.
- It can be made as a boozy or not versions that are both amazing.
What You Will Need
The full recipe is in the card below, but I include some tips for both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic version.
Pomegranate Juice – I use Pom Wonderful brand which you can find with refrigerated juices in the produce section.
Cranberry Juice – 100% Cranberry Juice from Ocean Spray is my favorite, but most brands of juice are perfectly fine to use. I also sometimes like to change it up and use Cran-Cherry or Cran-Raspberry.
Vodka – Any vodka that you like the taste of is great. You can use flavored vodkas as well.
Triple Sec or Cointreau – An orange flavored liqueur adds a little more orange to balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
Simple Syrup (Optional) – I make my own simple syrup with equal parts water, sugar, and a sprinkle of lemon juice. Some brands of juices are sweet enough without the added sugar, so do taste test before adding more sweetener. You can add more ginger ale instead, but this will dilute the spirits.
Garnishes – All garnishes are for looks only. In individual glasses, I like to use orange slices, pomegranate seeds, and sprigs of rosemary. In pitchers or punch bowls, I like to use orange slices and whole cranberries because pomegranate seeds just sink to the bottom.
Tip: This recipe makes about 6 cups. If you have a large punch bowl or fancy drink dispenser, double (or even triple) the recipe. I also have a recipe for individual glasses too!
Recipe Variations
Punch for One
- ½ cups Pomegranate Juice
- ¼ cup 100% Cranberry Juice
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1oz Triple Sec or Cointreau
- ½ cups Ginger Ale
- Non-alcoholic: skip the vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup. Squeeze 1 orange or add half a cup of orange juice. Double the ginger ale.
- Christmas Punch with Sherbert: Float 6-8 scoops Raspberry Sherbet Ice cream, or any flavor you have available. These are beautiful in martini glasses.
- Cherry Christmas Punch: Use flavored cranberry juice like cran-cherry or cran-rasberry. Skip the simple syrup since there is additional sweetener already in the juice.
Video Instructions
The recipe is super easy to make, but I have included a video of me putting it together.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Serve: I like to chill the mix until ready to serve and then put the ginger ale, ice and garnishes in. If you are looking for more ideas of what to serve with this punch, here are a few ideas:
- Appetizers. An Easy Charcuterie Board, Toasted Ravioli, or Spicy Crab Dip are our most popular for the holidays.
- Desserts. Caramel Chocolate Cookie Bars, Southern Punch Bowl Cake, Carrot Cake, and Coconut Pecan Cookies are some of our favorites that pair well.
Store: The cocktail mixture will last for up to a week in the refrigerator, as long as you strain out the orange slices and cranberries. They tend to get mushy over time.
Make Ahead: Make the simple syrup and all mix the pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, vodka, and triple sec the day before. Chill. Just before serving top with ginger ale and fruits. The orange slices can take up the color of the juice so don’t add them ahead of time.
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Frequently asked questions
This punch also translates very well to a non-alcoholic version. In fact, I gave it to my son and he gave it the thumbs up as a great new combination. You may substitute the triple sec for any regular pulp-free orange juice or 1 fresh squeezed orange. Obviously, skip the vodka and double the ginger ale for extra fizz.
As written, this makes about 6-8 tall glasses with ice. For a party, it is super easy to double (or more!) if you have a large drink dispenser.
Drink Dispenser – I use a pitcher, but these dispensers are super cute and easy to serve party guests.
Reusable Ice Cubes – watered down drinks are terrible. These keep your drink cold without diluting it and these are clear and BPA free!
The perfect wine glasses – these stemless wine glasses are perfect for sipping!
In individual glasses, I like to use orange slices, pomegranate seeds, and sprigs of rosemary. In pitchers or punch bowls, I like to use orange slices and whole cranberries because pomegranate seeds just sink to the bottom. However, if you intend to serve this Christmas Punch with straws, the pomegranate seeds tend to get stuck in the straw. Cranberries look cute but don’t eat them (bitter!).
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PS. If you make this recipe, leave a COMMENT AND A STAR RATING in the comments section at the bottom and be sure to take a photo and tag it #cravingcreative on Instagram! I appreciate you for taking the time to read about me and my family recipes.
Christmas Punch (alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions)
Ingredients
Punch
- 2 cups Pomegranate Juice chilled
- 1 cup 100% Cranberry Juice flavored cranberry mixtures are also good (cran-cherry, cran-pomegrante, etc)
- 1 cup Vodka
- ½ cup Triple Sec or Cointreau
- 1 ½ cups Ginger Ale
Simple Syrup (Optional)
- ¼ cup Water
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice
Garnish Options
- 1 Orange Cut in half or quarters and sliced thin
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Whole Cranberries
- Rosemary Sprigs
Instructions
- Making the simple syrup is optional depending on what kind of cranberry juice you purchase. Some store brands are sweeter than others and I generally skip it if I am using a cranberry juice combination or cranberry cocktail. To make the simple syrup, in a small pot over low heat, combine the sugar, lemon juice, and water together. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool.
- In a pitcher or punch bowl, combine the juices, vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup. Chill if necessary. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the Vodka and Triple Sec and squeeze 1 half of an orange into the juice mixture.
- Top with ice and add fresh ginger ale just before serving. For non-alcoholic, double the ginger ale.
- Garnish Options – All garnish options are for appearances only. Garnish a punch bowl with orange slices and whole cranberries. Pomegranate seeds do not float, so I add them over top of the ice with a sprig of rosemary in individual glasses.
Roxanne says
Delicious!
that bracelet says
It looks so good!! Thank you for sharing the recipe! It will be a surprise for my guest this holiday.