I know holiday drinks can sometimes feel like too much work or come out way too sweet, but I’ve tested this one until it’s perfectly balanced and stress-free. It’s the kind of recipe you can make once and keep on repeat all season long. Over the years I’ve shared so many holiday recipes, and I know what works when you’re entertaining, this one is simple, reliable, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
You will also love my Thanksgiving Punch recipe.
Christmas Punch Ingredients
- Cranberry Juice – This gives the punch that deep red holiday color and a tart kick that keeps the drink from being too sweet.
- Orange Juice – Adds brightness and a little citrus tang that balances the tart cranberry. It’s what keeps the punch tasting fresh instead of heavy.
- Ginger Ale or Sprite – You need the bubbles! The fizz makes the punch feel light, refreshing, and party-ready. Ginger ale adds a warm spice note, while Sprite makes it a little sweeter. Either one works depending on your vibe.
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – These are the holiday garnish that pull it all together. They keep the punch cold, make it look gorgeous, and scream Christmas without you having to try too hard.
How to Make the Best Christmas Punch
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir until well combined.
- Add the fresh or frozen cranberries to the punch. They’ll help chill the drink and add a festive pop of color.
- Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale or Sprite. This keeps the punch bubbly and refreshing.
- Give everything a gentle stir, then taste and adjust. If you like it sweeter, add more Sprite or orange juice; if you want it tangier, add a splash more cranberry juice.
- Serve chilled over ice or straight from the pitcher or punch bowl.
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Substitutions and Variations
- Cranberry Juice – Swap with pomegranate juice for a similar tart kick, or use cranberry cocktail if you want it sweeter.
- Orange Juice – Use pineapple juice for a tropical twist, or blood orange juice for an even richer holiday color.
- Ginger Ale or Sprite – Switch to sparkling water for a lighter option, or ginger beer if you like a stronger spice kick. For a sweeter punch, stick with Sprite.
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – No cranberries? Use pomegranate arils or frozen raspberries for that same festive pop of red.
- Make It Boozy – Add vodka, rum, champagne, or prosecco to turn this into a holiday cocktail.
- Festive Garnishes – Float orange slices, rosemary sprigs, or even cinnamon sticks to make it extra holiday-ready.
- Frozen Version – Freeze part of the juice into ice cubes and add them to the punch to keep it cold without watering it down.
Frequently Asked Questions and Pro Tips
Yes! Mix the juices together and refrigerate. Add the ginger ale or Sprite right before serving so it stays bubbly.
Definitely. Just keep in mind cranberry cocktail is sweeter, so you may want to balance with extra orange juice or a splash of lemon.
Freeze cranberries or orange slices and use them as ice cubes, or freeze some of the juice into ice cubes to chill without diluting.
This recipe is best cold and fizzy, but if you want a warm holiday drink, try heating the juices with cinnamon sticks and skipping the soda.
Without the soda, 2–3 days. Once you add the fizz, it’s best enjoyed the same day so it doesn’t go flat.
Pineapple, pomegranate, or apple juice are all great swaps to make it your own.
A single batch usually serves 8–10 people, but you can easily double or triple it for a big crowd.
Fresh cranberries, orange slices, rosemary sprigs, or even cinnamon sticks, anything that screams festive and floats nicely in the punch bowl.
More Punch Recipes
Jungle Juice
Slow Cooker Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Caramel Apple Cider
Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Christmas Punch (Non-Alcoholic)
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cups ginger ale or Sprite
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir until well combined.
- Add the fresh or frozen cranberries to the punch. They’ll help chill the drink and add a festive pop of color.
- Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale or Sprite. This keeps the punch bubbly and refreshing.
- Give everything a gentle stir, then taste and adjust. If you like it sweeter, add more Sprite or orange juice; if you want it tangier, add a splash more cranberry juice.
- Serve chilled over ice or straight from the pitcher or punch bowl.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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