Christmas Punch

This Christmas Punch is an easy recipe that’s party ready and full of flavor! With cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, apple cider, ginger beer, and some bubbly sparkling wine, it’s a festive cocktail that takes only 5 minutes to make. You can also make it without alcohol for a family-friendly version everyone can enjoy!

about this christmas punch

Just like a big batch of homemade eggnog is a tradition around the holidays, so is a festive Christmas punch!

Serving fun drinks for the holidays is one of my favorite parts of entertaining! Every holiday gathering can benefit from a themed festive cocktail this time of year. It’s all about a little extra holiday spirit!

This easy Christmas punch is an instant favorite with its tart and sweet balanced flavor. It only takes about 5 minutes to make and it’s an easy way to opt out of being bartender for the night at your holiday party!

I personally love that this punch isn’t too sweet. A punch that is cloyingly sweet overpowers the taste buds so you can’t enjoy any of the fabulous food and treats you are also serving. This punch strikes just the right note with a bit of tartness and a touch of sweet (if you like it sweeter, you can always add more simple syrup!). It’s the best of the holiday drinks out there for Christmas parties!

ingredients

cranberry juice. Use 100% cranberry juice that is unsweetened. Do not use cranberry juice cocktail as this product is sweetened and will throw off the flavor of the drink.

pomegranate juice. 100% pomegranate juice is best for this recipe.

sparking wine. You will need a dry sparkling wine like champagne or brut prosecco. Do not select a sweet sparkling wine or the punch will be too sweet.

apple cider. Use whatever apple cider you prefer to drink!

vodka. Select the best vodka in your price range! Since this vodka will be used in a punch, there’s no need to splurge on a top shelf option. I recommend Tito’s or Absolut.

ginger beer. I like ginger beer brands that offer a spicy kick. Therefore my first recommendation is always fever-tree ginger beer. If you prefer less of the spicy kick, you can opt for a brand like bundaberg ginger beer.

simple syrup. I prefer to just make simple syrup myself. I have a whole post on how to make simple syrup on the site so you can easily make your own. You can also pick it up at the local grocery store or liquor store.

garnish. I like to use fresh cranberries and orange slices to garnish the punch bowl and glasses. You can also use cinnamon sticks to garnish the cocktail glasses! Another option is adding in some pomegranate seeds.

this recipe’s must haves

To measure all the ingredients, make sure you have a set of measuring cups on hand.

You will need a punch bowl and a wooden spoon to make this punch.

here’s how to make christmas punch

chill ingredients

Make sure that all of your ingredients have had plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator. The colder they are, the less ice you will need to use!

stir

Pour all the punch ingredients into your punch bowl. Stir to combine.

garnish

Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries. Serve in glasses filled with ice.

Pro Tip: Make an ice ring for the punch bowl! Add pomegranate jewels, orange slices, and fresh cranberries to a bundt cake pan. Top with just enough water to cover the fruit. Freeze for 3 to 4 hours to set. Top with another couple of inches of water and freeze until solid, about 4 to 6 hours. Soak the bottom in hot water for a few seconds to loosen the ice, remove, and add to the punch bowl when ready to serve!

tips and tricks

use unsweetened juice. When making this recipe, make sure that you use unsweetened cranberry juice (labeled 100% cranberry juice) and unsweetened pomegranate juice. Do not use a juice cocktail as they are sweetened.

don’t forget the garnish! I love a good garnish! Orange slices, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks are the ideal festive touch for your punch glasses.

chill everything first. Make sure that all of your ingredients are chilled thoroughly beforehand. Then you won’t need to add too much ice and the punch won’t get diluted.

More tasty christmas drinks to try: Christmas Sangria | Cranberry Mimosa | Instant Pot Mulled Wine | Christmas Margarita

can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this punch ahead of time! I recommend combining all of the ingredients except for the champagne, in a punch bowl. Chill until you are ready to serve! Stir in champagne and add ice. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries.

how should I serve this champagne punch?

I like to set up a little drink station for this punch! You will need a ladle (I use the one that came with my punch bowl since it hangs on the side) and glasses. If you don’t have one that hangs on the side of the bowl, be sure to grab a small plate for guests to plate the ladle on (this will save your table surface from stains!).

Add bowls of cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks so guests can garnish their own cups as desired.

Don’t forget the ice and an ice scoop!

I don’t have a punch bowl! What do I do?

If you don’t have a punch bowl, you can mix this in a large pitcher, or divide it out between two smaller pitchers. A large drink dispenser is another great option for serving this punch!

can I use something other than vodka?

Yes! You could use bourbon or silver tequila in this punch if you prefer to use that in lieu of vodka.

can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?

You can use ginger ale instead of ginger beer, but the punch will be a bit sweeter than the original recipe.

can I substitute apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple cider is preferred for this recipe because of the flavor and the warming spices! However, you can use apple juice instead if you can’t find apple cider.

how do I make this punch non-alcoholic?

To make this punch a mocktail punch, omit the wine, simple syrup, and vodka. Instead, use the following measurements: 3 cups apple cider, 3 cups sparkling water (club soda), 3 1/2 cups ginger beer, 4 cups 100% cranberry juice, and 3 cups pomegranate juice. Anyone who is not drinking alcohol will love the non-alcoholic punch, kids included!

Need more inspiration for cocktails? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with this holiday punch recipe

Since this punch serves a big group for your next holiday party, I say make things easy and create a pretty christmas cheese board! You can opt for seasonal fruits to round out the board, or keep things simple with just meat and cheese. I like to add some crispy prosciutto and easy marinated mozzarella balls to elevate it a bit.

For bite-sized snacks, bbq bacon wrapped shrimp and bacon wrapped dates are appetizers that are ready in just 30 minutes! Or take advantage of cranberry season and make roasted cranberry goat cheese crostini.

This is also a perfect christmas morning punch to serve with your favorite breakfast foods!

how to store

Store. You can make this punch ahead of time by mixing together all of the ingredients, except for the champagne, in a punch bowl. Chill until ready to serve, then stir in champagne and add ice.

more tasty holiday recipes

Herb crusted rack of lamb with red wine sauce is a simple holiday meal that everyone will love.

Another classic holiday meal is my Instant Pot short rib ragu.

If you love cookies, you have to try these milk chocolate dipped shortbread cookies or these classic snowball cookies!

Finally, if you make this easy christmas punch recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!