Holiday Punch Recipe | Easy, Festive & Delicious Drink

There’s something magical about pouring a pitcher of this Holiday Punch on a winter evening. Its ruby-red sparkle, sweet-tart taste, and bubbly texture make every gathering feel joyful. In just 10 minutes, you can mix up a big batch that looks beautiful with orange slices and cranberries dancing on top. At only 16 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free sip of pure cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Punch

This Holiday Punch is easy, colorful, and made for sharing. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients, but the flavor feels bright and refreshing in every glass. The blend of cranberry, pineapple, and citrus brings that perfect balance of sweet and tangy that fits any holiday table. It’s family-friendly, completely non-alcoholic, and can be made festive for adults with an optional splash of soda or fruit-infused water for extra fizz. Because you can prepare most of it ahead and finish it just before serving, it’s perfect for busy holiday hosts. It works beautifully in a punch bowl, a drink dispenser, or even a simple pitcher. And with fresh fruit floating on top, it doubles as a centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cranberry juice: Brings a deep red color and a touch of tartness that feels like the holidays.
• Pineapple juice: Adds tropical sweetness that balances the cranberry perfectly.
• Frozen lemonade: Melts into the mixture for bright citrus flavor and extra freshness.
• Lemon-lime soda or ginger ale: Adds a bubbly sparkle that makes it light and refreshing.
• Orange slices: Float on top and fill the air with a citrus aroma.
• Fresh cranberries: Add a festive pop of color and texture.
• Plenty of ice: Keeps the punch chilled and crisp.

Optional swaps: Use limeade instead of lemonade for a tangier punch or sparkling cider for a smooth, bubbly twist.

How to Make Holiday Punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with lemonade: Thaw and pour the frozen lemonade into a large punch bowl or drink dispenser.
2. Add the juices: Pour in the cranberry and pineapple juices, then stir gently to blend.
3. Finish with fizz: Just before serving, add lemon-lime soda or ginger ale to keep it sparkling.
4. Serve and garnish: Fill each glass with ice, pour in the punch, and top with orange slices and cranberries for color.

If you want to make it more refreshing for adults, try adding a splash of sparkling water or extra soda right before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare this punch up to a day ahead of time. Simply mix the lemonade, cranberry, and pineapple juices, then refrigerate the mixture overnight. Before serving, pour in the soda or sparkling cider so it stays bubbly. If you’re serving outside or at a long gathering, place an ice ring in the bowl to keep it cold without watering it down.

How to Make a Festive Ice Ring

To create a beautiful ice ring, layer fruit slices and cranberries in a Bundt or tube pan. Add just enough water to cover the bottom and freeze. Continue layering fruit and water, freezing between each layer until the pan is full. Once frozen solid, dip the outside of the pan in warm water to loosen and remove the ring. Place it in your punch bowl before adding the liquid. It keeps your punch cold and looks stunning. For even more color, tuck in mint leaves or small rosemary sprigs before freezing.

Variations and Serving Ideas

This Holiday Punch is easy to customize. You can use limeade for more tart flavor, swap soda for sparkling cider, or even stir in orange sherbet for a creamy, dreamy twist. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less soda. Serve it at Christmas dinners, winter brunches, or kids’ parties—it’s always a hit. Pair it with hearty meals like creamy ranch chicken for Christmas dinner or baked chicken thighs for holiday gatherings. For dessert, sip it alongside peppermint bark brownies for dessert or use it as a light refreshment between courses. It also makes a cheerful match with cheesy mozzarella chicken bake or slow cooker bourbon chicken main course.

Holiday Punch FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Festive holiday drink ideas
• Cranberry punch alternative
• Creamy ranch chicken for Christmas dinner
• Slow cooker bourbon chicken main course

Conclusion

This Holiday Punch is the definition of simple joy. It’s quick to prepare, easy to serve, and beautiful to look at. With its fizzy texture, fruity flavor, and bright color, it adds warmth and sparkle to any celebration. Whether you’re serving it at Christmas dinner or a cozy family night, it’s the kind of drink that brings people together one cheerful glass at a time.

You can find more holiday ideas and family-friendly recipes on Pinterest or join me on Facebook for more inspiration.

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