Festive Holiday Party Punch

Featured in Refreshing Drinks for Every Occasion.

This holiday punch has become my secret weapon for festive gatherings because it brings such cheerful flavor to any celebration and what makes it really special is how the cranberry juice orange juice and sparkling cider create this perfectly refreshing blend that works for both Christmas and Thanksgiving plus you can easily make it with or without vodka to suit all your guests and I love how it adds such a festive touch to the table and everyone always asks for the recipe because it's so bright and delicious.
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:50:17 GMT
Two drinks filled with ice, garnished with orange slices and cranberries, are set against a wooden background with additional cranberries and orange wedges nearby. Pin it
Two drinks filled with ice, garnished with orange slices and cranberries, are set against a wooden background with additional cranberries and orange wedges nearby. | tastygusto.com

I'm sharing my favorite holiday punch recipe that lights up every Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's party at my house. This gorgeous drink blends cranberry, orange, apple cider and ginger into the most refreshing bubbly punch. I love making big batches for my holiday gatherings everyone always asks for the recipe.

Your New Go-To Party Drink

Trust me this punch is a total game changer for hosting. It takes just 10 minutes to throw together and makes enough to keep the whole party going. I always make both regular and alcohol-free versions so everyone can join in the fun.

Shopping List

  • Cranberry Juice: 32 ounces (1 large bottle). I always splurge on the 100% pure juice for that perfect sweet tart flavor.
  • Orange Juice: 16 ounces (2 cups). The fresh citrus brightens everything up.
  • Sparkling Apple Cider: 750 milliliters (1 bottle). This adds such lovely fizz. Sometimes I swap in sparkling grape juice when I want to mix things up.
  • Ginger Ale: 2 liters (1 large bottle). Gives that perfect spicy bubble we all love.
  • Vodka: 8 ounces (1 cup). Spring for the good stuff or leave it out for virgin punch.
  • Optional Garnishes: Fresh orange slices and cranberries make it look so festive.
A refreshing red drink garnished with orange slices and floating cranberries, served over ice. Pin it
A refreshing red drink garnished with orange slices and floating cranberries, served over ice. | tastygusto.com

Let's Make It

Mix Your Drinks
Get your biggest punch bowl and pour in the cranberry juice, orange juice, sparkling cider, ginger ale and vodka. Give it all a good stir.
Pretty It Up
Float some orange slices and cranberries on top. This makes it look absolutely gorgeous.
Time to Serve
Fill glasses with ice and ladle in your punch. Want it stronger? Add an extra splash of vodka.
Kid Friendly Version
Skip the vodka and you have got the perfect punch for little ones.

My Prep Secret

Want to get ahead? Mix everything except the sparkling cider and pop it in the fridge. Right before your guests arrive pour in the cider. This keeps all those lovely bubbles fresh and fizzy.

Saving Extra Punch

Got leftovers? Pop them in the fridge in covered containers. The bubbles might settle after a few days but the flavor stays amazing for up to 3 days.

What to Serve With Your Punch

In my house this punch goes perfectly with my famous meatballs, spicy cranberry wings or that cheese ball recipe everyone begs me for. It really makes any party food shine.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I switch things around with sparkling grape juice or regular apple juice when I want something different. My sister loves adding sugared cranberries and I occasionally throw in a cinnamon stick when I'm feeling fancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the Best Non-Alcoholic Christmas Drink?

A festive punch made with cranberry and orange juices is a perfect choice. Add some sparkling water or soda for a bit of fizz, and garnish with fresh fruit or herbs to make it feel extra special.

→ What’s a Good Christmas Drink for Kids?

Non-alcoholic punch is a fun option for kids—it’s colorful and full of fruity flavors. For something warm, you can’t go wrong with classic hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or whipped cream.

→ Should You Put Ice in Punch?

Ice works well, but it can dilute the flavor. To avoid this, freeze some of the punch as ice cubes or chill the drink and serve it in glasses over ice.

→ Can I make this punch ahead of time?

You can mix the cranberry and orange juices ahead of time. Add the sparkling ingredients just before serving to keep the fizz fresh and lively.

Holiday Punch Recipe

A festive holiday punch combining cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling cider. Easy to make and perfect for any winter celebration.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes

Category: Drinks & Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 14 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 32 ounces cranberry juice (1 large bottle).
02 16 ounces orange juice (2 cups).
03 750 milliliters sparkling apple cider (1 bottle).
04 2 liters ginger ale (1 large bottle).
05 8 ounces vodka (1 cup).
06 Optional garnishes: Orange slices.
07 Optional garnishes: Fresh cranberries.

Instructions

Step 01

Pour cranberry juice, orange juice, sparkling apple cider, ginger ale, and vodka into a punch bowl.

Step 02

Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 03

Top with orange slices and fresh cranberries for garnish.

Step 04

Serve over ice in punch glasses.

Notes

  1. Use 100% pure cranberry juice for best taste.
  2. Can substitute regular apple cider or juice, but will lose fizz.
  3. Sparkling grape juice works too, but changes flavor slightly.
  4. For non-alcoholic version, simply skip the vodka.
  5. Add fresh fruit garnishes for festive look.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large punch bowl.
  • Mixing spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None significant, but check juice ingredients for specific allergies.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 108
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: ~