Can I make Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not!) ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare the base of your Christmas Punch (cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, and sugar) several hours or even a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. Just before serving, add the chilled sparkling ginger ale (or sparkling cider) and any alcohol you choose, then garnish. This helps maintain the fizziness and ensures a well-chilled, flavorful punch.

What are some good alcoholic options for this Christmas Punch?

This Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not!) is incredibly versatile! Popular alcoholic additions include vodka for a crisp taste, rum (especially spiced rum) for warmth, or Prosecco/Champagne for an extra bubbly and elegant touch. You can also experiment with whiskey or bourbon for a deeper flavor profile. Start with 1 to 1.5 cups of your preferred spirit and adjust to taste.

How can I keep the Christmas Punch cold without diluting it?

To keep your Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not!) cold without diluting it, consider freezing some cranberry juice, orange slices, and cranberries in a bundt pan to create a festive ice ring. You can also make ice cubes from cranberry juice or orange juice. Always ensure your liquid ingredients are well-chilled before mixing, and add regular ice just before serving.

What are the best garnishes for Christmas Punch?

Beautiful garnishes elevate your Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not!). Fresh orange slices, lime wheels, and whole cranberries floating in the punch add color and a hint of extra flavor. For an aromatic and festive touch, fresh rosemary sprigs look like mini pine branches. You can also include cinnamon sticks or star anise for a spiced aesthetic.

Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not): 15 Festive Recipes for Your Holiday Gathering

Ingredients

6 cups 100% cranberry juice, chilled
3 cups orange juice, chilled
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
2 (12 ounce) cans or bottles ginger ale or sparkling cider, chilled
1-2 cups desired spirit (vodka, rum, or prosecco), optional
1 orange, thinly sliced, for garnish
1 lime, thinly sliced, for garnish
1 cup fresh cranberries, for garnish
Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Ice

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the chilled cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, and granulated sugar (if using). Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 2: Taste the punch base and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired. For a sweeter punch, add a little more sugar; for a tarter one, a splash more lime juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld and ensure it's thoroughly chilled.
Step 3: Just before serving, add your chosen spirit (if using) to the chilled punch base and stir gently. Do not add the sparkling component yet.
Step 4: Add plenty of ice to the punch bowl. Slowly pour in the chilled ginger ale or sparkling cider. Stir very gently to combine, being careful not to lose too much of the carbonation.
Step 5: Garnish the punch generously with fresh orange slices, lime slices, whole cranberries, and optional rosemary sprigs. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive Christmas Punch!

Notes

For an even colder punch without dilution, freeze some cranberry juice with cranberries and orange slices in a bundt pan to create a festive ice ring. This can be added to the punch bowl just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg