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Holiday Punch screams festive cheer in every sip! This refreshing blend of cranberry juice, zesty lime, and a splash of white rum comes together in minutes, making it the perfect addition to your Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a full-blown holiday bash, this easy holiday punch brings just the right balance of sweet and tart. Plus, it’s a sparkling showstopper that doubles as a stunning centerpiece for your party table.
What Makes This Holiday Punch Work
This Holiday Punch recipe is a party lifesaver. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, uses just a handful of ingredients, and can be made ahead of time—ideal for busy hosts juggling a holiday menu.
The mix of cranberry juice and lime gives it a refreshing, tangy base, while sparkling soda adds that festive fizz. A touch of white rum turns it into an effortless crowd-pleaser, and its bold, jewel-toned color makes it a picture-perfect Christmas punch that feels just as special as the occasion.
What Goes Into This Recipe
This holiday punch comes together with a mix of juices, soda, and fresh garnishes that look just as festive as they taste. Everything is chilled ahead of time, so it’s ready to serve immediately with zero fuss.
- Cranberry Juice: The base of this punch, bringing bold color and a tart-sweet flavor. Ocean Spray or cranberry pomegranate juice both work beautifully.
White Rum: Optional, but highly recommended for an adult-friendly punch with a light kick. Vodka works too.
Sparkling Apple Juice: Adds natural sweetness and bubbles to balance the citrus and cranberry.
Frozen Cranberries: Not just pretty, but they keep the punch cold without watering it down.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Holiday Punch
- Mix Punch: In a punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, sparkling apple juice, and rum. Stir until everything is mixed and chilled.
- Add Garnish & Serve: Add in your frozen cranberries, orange slices, lime slices, and fresh mint. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and festive presentation.
This Holiday Punch is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with festive appetizers makes your spread feel extra special. Try it with the Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree, a savory centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes.
Add even more holiday color with the Caprese Christmas Wreath, made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. For something warm and indulgent, serve Baked Brie Bites with sweet or savory fillings. They’re buttery, flaky, and completely irresistible alongside a glass of punch.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, but it’s best served right after mixing so the bubbles stay fresh. You can prep the citrus slices and garnishes earlier, then toss everything together just before serving.
You can substitute with a cranberry juice cocktail, or try pineapple or orange juice for a different fruity twist. Just keep the balance of sweet and tart in mind.
Absolutely. This recipe is just as delicious alcohol-free. Simply skip the rum or vodka and enjoy it as a family-friendly easy holiday punch.
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Holiday Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cranberry juice use Ocean Spray, or cranberry pomegranate juice, chilled
- 2 cups sprite or lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 2 cups ginger ale chilled
- 2 cups sparkling apple juice chilled
- 1 1/2 cups white rum or vodka, can omit
- 1 1/2 cups frozen cranberries
- 1 orange or lemon, sliced
- 1 lime sliced
- 4 mint fresh
Instructions
- Combine punch ingredients in a large punch bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Add in cranberries, orange slices, limes slices and mint.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Looking for a delicious RED drink for Christmas…so going to make the Punch! Love Vodka drinks!
I’m really looking forward to trying this for Christmas, I will have my family and my husband’s family for Christmas, plus my neighbour who lives alone. Though I better not drink it while I’m preparing the dinner 🙂 … keep you posted
I’m trying this for our New Year’s Eve celebration. With lime sparkling water instead of Sprite. Will let you know…
Hi Karina – I tried looking for sparkling apple juice at my local grocery store and could not find any. Could you tell me what brand you use? Is it apple flavoured carbonated water or is it actual apple juice? Thanks!
Karina! I came upon your website a few years ago & am so very glad I did. I have tried many of your recipes & I believe the highest compliment I can give you is, I rarely have to tweak them. Recipes are full flavoured, easy & have become family favourites. From my Canadian home to your Australian home I thank you & we wish you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year filled with new delicious recipes!
Prime rib looks delicious, can’t wait to try it.
I’m a widow since last year, so holidays are a bit tricky. My children and grandchildren live in VT and I’m in Florida, I had a knee replacement a few weeks ago and can not fly to VT this year. I am so for fortunate to have a sister and brother in law that are on the other coast and that’s were I will be celebrating Christmas this year.