Drinks

Easy Christmas Punch Recipe

Bymia larkspur December 24, 2025December 24, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Christmas Punch is a festive and refreshing holiday drink that combines cranberry juice, orange juice, sparkling apple cider, and a splash of vodka. Perfect for cozy gatherings, it’s simple to make and can be served as a single cocktail or in a large punch bowl for parties.

A clear glass filled with a layered drink showing a bright red bottom layer transitioning into a light orange top layer filled with crushed ice. The drink is garnished with a lemon slice and a small sprig of rosemary, topped with fresh red cranberries. Surrounding the glass on a white marbled surface are scattered fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and a whole lemon in the background. The colors are bright and vivid with a fresh, inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ounces cranberry juice
2 ounces fresh orange juice
2 ounces cold sparkling apple cider
2 to 4 ounces ginger ale, ginger beer, or club soda
1 ounce vodka (optional)
Ice
Optional garnishes: fresh cranberries, rosemary, orange slices

Instructions

Step 1: For a single serving, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, apple cider, and ginger ale in a jar or cocktail shaker. Mix well.
Step 2: Strain the mixture over ice in a glass. Top with vodka if using. Alternatively, pour each ingredient over ice separately to create a layered effect.
Step 3: Garnish with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and orange slices, then serve immediately.
Step 4: To make a punch bowl, combine larger quantities—4 cups cranberry juice, 4 cups orange juice, 4 cups sparkling apple cider, 4 cups ginger ale or ginger beer, and 1 to 2 cups vodka (optional)—in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Step 5: Stir the mixture well, add ice and garnishes, then serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the vodka and use ginger ale or club soda for extra fizz.
Try using ginger beer instead of ginger ale for a spicier punch.
Add fresh herbs like rosemary or mint to enhance the aroma and presentation.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings and serve in a festive punch bowl.

Storage

Store any leftover punch in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before serving again. For best flavor and fizz, add ice and garnishes just before serving rather than storing them in the punch.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with a layered drink showing a deep red layer at the bottom, blending into a bright orange layer above, with ice cubes filling the top half. The drink is garnished with a lemon slice, a small sprig of green rosemary, and several small red cranberries on top. Around the glass, there are scattered red cranberries and sprigs of green rosemary on a white marbled surface with a whole orange in the background. The scene is bright and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this punch ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the punch base (without ice and garnishes) a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Add ice and garnishes just before serving to keep it fresh and bubbly.

What can I use instead of vodka?

If you prefer a non-alcoholic punch, simply leave out the vodka or replace it with a splash of sparkling water or additional ginger ale for more fizz.