This Spiced Cranberry Holiday Punch is pure holiday cheer in a glass—bright, sparkly, and just a little bit fancy (without the fuss, promise!). It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that looks stunning on the table but comes together in a flash. Whether you’re hosting your annual cookie swap or cozying up on the couch with family, this punch brings the festive vibes with zero stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the punch I serve every holiday season—and it never lasts long! I started making it during my personal chef days for client parties, and it became a must-have at my own gatherings. It’s vibrant, flexible (hello, mocktail or cocktail!), and makes any table look extra special.
- Festive and beautiful – That ruby-red color is holiday magic in a glass.
- Easy to make ahead – Whip up the syrup and base a day or two in advance.
- Flexible for all guests – Non-alcoholic version is kid- and family-friendly, with easy boozy options for the grown-ups.
- Customizable flavor – Go bold with spices or keep it light and citrusy—your call!
- Big batch recipe – Serves a crowd and scales up beautifully for larger parties.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice preferred)
- 3 cups fresh orange juice (about 6–8 oranges)
- 2 cups pineapple juice (or white grape juice for a lighter flavor)
Pro Tips
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice if possible—it truly makes a difference in brightness and taste.
- If you can’t find pineapple juice, white grape juice is a great swap for a smoother fruit note.
- Choose unsweetened cranberry juice if you want to control sweetness with your syrup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the spiced syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4–5 whole cloves, 1 strip of orange zest, and a small pinch of salt (optional). Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to infuse the flavors, then take off the heat. Let cool completely and strain if desired. Chill until ready to use.
- Build the punch base: In a punch bowl or large pitcher, mix the cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple (or grape) juice. Pour in the chilled spiced syrup and stir well. Chill the whole mixture for at least 2 hours.
- Serve and sparkle: When ready to serve, add 2–3 cups of chilled ginger ale or sparkling water (adjust to taste). Stir gently.
- Add optional spirits (for cocktail version): Stir in 1 to 1½ cups vodka or spiced rum. Alternatively, replace the sparkling water with a 750 ml bottle of champagne or prosecco right before serving for a bubbly twist.
- Garnish and enjoy: Add ice and festive garnishes like orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, star anise, and rosemary sprigs.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Steep the syrup a bit longer for deeper spice—but don’t boil it or you’ll lose those fresh citrus notes.
- Want extra sparkle? Use champagne or prosecco instead of sparkling water or ginger ale for grown-up flair.
- Make ice cubes from punch base to keep it cold without diluting the flavor.
- Use clear pitchers or punch bowls—this drink is a centerpiece on its own!
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Clementine twist: Swap in mandarin or clementine juice for a softer, sweeter citrus profile.
- Berry bright: Add raspberries or pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of color and texture.
- Mocktail magic: Use flavored sparkling water (like cranberry-lime) for a fun non-alcoholic twist.
- Serve with style: Rim the glasses with orange sugar or crushed peppermint sugar for added flair.
- Mason jar magic: Pour punch into mason jars with lids for a cute and COVID-friendly party touch.
FAQs
Can I make this punch ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the syrup and punch base 1–2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Just add sparkling liquid and garnishes right before serving.
What alcohol works best?
Vodka is a clean, versatile choice, while spiced rum complements the warm spice notes beautifully. For bubbly fun, prosecco or champagne is divine!
Can I freeze leftovers?
You sure can! Freeze any extras in an ice cube tray and drop them into sparkling water later for a festive refresher.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 minutes for syrup
Total Time: Around 30 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 3 cups orange juice
- 2 cups pineapple or white grape juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (for syrup)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1 orange zest strip
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 2–3 cups ginger ale or sparkling water
- Optional: 1–1½ cups vodka or spiced rum, or 750 ml prosecco/champagne
- Ice and garnishes as desired
Instructions:
- Simmer syrup ingredients for 5–7 minutes. Cool, strain, and chill.
- Mix juices and syrup in a large bowl or pitcher. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Add sparkling liquid and spirits (if using) just before serving. Garnish and enjoy!
Nutrition: ~90 calories per serving (non-alcoholic version)
Let me know how your punch party goes! I’d love to hear if you added a twist, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid. Sharing is caring—send this recipe to anyone who loves festive cheer in a glass!
