Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not)

Need the Best Christmas Punch Recipe? This is it! Of the 1300+ recipes on my site, this 4-Ingredient Holiday Punch is the MOST POPULAR and has over 600 5-star reviews!

It’s an easy and delicious holiday party drink packed with cranberries, oranges, and pomegranates. Keep it non-alcoholic, or add rum or vodka for extra holiday spirit!

What Is Christmas Punch?

This has been my go-to recipe for more than 10 years. Since I published it in 2016, it’s been enjoyed by thousands of readers and become a holiday tradition for many families!

Why Everyone Loves This Holiday Punch Recipe!

• Simple Ingredients – Easy to find juices and soda make up this punch recipe.
• 5-Minute Prep – This punch is ready to go as soon as you stir the ingredients together, no need for chilling!
• It’s Gorgeous – This punch recipe when styled with an ice ring or Christmas ice cubes and garnishes like fresh cranberries, pomegranates, and orange slices make this drink so festive it borders on a Christmas party centerpiece!
• Customizable – The base is kid-friendly, but you can easily add vodka or rum for tons of extra holiday joy! And if you’re serving a larger crowd, it’s an easy recipe to double or triple!

Christmas Punch Is A Tradition!

When I was growing up, the Christmas menu was always changing. Some years it was Turkey, some it was Ham, some it was lamb, and the occasional pizza, and these days it’s usually all of the above because my family is filled with picky eaters.

But even when the food was getting changed up, my mom always made a Christmas Punch recipe. Sure, that, too, changed over the years, but regardless of the ingredients, there was always punch.

Oh, and there were always Cranberry Orange Meatballs, too, because feuds would have broken out if those weren’t there!

This was my potluck contribution to a family gathering… so easy and so festive. Made one spiked and one not. Used rum. Very delicious and not too sweet. Definitely a keeper! Thanks! – Tina

Holiday Punch Ingredients

My mom always used the same base: cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale. And I’ve added pomegranate juice to the mix and swapped the ginger ale for lemon-lime soda; I prefer 7UP. I’ve also added pineapple juice from time to time when I want it a little sweeter.

• Orange
• Cranberries
• Pomegranate seeds
• Cranberry juice (use Ocean Spray Pure 100% for the best flavor and color!)
• Orange juice
• Pomegranate juice
• Lemon-lime soda
• Rosemary (for garnish)
• Ice

How To Make Non Alcoholic Christmas Punch

With this popular recipe, you can simply leave out the alcohol and add some additional lemon-lime soda. It will still taste amazing, and this way, the whole family can enjoy it!

How To Make This Christmas Punch Recipe Alcoholic

My family likes to leave the extra “holiday spirit” on the side, this way, guests can add what they like to the punch to make it alcoholic! Vodka, rum, and Prosecco are great choices, and some in the family like bourbon, too! Or, if it’s an adults-only party, add the alcohol in with the rest of the punch ingredients!

How To Make Christmas Punch!

1. You can mix everything except for the soda and ice cubes ahead of time. Add the soda and ice just before serving so it doesn’t start to go flat. For best results, make sure the ingredients are cold when you mix them together so the ice lasts longer and doesn’t water down the punch.
2. Add pomegranate seeds, orange slices, cranberries, and a sprig or two of rosemary to garnish (for sophistication, of course). Oh, and some extra holiday spirit by way of rum or vodka, and you’re in for a truly festive holiday punch.

Holiday Punch Recipe Tools

• A punch bowl (<<< this is the one we used), large pitcher, or another drink dispenser for serving!
• If you’re serving out of a punch bowl, make sure you have a ladle!
• The kids will love it if you have some fun paper straws for sipping!
• Pretty punch glasses or easy disposable cups!

How Long Does Christmas Punch Last In The Fridge?

This Holiday Punch Recipe will stay good for up to one week in the refrigerator. This usually depends on the expiration date of the orange juice and if it has any fresh fruit in it, which can start to turn faster than the juices.

However, it’s important to note that the soda will go flat, and the punch will begin to lose its fizz after the first few hours. So if you have leftovers you want to use up, freshen it up with some extra soda!

Can You Make Party Punch The Day Before?

I recommend doing a partial prep by combining all of the ingredients EXCEPT for the lemon-lime soda. This mixture can be stored in the fridge until ready to use, then add the soda right before serving so it’s fresh and fizzy!

How To Serve Christmas Holiday Punch

• Use a pitcher or punch bowl with a ladle.
• Serve over Ice; we love making these beautiful festive ice cubes with all the garnishes and pomegranate juice because it doesn’t water down the punch!

How Much Punch Do You Serve At A Party?

A standard recommendation for large parties is a gallon (16 cups) per 10 guests. In this recipe, if you had 10 guests, you’d want to double the recipe.

I always plan for around 1.5 cups per person for smaller gatherings. This recipe, as written, should be the perfect amount for a group of 6!

More Delicious Christmas Drink Recipes

• Champagne Shirley Temple – A fun alcoholic twist on the classic drink recipe!
• Cranberry Mojito Punch – This punch is always a hit at parties!
• Cranberry Cooler – This recipe doesn’t contain alcohol and is great for kids!
• Crock Pot Ginger Rum Apple Cider – Very hands-off and easy to make.
• French Hot Chocolate – This drink is thick and rich and begging for a Hallmark movie night!
• Coquito Cocktail (Coconut Nog) – This is a great alternative to eggnog!
• Strawberry Champagne Punch – This one is fruity and easy to make!
• Cranberry Orange Mimosa – The perfect drink for a holiday brunch!

This post was originally published in December 2016 and was updated in November 2024 with extra photos.