A mug of hot Wassail, with a cinnamon stick, apple slice, and orange slice on top of the mug.

Christmas Punch (with or without Alcohol)

By Damaris J. Dickerson 8 months ago

This easy Christmas Punch recipe with sparkling cranberry and apple flavors is the perfect homemade beverage for a holiday gathering! Adding alcohol or leaving it non-alcoholic makes it great for kids and adults alike.  

Looking for more Christmas recipes? Try my Homemade Caramels, Christmas Cornflake Wreaths, Caramel Hot Chocolate, and Peppermint Brownies!

A large glass pitcher filled with Christmas Punch, and garnished with cranberries and limes.

Why I love this recipe:

  • Quick – Only 15 minutes from start to finish for the perfect Christmas beverage to compliment your meal!
  • Festive – This bright red punch will add the perfect holiday touch of color and make it feel like Christmas.
  • Delicious – Everyone always raves about this drink when I serve it. It’s refreshing, full of flavor, and an absolute crowd pleaser! We look forward to it every year!

Ingredients Needed:

  • Fresh Cranberries
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Apple Cider
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Ginger Ale
  • Lime
  • Water & Ice
All the ingredients needed to make Christmas Punch: sugar, ginger-ale, cranberry juice, cranberries, apple cider, and water.

How to make Christmas Punch:

Combine Ingredients: Pour the water, sugar, and cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. 

A saucepan with water, sugar, and cranberries to make the best Christmas Punch.

Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop. Pour into a container and allow it to cool to room temperature, or chill in the fridge until cooled.

A bowl of cranberries, sugar, and water after being cooked with the cranberries popped open.

Add Juice: Pour cooled cranberry syrup in a pitcher, followed by apple cider, cranberry juice and lime juice and chill until ready to serve. 

A homemade cranberry syrup in a large glass pitcher with apple cider, cranberry juice, and lime juice being added to it.

Once ready to serve, pour in Ginger-Ale and ice.

The best Christmas Punch with ginger-ale being added to it.

Serve this old fashioned Christmas punch with thinly sliced lime, apples, or oranges floating on top, or even a cinnamon stick to add to the festive appearance (optional). Add them all last so they don’t add any bitter flavors to the drink.

A small glass filled with easy Christmas Punch and topped with cranberries and a lime.

Make Ahead and Instructions:

To Make Ahead: The whole Christmas drink recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead of time, just don’t add the ginger-ale, ice, or any garnishes until ready to serve. Store covered in the fridge.

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Recipe

  • Combine the water, sugar and cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop. Pour into a tupperware and allow to cool to room temperature, or chill in the fridge until cooled.

  • Add cooled cranberries to a pitcher. Add apple cider, cranberry juice and lime juice and chill until ready to serve. 

  • Once ready to serve, add ginger-ale and ice.

  • Optional: Serve with thinly sliced lime, apples, or oranges floating on top, or even a cinnamon stick to add to the festive appearance. Add them all last so they don’t add any bitter flavors to the drink.

To Add Alcohol: Instead of 3 cups Ginger ale, use 1 ½ cups Ginger ale and 1 ½ cups of an inexpensive champagne, cava or prosecco, or dark rum, or brandy. You could also add a few shots of vodka. Make Ahead Instructions: This is a great drink to make in advance. You can make all of it, except for adding the ginger soda or champagne, a day ahead of time.

Calories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 146mgFiber: 1gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 34IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.4mg

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I originally shared this recipe November 2016. Updated December 2020.

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