Drinks

Christmas Punch Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery November 10, 2025November 10, 2025

Introduction

This Christmas Punch is a festive, refreshing drink perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines fruity juices with a hint of warm cinnamon spice for a delightful seasonal treat.

Two clear glasses with a short, round shape hold a light orange drink with ice cubes. The front glass has a cinnamon stick standing vertically, red cranberries floating on top, and a thin orange peel strip resting inside near the top edge. The second glass in the background has a few cranberries and a celery stick as a garnish. Both glasses sit on a white marbled surface; the front glass is placed on a light blue cloth napkin while the background is softly blurred. A large clear bowl filled with a similar orange drink and red cranberries is faintly visible in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice, chilled
4 cups cranberry-apple juice, chilled
1 liter ginger ale, chilled
Optional: Fresh or frozen cranberries, sliced apples, orange wedges, fresh mint leaves, cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring the water, sugar, and ground cinnamon to a boil. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to chill.
Step 2: Just before serving, combine the chilled syrup with pineapple juice, cranberry-apple juice, and ginger ale in a punch bowl or large pitcher. Stir gently to mix.
Step 3: If desired, garnish with fresh or frozen cranberries, sliced apples, orange wedges, fresh mint leaves, and cinnamon sticks. Serve the punch over ice for a refreshing holiday beverage.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger cinnamon flavor, steep a cinnamon stick in the syrup while it cools.
Replace ginger ale with sparkling water for a less sweet version.
Add a splash of rum or vodka to make an adult cocktail.
Use frozen fruit as garnish to keep the punch chilled without watering it down.

Storage

Store any leftover punch in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving again, and add fresh ginger ale or sparkling water to restore fizz. Avoid adding ice until serving to prevent dilution.

How to Serve

A large clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a colorful punch. The liquid is a warm reddish-brown color, topped with floating layers of fruit slices: round pale yellow-green apple slices, semi-circle bright orange slices, and scattered red cranberries. There are also fresh green mint leaves placed around the fruit on the surface, adding a fresh touch. A golden spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the punch, with bubbles floating around it. 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 syrup and mix the juices a few hours in advance. Add the ginger ale and garnishes just before serving to keep the punch fizzy and fresh.

What other juices can I use instead of cranberry-apple?

You can substitute with pomegranate juice or cranberry juice for a similar tart flavor. Adjust sweetness as needed depending on the juice you choose.