If you like a more traditional season, try your hand at a warming batch of mulled wine or creamy eggnog. But if you’re ready to mix things up and start a new trend, whip up a sherbet punch or a sparkling peach bourbon. With over 20 recipes on this festive list, there are plenty of choices for Christmas cocktail connoisseurs (try saying that after a few sips). And the kids don’t have to miss out. If you’re throwing a Santa party for the younger members of the family, be sure to check out non-alcoholic options like a zesty Grinch punch or the creamy Snow punch. ‘Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry, and these recipes are a good place to start!
25 Festive Christmas Punch Recipes To Make This Holiday Season Joyful
1. Mulled Wine
We have the Romans to thank for mulled wine. When that industrious civilization wasn’t building roads and empires, it was warming wine with aromatic spices and fruits. The tradition really took off in the Middle Ages – presumably as a way to keep out the chill in drafty castles and hovels – and remains popular today during the holiday season. This easy recipe is a great mulled wine for beginners, with suggestions on which wine to use and the best sweeteners. But it basically boils down to three steps – dump the ingredients in a pot, simmer gently, enjoy!
2. Pumpkin Pie Punch
When it comes to picking a favorite holiday, I have a hard time choosing between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thankfully, there’s no choice necessary with this fusion punch – a gorgeous blend of fall flavors and Christmas fun. A creamy blend of pumpkin puree, sweet spices, and plenty of rum, this is one beverage you’ll want to drink all winter long.
3. Cranberry Punch
Sweet yet sour, this tongue-tingling punch is a festive hit. You can make two versions of this fruit-based cocktail. One is spiked with bubbly Prosecco, and the other sticks to the more kid-friendly formula of ginger ale, cranberries, and pineapple juice.
4. Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
There’s just 3 ingredients, but a whole lot of Christmas spirit, in this jingle juice. Vodka, rose wine, and cherry soda form the base, but if you really want to impress you can use pink champagne instead of the rose. And if you want more of a crafty look, try making some berry ice cubes!
5. Grinch Punch
Go from Grinch to great with this fruity punch that’s booze-free and very kid-friendly. It’s made with lemon-lime Kool-Aid, fruit juice, and soda for a sweet and bubbly snack. Bright green and served in a red-rimmed glass, this is ideal if you’re throwing a Christmas party for the kids.
6. Peppermint Eggnog Punch
When eggnog appears in the grocery stores in late fall, snap it up! You’ll need extra this year to make this delicious creamy drink. It’s a dreamy, thick blend of peppermint ice cream, eggnog, ginger ale, and rum. Blend everything together, pour into a large punch bowl, and decorate with candy canes for extra minty magic.
7. Pear Prosecco Cocktail
Light and bubbly, this celebratory cocktail is perfect for toasting Christmas and the upcoming New Year. Made with fresh pears and pear nectar, it has plenty of authentic fruity taste with a generous dash of sparkling wine.
8. Christmas Sherbet Punch
Everyone in the family can enjoy this fun, fizzy, and fruity sherbet. There’s no alcohol involved (although you can add a tot of rum if your kids are grown), and little ones will go crazy for its bright green color. The sherbet will fizz up when it’s added to the bowl, creating a frothy upper layer. Dip the rim of your glass in red sanding sugar to really complete the festive look.
9. Wassail
Wassail comes from the Brits and is named after wassailing – an old English ritual involving people getting very drunk. In its original Anglo-Saxon, the word wassail means ‘good health.’ I can’t guarantee that it’ll get you fighting fit, but this hot mulled cider will definitely make you merry. Made with apple, ginger, lemon, and spices, it’s a nourishing concoction that will warm your belly and your heart.
10. Santa Claus Christmas Punch
Put this out for Santa on Christmas Eve and you’re sure to find something special in your stocking. A vibrant, bright red, it’s a juicy mix of cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, sparkling wine, and tequila. But here’s the best part – this punch is served in an ice ring made from frozen cranberries. Of course, the ice ring is optional but if you’re serving a crowd, it’s a great way to wow your guests.
11. Apple, Ginger, and Orange Punch
If you’re set for a snowy Christmas, bring back some sunshine with this juicy punch. This tempting tipple is spiked with vodka and topped up with ginger ale. It’s sweet, refreshing, and colorful, making it perfect for parties!
12. Kinderpunsch
As you can probably tell from the name, this is a kid-friendly German punch with zero booze but plenty of flavor. Traditionally served at German Christmas markets, it’s a steaming mug similar to mulled wine but without the booze. Instead, wine is replaced with hot fruit tea and packed with warming spices. A mug of this is very welcome whether you’re at an outdoor market or just hanging around at home waiting for Santa.
13. Warm Pomegranate Punch
Dark red, sharp, and tangy, this wine-laced punch is your next Christmas Eve tradition. Gently heat pomegranate juice, red wine, and rum on the stovetop. Stir in a dash of sugar and spices like cinnamon and star anise, and let it come to a simmer.
14. Celebration Fruit Punch
You can make this festive punch for any celebration – birthdays, New Year’s, 4th July – but it’s particularly welcome at Christmas parties. A great alternative to heavier Christmas drinks like mulled wine and eggnog, this light punch is sweet without being overpowering. It’s packed with fresh fruit and finished with rum, ginger ale, and cranberry juice. If you have younger members of the family joining you, skip the rum, and it’ll still taste great!
15. Snow Punch
Fun for all the family, this snow punch is a non-alcoholic festive treat. Made with ice cream, bananas, and soda, it’s smooth and creamy. But the real fun is the presentation. The recipe shows you how to decorate your glass with shredded coconut and vanilla icing to give it a beautiful frost-covered rim.
16. Holly Jolly Punch
Enjoy a taste of Mexico this Christmas with this tequila-laced punch. It’s full of tropical flavor thanks to a generous serving of pineapple juice and swirled together with cranberries and lime to add tongue-tingling tart notes.
17. Shower Punch
With just two ingredients, shower punch is one of the easiest holiday treats out there. Spoon a ball of raspberry sorbet into a bowl, slowly pour lemon-lime soda over it until it fizzes and that’s it. Fizzy and refreshing, it’s a great option for anyone who wants to skip the alcohol and have a sober season.
18. Eggnog
Eggnog comes from medieval times, but this vegan version is a 21st-century original. Made with creamy plant-based milk, it uses cashews to thicken the nog rather than eggs. This ‘nutnog’ is then spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to give you that signature festive taste.
19. Winter Moscato Punch
If you’re tired of mulled wine, try this winter-time sangria. It’s a bright blend of Moscato wine, triple sec, pomegranate juice, and ginger beer.
20. Sparkling Bourbon Peach Punch
Sweet bourbon, ginger beer, and plenty of fresh fruit make this punch heaven. Fruity and floral, it’s a welcome taste of summer during the winter holiday season. If you can’t find fresh peaches, use canned. And if you can’t find good bourbon, try harder. This drink deserves the best!
21. Citrus Punch
Booze-free, and loaded with vitamin C, this punch is a tasty yet healthy option if you’re watching your diet over Christmas. Juice oranges, lemons, and limes, then stir in some sugar and serve over ice. Fancy some fizz? Top it up with soda to make it bubbly!
22. Christmas Sangria
Crisp and fruity, this heavenly sangria is full of festive joy. It’s made with white wine, apple cider, and a whole heap of seasonal fruits. Tart and tasty!
23. Spiced Pineapple Rum Punch
You won’t need to head south to get some Christmas sun this year. Just get a sip of this tropically delicious spiced pineapple punch. Loaded with Caribbean flavor and smooth rum, it’s a vacation in a glass.
24. Cranberry-Orange Punch
There’s no sugar in this vibrant punch. Just tangy cranberry, juicy orange, and citrus-scented brandy. It’s gorgeously refreshing without being too sickly, so it’s perfect for party guests and a guaranteed family favorite.
25. Christmas Punch
Ideal for a Christmas brunch, this bright cocktail is laden with fruit juices but skips the booze. It’s made with orange juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, and fresh cranberries. Make up a big pitcher, chill it before serving, and decorate with more fresh fruit and/or citrus slices. This could be your new family tradition! Click on a star to rate it!
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