This festive Holiday Spiked Punch Cocktail is a cheerful mix of fruity flavors and a splash of cheer! With ingredients like cranberry juice, ginger ale, and a hint of your favorite spirit, it’s perfect for a party.
It’s like a party in a glass! 🍹 I love how easy it is to whip up a big batch and watch everyone smile. Just pour it over ice, and voilà—instant holiday spirit! Cheers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Regular vodka works great, but I love using spiced rum for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, you can skip the liquor entirely and still enjoy the punch with more soda or juice!
Cranberry Juice: Ideally, choose unsweetened cranberry juice for a balanced taste. If you want it sweeter, try cranberry-apple juice or cranberry-pineapple juice as alternatives.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but store-bought juice can work in a pinch. If you’re out of orange juice, try using pineapple juice for a different twist.
Ginger Ale: For a spicy kick, stick with ginger ale! If you’re looking for something without sugar, use seltzer or tonic water instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sugared Rim?
Rimming your glasses with sugar adds a fun touch and makes your punch even fancier. Here’s how to do it right!
- Moisten the rim of the glass with lemon juice, which acts like glue for the sugar.
- Pour coarse sugar onto a plate, then gently roll the rim in the sugar until it’s evenly coated.
- Make sure not to over-soak the rim; just enough for a good sticking surface.
This technique gives a bright, festive look and a sweet touch to every sip!
Holiday Spiked Punch Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vodka (or spiced rum for extra flavor)
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 cup ginger ale or club soda (for fizz)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Coarse sugar (for rimming glasses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes prepping the glasses and mixing the ingredients. Then, it’s all about chilling (or serving over ice) and enjoying the festive spirit with family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glasses:
Start by moistening the rims of your serving glasses with a bit of lemon juice. This will help the sugar stick. Then, dip each rim into a plate of coarse sugar to coat it nicely. This step not only makes the drink look pretty but adds a sweet touch to each sip!
2. Mix the Punch:
In a large pitcher, add the vodka (or spiced rum), cranberry juice, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir everything well to combine. Taste the mixture; if you prefer it sweeter, add a little more simple syrup. This is your time to customize!
3. Add Ice:
Now, add ice cubes either directly into the pitcher to keep the punch chilled or pour some ice into each prepared glass. If you’re serving a crowd, mixing it in the pitcher works best!
4. Pour and Top It Off:
Carefully pour the punch mixture over the ice in each glass, filling them up to about three-quarters full. Then, add a splash of ginger ale or club soda on top for that refreshing fizz. This will give your punch a fun, bubbly taste!
5. Garnish with Flair:
For the final touch, garnish each glass with a handful of fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary. The colors and aromas will enhance the festive look and taste of your punch!
6. Cheers and Serve:
Serve your Holiday Spiked Punch immediately, ensuring it’s nice and cold. Enjoy the cheerful, vibrant flavors as you celebrate the holiday spirit with family and friends!
This cocktail’s bright ruby red color, combined with the sweet and tangy flavors, makes it the perfect drink for holiday gatherings. The sugared rim adds a lovely touch of elegance—cheers to a wonderful celebration!
Can I Make This Punch Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the vodka or spiced rum and replace it with extra ginger ale or a mix of more fruit juices. You’ll still enjoy a delicious and festive drink!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter punch, just add more simple syrup little by little until it reaches your desired sweetness. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Can I Prepare This Punch in Advance?
Yes! You can mix the juices and alcohol ahead of time, but wait to add the ginger ale or club soda until just before serving to keep the fizz intact. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness.
What Should I Do with Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover juices in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. You can also use the remaining garnishes – cranberries, oranges, and rosemary – in salads or other cocktails for added flavor and decoration!
