Here’s a festive Christmas punch fit for a crowd! We make it with cranberry juice, orange juice, bourbon and apple cider, although we also offer a non-alcoholic version so kids can enjoy it too.
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Want an easy cocktail for your New Year’s Eve party without bartending all night? Punch is the perfect solution.
A punch with a holiday mood
This punch is a particular favorite of mine. It combines winter flavors like cranberry, orange and cinnamon in a delicious drink that will make you glow with joy.
I’ve included both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the recipe below. If you want to add even more kick to the alcoholic version, substitute applejack or cider for one or both cups of the hard cider.
Most punches use ice molds to keep things cold. I simply refrigerate the individual ingredients overnight and then mix everything together once the party starts. Keep a bucket of ice nearby so guests can chill and thin their drinks as they see fit.
Which alcohol to buy
For the bourbon in this recipe, we like Bulleit. Available at most liquor stores, it’s an affordable option. If you want to go premier for your Christmas party, try Knob Creek.
For the cider, you have two options: dry cider or semi-sweet cider, which should be indicated on the label. (If it’s not specified, you can generally assume the cider is semi-sweet.) A dry cider will be less sweet and more tart, while a semi-sweet cider will have a more sweet flavor.
Both types of cider will work in this recipe, so choose the flavor profile you like best. Look for local ciders in your area; otherwise Angry Orchard and Crispin are of good quality and available nationwide.
Similarly, ginger beer can range from sweet and slightly ginger to quite hot and spicy. It’s not always clear on the label which way different brands are trending, so you may need to experiment a little to find which ones you prefer. When in doubt, ask a store associate for recommendations or read reviews online.
Ways to customize this recipe
This basic punch recipe is ripe for adaptation. Here are a few ideas:
- Change the seasoning: Instead of (or in addition to) the cinnamon sticks, try fresh ginger slices, a few whole cloves, or some star anise. You can also add a small sprinkling of grated nutmeg to the top of each glass before serving.
- Add more fruit: Blood orange slices would be a great addition to this punch. You can also turn this into some sort of sangria with apple wedges, a handful of fresh cranberries and/or sliced pear.
- Play with the alcohol: Instead of bourbon, try rye whiskey or rum.
Looking for more holiday cocktail ideas?
- Autumn flavored Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Pomegranate Paloma
- Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
- Hot rum with orange and vanilla
- Pear and white wine sangria
holiday punch
This cinnamon syrup does more than you need for this punch. Use the extra in cocktails, coffee or hot chocolate. It keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks.
ingredients
- For the cinnamon syrup (makes about 2 cups):
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1 cup of sugar
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1 cup of water
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2 cinnamon sticks
- For the punch (alcoholic version):
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4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
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2 cups of bourbon
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1 1/2 cups ginger beer
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1/2 cup orange juice
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2 bottles of cider
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Orange and lime slices for garnish
- For the punch (non-alcoholic version):
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4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
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1 cup club soda
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1 1/2 cups ginger beer
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1/2 cup orange juice
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2 cups of cider
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Orange and lime slices for garnish
method
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Prepare cinnamon syrup:
Place the sugar, water, and cinnamon in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from the stove and let stand for 1 hour. Remove cinnamon sticks. Pour into a bottle or other container and let cool. Keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks.
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Cool the ingredients for the punch:
Refrigerate all punch ingredients for at least 6 hours or overnight to chill before serving.
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make punch:
In a large punch bowl, soup pot, or other container, combine 1/3 cup of cinnamon syrup with all of the punch ingredients. Stir together and serve immediately.
