If there’s one thing that never changes about the holidays, it’s the way a single sip of something bright and fizzy can set the mood. This Holiday Punch Recipe has been passed down through generations the kind of simple, cheerful drink that turns any gathering into a celebration.
Made with just four ingredients, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, frozen lemonade, and lemon-lime soda it’s easy, refreshing, and crowd-approved. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family Christmas or a big winter bash, this is the punch bowl everyone will circle around.
Ingredients for Holiday Punch
- 1 (64-oz) bottle cranberry juice cocktail
- 1 (14–16-oz) can pineapple juice (any brand works)
- 1 (12-oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed slightly
- 1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soda (Sprite, 7-Up, or ginger ale)
- Fresh orange slices (for garnish)
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)
- Plenty of ice or an ice ring
Optional:
- ½–⅔ cup white rum or vodka for a spiked adult version
- 1 scoop orange sherbet per glass for a dessert-style twist
How to Make Holiday Punch
- Combine the base. In a large pitcher, punch bowl, or drink dispenser, squeeze in the frozen lemonade concentrate. Pour in cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Stir gently to blend.
- Add fizz. Just before serving, slowly pour in the lemon-lime soda to keep the carbonation lively.
- Serve chilled. Add plenty of ice or your prepared ice ring (see below). Garnish with orange slices and cranberries for that festive touch.
- Optional spike. For grown-ups, stir in rum or vodka right before serving — it’s deliciously balanced.
How to Make an Ice Ring
- Pour ½ inch of water into a Bundt pan. Add a few slices of orange, lime, and cranberries. Freeze until solid.
- Add another layer of water and fruit; freeze again. Repeat until full.
- When ready to serve, run warm water briefly along the outside of the pan to loosen the ice ring. Transfer to the punch bowl.
(Pro tip: Making the ring in layers keeps the fruit beautifully suspended instead of floating to the top.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Holiday Punch
- Keep it clear. If using a dispenser, place faux ice cubes or large real ones below the spout to prevent fruit pieces from clogging the nozzle.
- Make it ahead. Mix everything except the soda up to 24 hours in advance. Chill, then add soda just before serving.
- Want more fizz? Use chilled ingredients and pour soda gently — carbonation lasts longer.
- Pretty presentation. Place the dispenser or punch bowl on a wooden board, add a few candles or pine sprigs, and let it double as décor.
Substitutions & Variations
- No frozen lemonade? Use frozen limeade or 1 cup prepared powdered lemonade mix instead.
- Switch the soda. Ginger ale adds a spicier, more adult flavor; lemon-lime soda makes it lighter and citrusy.
- Tropical twist. Replace pineapple juice with mango or passion fruit juice for a sunny variation.
- Sherbet punch version. Add a scoop of orange or raspberry sherbet to each glass before pouring. It melts into a creamy, festive foam.
Make Ahead & Storage
- To prep ahead: Mix the juices and frozen lemonade; refrigerate overnight. Add soda right before serving.
- Leftovers: Store in a sealed pitcher for up to 2 days. Expect less fizz after 12 hours — still tasty, just gentler.
- Avoid freezing. The carbonation disappears and the texture turns flat once thawed.
Holiday Punch FAQs
Can I make this punch alcoholic?
Absolutely. Add ½ to ⅔ cup of rum, vodka, or sparkling wine right before serving. Adjust to taste.
How do I keep it fizzy for hours?
Use chilled ingredients and add soda in small batches during the party instead of all at once.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales easily — just maintain the 4:1:1:1 ratio of cranberry, pineapple, lemonade, and soda.
What if I can’t find frozen lemonade?
Use 1 cup bottled lemonade concentrate or mix ¾ cup bottled lemon juice with ¼ cup simple syrup for similar flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 16 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
| Vitamin C | 2% DV |
This Holiday Punch Recipe brings the kind of joy that feels familiar the fizz, the color, the chatter around the bowl. It’s bright enough for a kids’ table, elegant enough for grown-ups, and forgiving enough for last-minute hosts.
If you try it, rate it below or share your photo with us because honestly, there’s something timeless about sharing a drink everyone remembers long after the tree’s put away.
Holiday Punch Recipe (Easy, Festive & Non-Alcoholic Option)
Ingredients
- 1 (64-oz) bottle cranberry juice cocktail
- 1 (14–16-oz) can pineapple juice (any brand works)
- 1 (12-oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed slightly
- 1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soda (Sprite, 7-Up, or ginger ale)
- Fresh orange slices (for garnish)
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)
- Plenty of ice or an ice ring
Instructions
How to Make Holiday Punch
- Combine the base. In a large pitcher, punch bowl, or drink dispenser, squeeze in the frozen lemonade concentrate. Pour in cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Stir gently to blend.
- Add fizz. Just before serving, slowly pour in the lemon-lime soda to keep the carbonation lively.
- Serve chilled. Add plenty of ice or your prepared ice ring (see below). Garnish with orange slices and cranberries for that festive touch.
- Optional spike. For grown-ups, stir in rum or vodka right before serving — it’s deliciously balanced.
How to Make an Ice Ring
- Pour ½ inch of water into a Bundt pan. Add a few slices of orange, lime, and cranberries. Freeze until solid.
- Add another layer of water and fruit; freeze again. Repeat until full.
- When ready to serve, run warm water briefly along the outside of the pan to loosen the ice ring. Transfer to the punch bowl.