Holiday Cranberry Punch

This Holiday Cranberry Punch has your name written all over it! It’s the perfect party punch, and only requires 4 ingredients!

Overhead view of cranberry punch in a pitcher with lime wedges


 

Holiday cocktails don’t get any better than this Holiday Cranberry Punch! Garnished with rosemary sprigs and cranberries, it’s super festive and fun.

I love hosting at the holidays. Everyone is in a delightful mood, no one is worried about their fad diets and everyone partakes in libations.

Make sure you PIN Holiday Cranberry Punch!

The Cranberry Ginger Ale punch has been a family favorite for years. Whether I am serving a large crowd and making it in a punch bowl or just a few refreshing glasses for friends, it is always a winner.

Two glasses and a pitcher of holiday party punch

How can it not be if it boosts two of the seasons most popular flavors: cranberry and ginger? Add rosemary and you’ve hit the trifecta.

Rosemary garnish is a trick I learned from one of my master mixologist friends. Truth be told, I would order wine if given my druthers.

Mixed drinks aren’t my go-to, but he opened my eyes to well-balanced cocktails that I do enjoy.

Cocktail glass with fresh cranberries, rosemary and  lime slice

And one of his tricks is about teasing the palate and the nose. You don’t want to drink something that immediately makes your face pucker.

By placing an aromatic, like fresh rosemary, in the glass, it will presumably be near your nose and you’ll get the essence and scent of rosemary without having to flavor the whole cocktail.

Pitcher of holiday cranberry punch with lime and fresh cranberries with a wood spoon

Another bartender trick is to whack the rosemary against the side of your hand or a table before placing it in the glass. This releases natural oils that further amplify the fragrance.

PRO TIP: Freeze cranberry juice and fresh cranberries in an ice cube tray for gorgeous presentation but also to prevent watering down your beverage!

One more pro tip is to skip the refrigerator made ice cubes and make your own in an old fashioned ice cube tray… from cranberry juice!

Cranberry juice ice cubes won’t water down your punch like water will! You can even freeze fresh cranberries and cranberry juice in a bundt pan and make a giant ring ice cube or large lunch bowls.

cranberry punch overhead

Garnish your Cranberry Punch Cocktail with any seasonal fruit. My favorites are limes, oranges, lemons, pomegranate seeds and of course, fresh (or frozen) cranberries.

Not only is this Holiday Cranberry Punch perfect as a Thanksgiving or Christmas cocktail, you could even serve it at birthday parties, or any other holiday parties. Just leave out the vodka to make it kid friendly.

Side view of cocktail glass with cranberries, ice cubes and lime

Making this cocktail is super easy, too. Simply combine the cranberry juice, ginger ale, lime juice and vodka (if you’re adding it,) in a large pitcher and stir.

That’s it! No need to make simple syrup or anything fancy, the juice and ginger ale are plenty sweet enough.

So whether you are making this Holiday Cranberry Punch for the holiday season, or just a regular get together, everyone is sure to love it. The best flavors of winter in a glass!

Close up of holiday cranberry cocktail

And the last reason why you should make this holiday punch, cranberries have a lot of nutritional value. So you are drinking something kinda good for you. (I am rationalizing here, I am not a professional and being totally sarcastic….)

But for real, cranberries have been linked to:

  • Prevention of urinary tract infections
  • Prevention of certain types of cancer
  • Improved immune function
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • High antioxidants
  • Low calories (25 calories for 1/2 cup)

Check out these other delicious drink recipes:

Cocktail glass of holiday cranberry cocktail

Questions you might have about how to make this party punch:

Can I make this in advance? I do not recommend making this punch recipe in advance because the carbonation (bubbles) from the ginger ale will go flat.

I don’t like vodka, what else can I use? Cranberry pairs well with many flavors, so pick your favorite liquor and use it! I’ve heard of people using rum and whiskey.

Can I use a flavored vodka? If you prefer to use a flavored vodka, be my guest! Just choose your flavors wisely, I would think a nice vanilla would be delicious.

Holiday cranberry punch for Pinterest
cranberry punch overhead

Holiday Cranberry Punch

4.47 from 15 votes
Holiday cocktails don't get any better than this Holiday Cranberry Punch! Garnished with rosemary sprigs and cranberries, it's super festive and fun.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine cranberry juice, ginger ale, lime juice and vodka in a large pitcher, stir to combine. Add ice to fill the pitcher. See my notes on ice above!
  • Pour into serving glasses and garnish with fresh rosemary and cranberries.
  • If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!

Nutrition

Calories: 101.04 kcal, Carbohydrates: 18.08 g, Protein: 0.5 g, Fat: 0.17 g, Saturated Fat: 0.01 g, Sodium: 4.69 mg, Potassium: 97.41 mg, Fiber: 0.13 g, Sugar: 17.8 g, Vitamin A: 56.92 IU, Vitamin C: 12.33 mg, Calcium: 10.12 mg, Iron: 0.37 mg
Calories: 101.04
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cranberry punch, holiday punch
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

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Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    What a lovely and festive drink. This is perfect for a Christmas party! By the way, any suggestion how to make a non alcoholic version?

  2. 5 stars
    I always wondered why bartenders slapped the herbs and now I know. This will make such an easy while also impressive cocktail to serve at any holiday party.