This Holiday Spiked Punch Cocktail is the perfect festive drink! It’s a mix of fruity flavors and a splash of something strong to warm you up during the chilly season.
Making it is easy and fun—mix up your favorite juices, add some bubbly soda, and pour in the spirits. Cheers to good company and laughter! 🍹
I love serving this punch in a big bowl for everyone to enjoy. It makes parties so lively and adds that extra holiday cheer to our gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice is best for a tart flavor. If it’s too tart for you, consider using lightly sweetened or even a cranberry-apple juice blend.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the drink a lot! If fresh isn’t available, good quality store-bought juice will work fine too.
Spiced Rum or Vodka: Spiced rum gives a warm flavor that fits the holiday theme. If you prefer vodka for a lighter taste, go for it! For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the spirits and add more juice or soda.
Triple Sec: This adds sweetness and an orange flavor. If you don’t have it, try using another orange liqueur, or you can leave it out for a less sweet punch.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Festive Fizz?
The sparkling water or club soda adds a refreshing fizz. You should add it just before serving to keep it bubbly. Otherwise, the punch may get flat, and we definitely want a lively drink!
- Mix all the juices and alcohol first without the soda and chill them for the best flavor.
- Right before serving, gently add the sparkling water to avoid losing too much fizz.
Remember to taste before serving! Adjust the sweetness or strength of the punch as needed. Enjoy the holiday cheer with every sip!
Holiday Spiked Punch Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 cup spiced rum or vodka
- 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Coarse sugar, for rimming glasses
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Just gather your ingredients and mix them, and you’ll be ready to serve this delightful punch in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glasses:
Start by getting your serving glasses ready. Wet the rim of each glass with a slice of orange or a little juice. Then, dip the rim into coarse sugar to create a pretty, sweet edge. Set the glasses aside for now.
2. Mix the Punch Ingredients:
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the cranberry juice, orange juice, spiced rum (or vodka), and triple sec. Stir everything together well to combine the flavors. This is where the fun begins—your punch is taking shape!
3. Add the Sparkling Fizz:
Just before you’re ready to serve, add the sparkling water or club soda to the punch mixture. This bubbly addition will make your drink festive and refreshing! Gently stir to mix, but don’t overdo it—everyone loves those bubbles!
4. Fill the Glasses:
Toss a handful of ice cubes into each prepared glass. This will chill your punch and keep it cool while served.
5. Pour and Garnish:
Now it’s time to pour the punch mixture over the ice in each glass. Fill them up to your liking! Finish each drink with a few fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary for that lovely holiday touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all glasses are filled and garnished, serve your Holiday Spiked Punch Cocktail immediately. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the compliments as your guests savor this refreshing holiday treat!
Can I Make This Punch Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Just omit the spiced rum, vodka, and triple sec. For flavor, you can increase the amounts of cranberry and orange juices, and add more sparkling water or club soda to maintain the refreshing fizz.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you find the punch too sweet, you can reduce the amount of triple sec or use unsweetened cranberry juice. Alternatively, if you prefer it sweeter, consider adding a little agave syrup or simple syrup to taste.
Can I Prepare This Punch in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the juice and spirit mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add the sparkling water right before serving to keep the fizz fresh!
How to Store Leftover Punch?
Any leftover punch can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the carbonation will diminish over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
