Our Holiday Punch is one of our favorite drinks to serve at Christmas parties, Thanksgiving dinner, and festive family gatherings because it’s refreshing, pretty, and so easy to make. Lemonade, cranberry juice, orange juice, and Sprite come together for a sweet, fruity punch that both kids and adults love.
We love that you can mix the juices ahead of time, then add the Sprite right before serving so it stays bubbly and fresh. Add cranberries, orange slices, and ice, and it instantly looks party-ready.
For more tasty drinks to spice up your festivities, try Wassail, Apple Cider, Christmas Punch, or our classic Hot Chocolate.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- 5 minutes of prep. This punch is SO simple but still has that wow factor.
- For a stress-free party, just make (and even freeze) the base. Then, right before serving add the fizz and garnish.
- Juices can chill together. Mixing the lemonade, cranberry juice, and orange juice ahead helps the flavors blend and keeps the punch cold.
- Sprite goes in last. Adding it right before serving keeps the punch fizzy and fresh.
Holiday Punch Ingredients
- Lemonade (8 cups): Adds sweet-tart brightness to balance the juices. Store-bought or fresh Homemade Lemonade can be used.
- Cranberry juice (4 cups): Gives a festive red color and a tangy flavor. Try pomegranate juice for a different flavor profile.
- Orange juice (4 cups): Brings citrusy sweetness and body to the punch. Store-bought or freshly squeezed orange juice can be used, but make sure to strain the pulp.
- Sprite (1, 2-liter bottle): Adds fizz and light sweetness; can be swapped for ginger ale. Use any brand lemon-lime soda for ginger ale. Be sure it’s chilled.
- Fresh cranberries (1 cup): Acts as a garnish and keep the punch chilled. Try Frozen cranberries since it keeps the punch cold!
- 1 orange, sliced: Adds visual appeal and a fresh citrus flavor.
- ice: To prevent watered-down punch, pre-freeze some punch into ice cubes.
How to Make Holiday Punch
BASE. Pour and mix cranberry juice, lemonade, and orange juice in a large punch bowl. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
FINISH. Right before serving, stir in Sprite, and mix. Top with fresh cranberries, sliced orange, and ice.
SERVE. Serve this easy Christmas punch recipe in a large drink dispenser, or festive holiday punch bowl.
How Much to Make?
Guests will drink about 2-3 glasses of punch during an event so plan for 20 ounces per person. Don’t make it all at once, instead have the ingredients on hand to whip up more batches as needed.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Chill all ingredients before mixing so the punch stays cold longer.
- Prep the base (juices) the night before, then add soda right before serving for the best fizz.
- Freeze some of the punch in ice cube trays to keep it cold without watering it down or use frozen cranberries to keep it cold without watering it down.
- Swap Sprite for ginger ale if you want a slightly spicier, less sweet flavor.
- Use a clear punch bowl or drink dispenser to show off the cranberries and orange slices.
- Store leftovers in the fridge; while the soda will go flat, it’s still tasty for 2–3 days.
Holiday Punch Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 8 cups lemonade
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 4 cups orange juice
- 1 (2-liter) bottle 2-liter bottle Sprite, chilled
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange sliced
Instructions
- Combine the lemonade, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a large glass punch bowl. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Right before serving, add Sprite and mix. Top with cranberries, orange slices, and ice.
Notes
- Prep the base (juices) the night before, then add soda right before serving for the best fizz.
- Freeze some of the punch in ice cube trays to keep it cold without watering it down.
- Swap Sprite for ginger ale if you want a slightly spicier, less sweet flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and even sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Pick your sugar (plain white, coarse turbinado sugar, or red-colored sugar crystals). Pour the sugar into a bowl or plate larger than the rim of your glasses. Moisten the rim using citrus juice. Moisten the rim of the glass then dip it in sugar.
Store leftover holiday punch in the fridge. Due to the carbonation, this drink will eventually go flat, but it is safe to drink for 3-4 days.
More Like This
Holiday Drinks
Easy Eggnog Recipe
2 hrs 15 mins
Shirley Temple Drink
5 mins
Hot Chocolate Recipe
8 mins
Homemade Wassail
30 mins
More Cold Christmas Drinks
Peppermint Punch
5 mins
Frozen Hot Chocolate
5 mins
Christmas Punch
3 mins
Non Alcoholic Mint Julep
10 mins
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This recipe was originally published November 2020.
Is it cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail?
Regular cranberry juice is used. Enjoy!
What kind of alcohol can I use for this punch? How much?
I actually don’t drink, so I’m no help at all when it comes to choosing alcohol, which is why I love sharing non-alcoholic versions! But you can definitely add your favorite if you’d like.
What brand of orange juice and lemonade did you use?
thank you!
I don’t have a favorite brand that I use- just whatever is on sale or what my husband brings home for me.
Did you use pure cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail?
Just pure cranberry juice. The other might taste delicious too!
Is it really SIXTY grams of sugar per serving??
With all the fruit juices and soda in this, there is a high sugar content.
Thank you for this recipe! I used vodka to make it a cocktail holiday punch and it was a hit. So since you used 16 cups of juice, I used 8 cups of alcohol and it was a hit! I’ll be using this during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Made this go thanksgiving and it was absolutely delicious! Such a unique and fun flavor combo, was a hot by everyone at my house!