Holiday Punch Recipe {5 Minute Prep} (2024)

Punches
Winter

Here's a festive holiday punch that's fit for a crowd! We make it with cranberry juice, orange juice, bourbon, and hard cider, though we include a non-alcoholic version so kids to enjoy, too.

Garrett McCord

Garrett has been writing about food and sharing recipes for 15 years. He is the author of Melt: The Art of Macaroni and Cheese.

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Updated November 10, 2022

A Punch With Holiday Spirit

This punch is a particular favorite of mine. It brings together winter flavors such as cranberry, orange, and cinnamon in a delightful drink that leaves you glowing with cheer.

I've included both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the recipe below. If you want to give the alcoholic version even more of a kick, replace one or both cups of the hard cider with applejack or apple brandy.

Most punches use ice molds to keep things cold. I simply chill the individual ingredients overnight, and then mix everything together right as the party starts. Keep a bucket of ice nearby so guests can chill and dilute their drinks as they see fit.

Which Alcohol to Buy

For the bourbon in this recipe, we like Bulleit. It's available at most liquor stores and an affordable option. If you want to go top-shelf for your holiday party, try Knob Creek.

For the hard cider, you have two choices: dry hard cider or semi-sweet hard cider, which should be stated on the label. (If it's not stated, you can generally assume the cider is semi-sweet.) A dry hard cider will be less sweet and more tart, while a semi-sweet hard cider will have more of a sweet flavor.

Either kind of cider will work in this recipe, so choose the flavor profile you tend to like best. Look for local ciders in your area; otherwise Angry Orchard and Crispin are both good-quality and available nationally.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

This basic punch recipe is ripe for adaptation. Here are a few ideas:

Switch up the spice: Instead of (or in addition to) the cinnamon sticks, try slices of fresh ginger, a few whole cloves, or some star anise. You could also add a small pinch of grated nutmeg to the top of each glass before serving.
Add other fruit: Slices of blood oranges would be a great addition to this punch. You could also turn this into more of a sangria with bits of apple, a handful of fresh cranberries, and/or sliced pear.
Play with the alcohol: Instead of bourbon, try rye whiskey or rum.

Looking for More Ideas for Holiday co*cktails?

Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned co*cktail
Pomegranate Paloma
Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
Orange and Vanilla Hot Buttered Rum
Pear and White Wine Sangria

Holiday Punch

Prep Time5 mins

Chilling6 hrs

Total Time6 hrs 5 mins

Servings15 servings

This cinnamon syrup makes more than you'll need for this punch. Use the extra in co*cktails, coffee, or hot chocolate. It will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks.

The sweetness of the punch will depend on how much cinnamon syrup you add well as the sweetness of the hard cider you choose.

Ingredients

For the cinnamon syrup (makes about 2 cups):
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 cinnamon sticks
For the punch (alcoholic version):
4 cups cranberry juice co*cktail
2 cups bourbon
1 1/2 cups ginger beer
1/2 cup orange juice
2 cups hard cider (hard or fresh)
Orange and lime slices for garnish
For the punch (non-alcoholic version):
4 cups cranberry juice co*cktail
1 cup club soda
1 1/2 cups ginger beer
1/2 cup orange juice
2 cups apple cider
Orange and lime slices for garnish

Method

Make the 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 heat and let steep for 1 hour. Remove the cinnamon sticks. Pour into a bottle or other container and cool. Will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Refrigerate the punch ingredients:
Refrigerate all punch ingredients for at least 6 hours, or overnight, so they are chilled before serving.
Make the punch:
Mix 1/3 cup cinnamon syrup to taste (I like 1/3 cup) with all the punch ingredients in a large punch bowl, stock pot, or other container. Stir together and serve immediately.