By Becky Hardin
Published Nov 24, 2025
Holiday Punch is my go-to party drink, perfect for Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or Christmas celebrations! This bright and bubbly vodka punch is made with the season’s favorite flavors like cranberry, orange, apple cider, and ginger. It’s one of my very favorite drinks for the holidays, and after one sip, you’ll taste why!
Pin this recipe for later!
5-Star Review
“I made this as a trial run for Christmas. Since it was the kids and me testing it we made the non-alcoholic version. It was great. For Christmas I’m going to make two versions, one with, and one without. Thanks for a great idea.” – Edwina
Easy Holiday Punch Recipe
I love serving a fun party punch when we have people over for the holidays. It makes me so happy to see everyone gathering around the table with a festive drink in hand. This holiday version is a true crowd pleaser, loaded with sweet and tart flavors, a nice bubbly texture, and a little kick from the vodka.
But don’t worry if you’d rather skip the alcohol or if you’re missing an ingredient—there are plenty of ways to adjust it. I love giving options so everyone can enjoy a festive, delicious punch, whether you want it kid-friendly, alcohol-free, or just a little lighter on the sweetness. It’s the kind of drink that really brings everyone together and adds a little sparkle to any holiday celebration.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 32 oz. cranberry juice (1 large bottle) 100% pure cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail
- ▢ 16 oz. orange juice (2 cups)
- ▢ 750 mL sparkling apple cider (1 bottle)
- ▢ 2 L ginger ale (1 large bottle)
- ▢ 8 oz. good quality vodka (1 cup)
Optional Garnishes
- ▢ orange slices and fresh cranberries
Video
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a punch bowl and stir well to combine. 32 oz. cranberry juice, 16 oz. orange juice, 750 mL sparkling apple cider, 2 L ginger ale, 8 oz. good quality vodka, orange slices and fresh cranberries
- Top with orange slices and fresh cranberries.
- Pour over ice to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Holiday Punch Step by Step
Make the punch: Start by pouring 32 oz. cranberry juice and 16 oz. of orange juice into a large punch bowl, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
If serving right away, add a 2-liter bottle of ginger ale, 8 oz. of vodka, and a 750-ml bottle of sparkling apple cider for a little more sweetness and a nice bubbly fizz. Hold off on the apple cider if you are not serving right away.
Throw some fresh orange slices and fresh cranberries (or sugared cranberries ) into the punch bowl to dress it up for Christmas parties.
Serve the punch: Ladle servings over ice into glasses garnished with an orange wedge and zest. If you’re feeling spunky, add a bit more vodka.
Recipe Variations
- Make it alcohol free : Omit the alcohol when stirring everything together.
- Instead of sparkling apple cider : Use non-sparkling or apple juice. Note your punch will be missing the fizziness. Sparkling grape juice will work, but it will alter the taste.
- Give it a tropical twist: Add 2 cups of pineapple juice.
- Make it kid-friendly: Omit the alcohol and add lime or orange sorbet.
- Instead of ginger ale: Use lime seltzer with ginger tea bags, or use ginger beer.
- For a less sweet punch : Use sparkling wine instead of sparkling cider.
- Fun glasses: Serve the punch in stemless wine glasses, mugs, or Mason jars.
How to Store
You can make this holiday punch recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When mixing ingredients, leave out the sparkling apple cider until the very last minute, or else it will fall flat. Right before serving, stir in cold sparkling cider—this ensures the bubbly zip will be there for your guests!
If you have any of this cranberry orange Christmas punch left over after your holiday party, store it in the fridge. I recommend pouring it into pitchers or containers with lids, or just covering the punch bowl with plastic wrap. Keep it for up to 3 days. It will lose its bubbly carbonation from the cider, but it will still taste the same.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry holiday punch pairs well with all of the best New Year’s Eve finger foods , Christmas and Thanksgiving appetizers. Cocktail meatballs are always a hit—they’re savory, juicy, and perfect for snacking. These cheeseball bites add a fun, cheesy twist that everyone can grab and enjoy. For something a little sweet and tangy, a batch of cranberry chicken wings never fails to impress. And to round out the spread, this orange cranberry cheese ball brings a festive touch.
more punch recipes to make
Strawberry Margarita Punch
Strawberry Lemonade Party Punch Recipe
Festive Snow Punch (Non-Alcoholic)
Party Punch Recipe (Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream Punch Recipe)
Our Holiday Punch recipe was originally published on 11/29/18. It was retested, reworked, and republished to be better than ever on 11/12/25.
Holiday Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 oz. cranberry juice (1 large bottle) 100% pure cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail
- 16 oz. orange juice (2 cups)
- 750 mL sparkling apple cider (1 bottle)
- 2 L ginger ale (1 large bottle)
- 8 oz. good quality vodka (1 cup)
Optional Garnishes
- orange slices and fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a punch bowl and stir well to combine. 32 oz. cranberry juice, 16 oz. orange juice, 750 mL sparkling apple cider, 2 L ginger ale, 8 oz. good quality vodka, orange slices and fresh cranberries
- Top with orange slices and fresh cranberries.
- Pour over ice to serve. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
