This Holiday Spiked Punch Cocktail is a fun and festive drink that will get everyone in the spirit! With fruity flavors and a splash of your favorite spirits, it’s great for gatherings.
I love making this punch because you can mix it all in one bowl and enjoy without fuss. Just remember, it’s so tasty that you’ll want to keep track of how much you’ve had! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: This gives the punch its beautiful color and tartness. If you want something less sweet, go for unsweetened cranberry juice. Pomegranate or cherry juice can also work if you’re looking for variety!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the flavor. If fresh isn’t available, just use store-bought, but keep an eye out for the no-sugar-added variety for the best taste.
Vodka: A standard choice for this cocktail. If you want to switch things up, flavored vodka like orange or cranberry works great too. You can omit it for a non-alcoholic version and increase the juice amounts.
Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds depth. You can substitute it with another orange liqueur like Cointreau. If you want to eliminate alcohol, use orange extract instead, just a splash to avoid overpowering the fruit flavors!
How Do I Create a Sugared Rim?
The sugared rim adds a lovely touch to the drinks and is simple to do! Here’s how:
- Take a fresh orange wedge and run it around the rim of your glass.
- Pour sugar onto a small plate and dip the rim of the glass into the sugar. Make sure it sticks!
- This adds a sweet contrast to the tangy punch and makes your drink look festive.
What’s the Best Way to Chill the Punch?
Chilling the punch is key to serving a refreshing drink. Here’s how:
- Mix all the ingredients except for the ice in your pitcher or bowl, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- If you’re short on time, you can use frozen cranberries instead of ice cubes to keep the punch cold without watering it down!
Holiday Spiked Punch Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds or wedges
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Sugar (for rimming glasses)
- Optional: cinnamon sticks for garnish
Time Needed
This cocktail comes together in about 15 minutes! Just mix up the ingredients, prepare the glasses, and add ice. If you chill the punch for an hour beforehand, it will taste even more refreshing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glasses:
Start by prepping your glasses. Take a fresh orange wedge and rub it along the rim of each glass. Then, dip the rim into sugar to create a lovely sugared edge. Set the glasses aside while you make the punch!
2. Mix the Punch:
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the cranberry juice and freshly squeezed orange juice. Next, add the vodka and triple sec (or orange liqueur). Then stir in the simple syrup, adjusting it based on how sweet you like your punch. Mix it all together until everything is well combined!
3. Add Fresh Fruit:
Now for a splash of color and flavor! Toss in the fresh cranberries and the sliced orange rounds into the punch. This not only makes it look festive but also adds a great taste!
4. Serve Over Ice:
When you’re ready to serve, fill each glass with ice cubes. Pour the punch over the ice, filling each glass to your liking. The ice will keep it nice and cool!
5. Garnish for Festivity:
Finally, add a sprig of fresh rosemary to each glass for a beautiful garnish. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can drop in a cinnamon stick as well for a lovely aromatic touch.
6. Enjoy!
Your vibrant, refreshing Holiday Spiked Punch Cocktail is ready to enjoy! Gather your friends and family and toast to good times ahead!
Can I Use Different Juices for This Punch?
Absolutely! While cranberry and orange juice are traditional, you can mix it up with pineapple juice, pomegranate juice, or even apple juice for a unique twist. Just keep the ratios similar to maintain balance in flavor!
How Can I Make This Punch Non-Alcoholic?
To make a delicious non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and triple sec. You can replace them with additional juice, club soda, or sparkling water to keep that festive fizz without the alcohol!
How Do I Store Leftover Punch?
If you have any leftover punch, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the fruit may lose some freshness, so it’s best to enjoy it all at once if possible!
Can I Prepare the Punch in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the punch ingredients (juices and spirits) ahead of time and chill them. Just add the ice, fresh fruit, and garnish right before serving to ensure everything stays fresh and vibrant!
