Cranberry Punch Recipe

A festive cranberry punch recipe made with ginger ale, orange slices, star anise, and fresh cranberries. The best Christmas cranberry punch!

Why Make This Cranberry Punch Recipe?

This cranberry punch recipe touches on three of my go-to winter beverages. (I love a classic cranberry juice and ginger ale; a vodka and cranberry; or even a good, old-fashioned cosmopolitan, if I’m out at a bar with friends.) It also celebrates my eternal love of all things cranberry, from staples like sugared cranberries and cranberry compote, to more adventurous recipes like these brie and cranberry brownies. (Sounds weird but the combo really does work, I swear!)

If I’m hosting a Thanksgiving or Christmas party, I love making this cranberry punch. Served in a big punch bowl, the festive blend of cranberry, orange, ginger ale, and star anise spices up any holiday celebration. A little vodka quickly turns it into a boozy spiked punch, but if you want to keep things family-friendly, it tastes great without the alcohol, too.

Cranberry Punch Ingredients

To make this cranberry punch recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Cranberry Juice – Regular cranberry juice will make a slightly tarter punch; opt for cranberry juice cocktail if you prefer a sweeter beverage.
• Ginger Ale – For spice, sweetness, and bubbles! Any brand of ginger ale will work. I tested this recipe with a generic store brand, but classics like Schweppes or Canada Dry are always a safe bet.
• Oranges – You’ll need fresh-squeezed orange juice for the punch, plus one more thinly sliced navel orange to float on top.

• Cranberries – Fresh or frozen cranberries will both work for decorating this festive punch. They usually come in big bags, so save the extras—you can make sugared cranberries, cranberry muffins, or this cranberry curd tart.
• Star Anise – Star anise is a star-shaped spice known for its licorice-like scent and flavor and a common ingredient in Asian cuisines. (You’ll need 10-12 stars for the bunch; use the rest to make mulled wine or a fragrant simmer pot!)

Making Christmas Punch with Alcohol

You can keep this recipe alcohol-free, or turn it into a Christmas punch with alcohol for a boozy, grown-up beverage.

Vodka is my go-to alcohol for spiking this cranberry punch. Start with 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) then taste and adjust as desired. You can use plain vodka or a flavored vodka such as lime, lemon, or cranberry.

Garnishing and Serving Christmas Cranberry Punch

This punch comes with built-in garnishes (orange slices, cranberries, and star anise) that add flavor and serve as a cheerful decoration. If you want to add your own spin, float other citrus slices (lemons, limes); cinnamon sticks; or fresh rosemary.

I recommend serving your punch in a big glass, ceramic, or plastic punch bowl, along with a ladle and glasses so guests can help themselves as they please.

To garnish individual glasses, try sprigs of mint or sugared rosemary, or a skewer of sugared cranberries.

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

Because the carbonation in the ginger ale only retains its fizz for a couple of hours, I recommend waiting until just before party time to whisk everything together. It takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

Other cranberry recipes you might enjoy:

Sugared Cranberries
Festive Cranberry Jelly Candy
Cranberry Compote
Chocolate Cranberry Orange Muffins
Cranberry Curd Tart
Brie and Cranberry Brownies

For other boozy winter beverage options, try my mulled wine and hot buttered brandy recipes, too!

And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!

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