Christmas Punch (Holiday Sangria)

This Christmas Punch recipe is a festive holiday sangria with cranberry, pomegranate, and orange that tastes as good as it looks. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing drink to mix up and serve at all your seasonal gatherings.

For more holiday cocktails, try my Halloween Cocktail, Thanksgiving Margarita, Blackberry Sangria and Grinch Punch.

Jump to Recipe

Jump to:

• Holiday Sangria
• What is Christmas Punch?
• Ingredients for Your Holiday Sangria
• How to Make Christmas Punch
• Nonalcoholic Christmas Punch
• Storage
• Tips for Serving Christmas Punch
• FAQs
• I hope you enjoy preparing this easy Christmas Punch!
• Christmas Punch Recipe

Holiday Sangria

Want sangria for the holidays? This Christmas punch drink is my go-to. It’s fruity, colorful, and just as easy to serve in a glass or pitcher.

I’ve poured it alongside Thanksgiving dessert and again to toast the New Year, and it never disappoints. The mix of cranberry, pomegranate, and citrus feels light, festive, and keeps everyone coming back for another sip.

What is Christmas Punch?

Christmas Punch is a holiday beverage that typically combines wine, fruit juices, spirits, and seasonal garnishes, often served in a large pitcher or punch bowl. It’s known for its festive colors and refreshing, fruity flavor, making it popular for parties and gatherings. In this recipe, the punch is prepared sangria-style with cranberry, pomegranate, citrus, and a sparkling finish for the holidays.

Ingredients for Your Holiday Sangria

1. Dry red wine. The base of the punch, bringing depth and richness that balances the sweet juices.
2. Cranberry juice. Adds tartness and that signature holiday flavor while keeping the drink refreshing.
3. Pomegranate juice. Gives a vibrant ruby color and subtle sweetness with a hint of tang.
4. Brandy. Adds warmth and body, making the punch feel a little more robust.
5. Orange liqueur. Provides a bright citrus note and a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
6. Prosecco or Champagne. Poured in just before serving, this creates the fizzy sparkle that makes the punch festive.
7. Sugar syrup or honey. Balances the tart juices and smooths out the overall flavor.

Christmas Punch Garnishes

1. Orange. Thin slices infuse the punch with citrus flavor and add cheerful color.
2. Apple. Red apple slices bring crisp sweetness and extra festive flair.
3. Fresh cranberries. Float on top for a tart bite and beautiful presentation.
4. Pomegranate seeds. Add pops of color and juicy bursts in each glass.
5. Cinnamon sticks. Infuse the punch with gentle spice and warmth.
6. Star anise pods. Optional, but they lend a subtle licorice-like flavor and a striking look.
7. Fresh rosemary sprigs. The perfect finishing garnish that looks like little sprigs of holiday greenery.

How to Make Christmas Punch

Mix the Base

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, I combine the red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, brandy, and orange liqueur. Everything gets a good stir so the flavors start blending together.

Add Fruit and Spices

Next, I layer in the orange slices, apple slices, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. These ingredients infuse the punch with color and warm holiday flavor.

Chill the Punch

I cover the pitcher or bowl and refrigerate it for at least two hours. Letting it sit overnight makes the flavors even richer and more balanced.

Finish and Serve

Just before serving, I top it off with Prosecco or Champagne for that festive fizz. Then I pour it over ice and garnish each glass with rosemary sprigs and a few cranberries for a beautiful holiday touch.

Nonalcoholic Christmas Punch

To make a family-friendly version, simply swap the wine, brandy, and orange liqueur for extra juice and sparkling water or ginger ale. Cranberry, pomegranate, and orange juices create a fruity base that still feels festive. Add the same sliced fruit, cranberries, and spices so the flavor stays layered and aromatic. Finish with a splash of sparkling cider or club soda for that bubbly holiday touch everyone can enjoy.

Storage

Christmas Punch will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The flavors continue to blend as it sits, but the fresh fruit may soften after the first day. For the best fizz, wait to add the Prosecco or Champagne until just before serving.

Tips for Serving Christmas Punch

• Chill before serving. Let the punch rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld together.
• Add bubbles last. Stir in the Prosecco or Champagne just before serving to keep the fizz fresh.
• Serve over ice. Serve over ice so each glass stays cold without losing flavor.
• Garnish for presentation. Float cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or a cinnamon stick in each glass for a festive touch.
• Use a large pitcher or punch bowl. This makes it easy to serve a crowd and show off the colorful fruit.

FAQs

What are the 4 ingredients in Christmas Punch?

The four essential ingredients in Christmas Punch are red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and brandy. These create the base that gives the drink its rich, fruity, and slightly boozy flavor. From there, citrus, spices, and sparkling wine are added to make it festive and holiday-ready.

What type of wine works best?

A dry red wine like Cabernet, Merlot, or Rioja is best because it balances the sweetness of the juices and syrups. Avoid overly sweet wines since the fruit and mixers already add plenty of flavor.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Yes. Start with less sugar syrup or honey and taste as you go. Since juices and sparkling wine add natural sweetness, you can adjust to your preference.

I hope you enjoy preparing this easy Christmas Punch!

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