15 Refreshing Holiday Punch Recipes That Please Every Guest

Written by Camilla in Beverage

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You’ll find 15 holiday punch recipes that cover sparkling, warm, creamy, and alcohol-free options, so everyone at your gathering can have a festive drink. Each recipe includes clear ingredients, simple steps, and easy garnish ideas, plus a few swap options like bourbon or extra citrus. Start with a bright cranberry-citrus punch or a cozy spiced apple cider, and you’ll have variety ready for guests who like light, rich, or warm pours—and there’s more to try.

Sparkling Cranberry Citrus Punch

Bright, bubbly and festive — this Sparkling Cranberry Citrus Punch sparkles with tart cranberries and zesty citrus.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 2 cups fresh orange juice (about 4–5 oranges)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste) or 1/3 cup honey warmed and thinned
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (for extra fizz) — more to taste
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine or prosecco (optional for boozy version)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs or mint leaves (optional, for aroma and garnish)
  • Ice

How to Make:

  1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well mixed.
  2. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more simple syrup or honey if desired.
  3. Chill the juice mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so flavors meld.
  4. Just before serving, add the sparkling water or club soda and gently stir to combine.
  5. If making the boozy version, slowly pour in the chilled sparkling wine or prosecco and stir gently.
  6. Add ice, fresh cranberries, orange and lemon slices, and rosemary or mint to the punch for a festive look.
  7. Serve in glasses with a few garnishes and a sprig of rosemary or mint on top.

Cheers — raise a glass to bright flavors and holiday sparkle!

Spiced Apple Cider Punch With Bourbon Option

Warm up the party with this cozy Spiced Apple Cider Punch—boozy option for grown-ups, but just as delicious without the bourbon.

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups (2 liters) unsweetened apple cider
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks + extra for garnish
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise (optional)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon (optional; add more or less to taste)
  • Sparkling water or club soda (optional, to top and lighten)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)

How to Make:

  1. In a large pot combine apple cider, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, brown sugar, and nutmeg.
  2. Heat over medium until it just begins to simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  3. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15–20 minutes so the spices and orange infuse the cider.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness; add more brown sugar or maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
  5. Remove from heat and strain out the spices and orange slices.
  6. Stir in bourbon if using; for a lighter drink, add a splash of sparkling water when serving.
  7. Transfer to a heatproof punch bowl or slow cooker set to warm to keep it cozy for guests.
  8. Garnish with orange and apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of rosemary in each cup.

Serve warm and enjoy—this punch smells like the holidays in a glass!

Pomegranate Rosemary Fizz

Bright, bubbly, and festive — this Pomegranate Rosemary Fizz sparkles on the holidays.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup cranberry juice (optional for tartness)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 1/2 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
  • Orange slices or twists for garnish
  • Ice
  • Optional: 1 to 1 1/2 cups vodka or gin for an alcoholic version

How to Make:

  1. In a pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, cranberry juice (if using), orange juice, and simple syrup. Stir to blend.
  2. Bruise the rosemary sprigs lightly between your hands to release oils, then add them to the pitcher to infuse.
  3. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to let the rosemary flavor develop (up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).
  4. When ready to serve, remove rosemary sprigs from the pitcher if you prefer a milder herb presence.
  5. Add chilled sparkling water or club soda and gently stir to combine.
  6. Fill glasses with ice, add a splash of the punch, and, if desired, top each with a shot of vodka or gin for a spirited version.
  7. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, an orange slice or twist, and a small rosemary sprig.

Enjoy a glass and let the festive fizz brighten your holiday gathering!

Creamy Eggnog Punch With Rum

A rich, velvety eggnog punch with a warming rum kick — perfect for cozy holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs, separated
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups dark rum (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/4 cup brandy or spiced rum for extra depth
  • Optional: cinnamon sticks and grated nutmeg for serving

How to Make:

  1. Chill a large bowl and beaters (optional) in the fridge for about 15 minutes for best whipping.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
  3. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  4. Mix in the dark rum (and brandy, if using), then taste and adjust alcohol or spice levels as desired.
  5. In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar until soft peaks form.
  6. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk-milk mixture until light and combined; this gives the punch a fluffy, creamy texture.
  7. Chill the punch in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and to serve cold.
  8. When ready to serve, stir gently, ladle into glasses, and garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick if you like.

Enjoy this creamy, boozy eggnog punch with friends — it’s a holiday hug in a glass!

Ginger Pear Holiday Punch

Ginger Pear Holiday Punch — spicy-sweet sips for cozy get-togethers.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups pear juice (or pear nectar)
  • 2 cups ginger ale (or ginger beer for more spice)
  • 1 cup apple cider (optional for depth)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (or 1 tsp grated)
  • 1 pear, thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Ice or a frozen fruit ring to chill without diluting

How to Make:

  1. In a pitcher, combine pear juice, apple cider (if using), and lemon juice.
  2. Stir in honey or maple syrup until dissolved.
  3. Add the sliced fresh ginger to the pitcher and let the mixture sit 5–10 minutes to infuse.
  4. Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale or ginger beer and gently stir to combine.
  5. Add ice or a frozen fruit ring and float pear and lemon slices on top.
  6. Garnish with rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive aroma.
  7. Taste and adjust sweetness or ginger intensity as needed.

Enjoy a glass — fizzy, warming, and perfectly festive!

Mulled Wine-Inspired Warm Punch

Cozy, spiced warmth in a glass — like holiday cheer you can sip.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
  • 2 cups apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (optional) or additional 1/4 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 3 star anise
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thin (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice berries (or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice)
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup brandy or rum (optional, for a boozy punch)
  • Fresh cranberries or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Pour the wine and apple cider into a large saucepan or pot.
  2. Add the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger, allspice, and a pinch of nutmeg.
  3. Stir in the honey or maple syrup and the orange liqueur if using.
  4. Warm the mixture over low to medium-low heat until just below a simmer — don’t boil — for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice; add brandy or rum now if using and warm gently for another 2 minutes.
  6. Strain out the spices and fruit with a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or pot.
  7. Ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary.
  8. Serve warm and enjoy the fragrant, festive comfort in every sip!

Cheers to cozy nights and warm holiday memories.

Tropical Winter Punch With Pineapple and Coconut

Bright, creamy, and sunny — a tropical escape in a punch bowl.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups pineapple juice (preferably chilled)
  • 2 cups coconut milk (well shaken)
  • 1 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
  • 1/2 cup lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
  • 1/2 cup light rum (optional for adults)
  • 1/4 cup coconut rum (optional)
  • 2–3 tbsp honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
  • 2 cups crushed ice
  • Pineapple slices and lime wheels for garnish
  • Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
  • Toasted coconut flakes (optional) for rim or topping

How to Make:

  1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the pineapple juice, coconut milk, orange juice, and lime juice.
  2. Stir in the honey or simple syrup until dissolved; taste and adjust sweetness.
  3. If using alcohol, add the light rum and coconut rum and gently stir to combine.
  4. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and crushed ice, stirring lightly to keep fizz.
  6. Pour into glasses and garnish each with a pineapple slice, lime wheel, and a sprig of mint.
  7. For a festive touch, rim glasses with toasted coconut flakes before pouring.

Sip, relax, and let this tropical winter punch transport you to sunnier shores.

Festive Hibiscus and Orange Punch (Nonalcoholic)

Bright, tangy, and sparkling — this Festive Hibiscus and Orange Punch brings holiday cheer to the whole family.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (or 6 hibiscus tea bags)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4–5 oranges)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional for extra depth)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 4 cups chilled club soda or sparkling water
  • Orange slices, lime slices, and pomegranate seeds for garnish
  • Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
  • Ice cubes or an ice ring

How to Make:

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  1. Bring 4 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan.
  2. Add dried hibiscus flowers (or tea bags) and simmer 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  3. Stir in sugar until dissolved; taste and add more if you like it sweeter.
  4. Let the hibiscus syrup cool to room temperature, then strain out the flowers if used.
  5. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled hibiscus syrup with orange juice, pineapple juice (if using), and lime juice.
  6. Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Just before serving, gently stir in the chilled club soda or sparkling water.
  8. Add ice, orange and lime slices, pomegranate seeds, and mint to the pitcher or individual glasses.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive colors and bright flavors.

Cheers — pour, sip, and let the holiday sparkle!

Maple Bourbon Apple Punch

Warm up your party with a cozy Maple Bourbon Apple Punch that tastes like autumn in a glass.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider (preferably fresh)
  • 2 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups bourbon (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (more or less to sweeten)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks plus extra for garnish
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Optional: star anise or cloves for garnish
  • Ice

How to Make:

  1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, stir together apple cider, maple syrup, and lemon juice until the syrup dissolves.
  2. Add the bourbon and cinnamon sticks, then taste and adjust maple or bourbon to your liking.
  3. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes so flavors meld (can chill up to a few hours).
  4. Just before serving, add chilled sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
  5. Fill glasses with ice, pour the punch, and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick (add star anise or a clove-studded orange if you like).
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of fall in every sip.

Cheers — this punch is perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday toasts!

Citrus and Champagne Holiday Punch

Citrus and Champagne Holiday Punch — bright, bubbly, and festive in every sip.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled Champagne or other dry sparkling wine
  • 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4–5 oranges)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (about 2 grapefruits)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • 1/3–1/2 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup orange liqueur (optional, e.g., Triple Sec or Cointreau)
  • 1 cup club soda or sparkling water, chilled
  • Orange, grapefruit, and lemon slices for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs or mint for garnish
  • Ice (optional: large ice ring or ice cubes)

How to Make:

  1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
  2. If using, add the orange liqueur and gently mix.
  3. Just before serving, pour in the chilled Champagne and the club soda. Stir gently to preserve the bubbles.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness with more simple syrup if desired.
  5. Add ice to the bowl or individual glasses as preferred.
  6. Garnish with citrus slices and a sprig of rosemary or mint in each glass.
  7. Serve immediately to enjoy the fizz and bright citrus flavors.

Cheers — this sparkling citrus punch keeps the party bright and bubbly!

Vanilla Chai and Pear Punch (Seasonal Mocktail)

Cozy, spiced, and bright — a festive chai-infused pear punch perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups pear juice (100% pear juice, chilled)
  • 2 cups brewed vanilla chai tea, cooled (use strong brew)
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
  • 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 4-6 whole cloves (optional)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • Ice or a bowl of chilled punch with ice cubes
  • Fresh mint or thyme sprigs (optional garnish)

How to Make:

  1. Brew the vanilla chai tea slightly stronger than usual and let it cool to room temperature.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled chai, pear juice, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice.
  3. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
  4. Add the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves to the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Remove the whole spices before serving, if desired.
  6. Just before serving, stir in the chilled sparkling water for a little fizz.
  7. Add ice to the pitcher or individual glasses and float pear slices and herb sprigs on top.
  8. Serve immediately so the bubbles stay lively.

Enjoy a glass of this warming, fizzy pear chai punch — it’s like a holiday hug in a cup!

Cranberry-Ginger Sparkler With Lime

Bright, fizzy, and tart — this Cranberry-Ginger Sparkler with Lime is holiday cheer in a glass.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, to taste)
  • 1 cup ginger beer (cold)
  • 1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water (cold)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2–3 tablespoons simple syrup or honey (adjust to sweetness preference)
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime slices or wedges, for garnish
  • Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
  • Ice

How to Make:

  1. In a pitcher, combine the cranberry juice and fresh lime juice.
  2. Stir in the simple syrup or honey until dissolved; taste and adjust sweetness.
  3. Add ice to the pitcher or to individual glasses.
  4. Pour in the ginger beer and gently stir to combine — keep the fizz by stirring slowly.
  5. Top with club soda or sparkling water for extra sparkle, and stir once more gently.
  6. Add cranberries, lime slices, and mint sprigs to the pitcher or float them in each glass.
  7. Serve immediately in chilled glasses so the bubbles stay bright.

Enjoy a revitalizing, festive sip — cheers to holiday sparkle!

Warm Spiced Pear and Tea Punch

Warm Spiced Pear and Tea Punch — cozy mulled tea meets fruit punch for a snuggly holiday sip.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups water
  • 4 black tea bags (or 4 tablespoons loose black tea)
  • 3 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced (reserve one for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 3 whole star anise (optional)
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or a few grates of fresh nutmeg)
  • 1/2 cup pear nectar or pear juice
  • 1/2 cup apple cider (or more pear juice)
  • 1/2 cup dark rum or spiced rum (optional; omit for non-alcoholic)
  • Orange slices, for garnish
  • Fresh pear slices and cinnamon sticks, for serving

How to Make:

  1. Bring 6 cups of water to a gentle boil in a large pot.
  2. Add the tea bags or loose tea in a steeping infuser and steep 5 minutes, then remove the tea.
  3. Add sliced pears, brown sugar, honey (if using), cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger, and nutmeg to the pot.
  4. Stir in pear nectar and apple cider, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes so the pear and spices infuse the tea.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice; add more honey or a pinch more nutmeg if desired.
  7. If using alcohol, stir in the rum and warm through for 1–2 minutes (do not boil).
  8. Remove whole spices and ladle the punch into mugs or a warmed punch bowl.
  9. Garnish with orange slices, fresh pear slices, and a cinnamon stick in each cup.

Enjoy this warm spiced pear and tea punch with friends — it’s like a cozy blanket in a mug!

White Chocolate Peppermint Punch

Festive and creamy with a cool peppermint kick — perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (12-ounce) bag white chocolate chips
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda (optional, for a lighter fizzy version)
  • Fresh mint sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Mini marshmallows or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

How to Make:

  1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, warm the milk and heavy cream until gently steaming but not boiling.
  2. Add the white chocolate chips and sugar, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract; taste and add more peppermint if you like a stronger mint flavor.
  4. Stir in the crushed candy canes until mostly dissolved, leaving a few bits for texture.
  5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or serve warm if preferred.
  6. If you want a lighter, fizzy punch, just before serving stir in the chilled sparkling water.
  7. Ladle into cups or a punch bowl, top with whipped cream or mini marshmallows if desired, and garnish with extra crushed candy cane and a mint sprig.

Enjoy this creamy, minty holiday treat that’s sure to brighten the party!

Sparkling Grapefruit and Rosemary Punch

Bright, bubbly and herb-kissed — this Sparkling Grapefruit and Rosemary Punch is festive, invigorating, and easy to sip.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups fresh grapefruit juice (about 4–5 grapefruits)
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • 1/2 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 grapefruit, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling water or club soda (or sparkling wine for a boozy version)
  • Ice
  • Optional: 1 cup vodka or gin (for an alcoholic punch)

How to Make:

  1. In a pitcher, combine the grapefruit juice, orange juice, and simple syrup. Stir to blend.
  2. Lightly bruise the rosemary sprigs (tap with the back of a spoon) and add them to the pitcher.
  3. Add the lemon slices and grapefruit slices to the juice mixture.
  4. Refrigerate the base for at least 30 minutes to let flavors mingle; longer for stronger rosemary flavor.
  5. Just before serving, add ice to the pitcher and pour in the chilled sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently.
  6. If using alcohol, add the vodka or gin and stir once more to combine.
  7. Taste and adjust sweetness or fizz as needed; remove rosemary sprigs if flavor becomes too strong.
  8. Pour into glasses, garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a citrus slice, and serve immediately.

Raise a glass and enjoy the zesty, effervescent holiday cheer!

Conclusion

You’ve got plenty of punch choices to serve everyone, and you’ll learn fast which crowd favorites reappear. Try one recipe from each type—sparkling, warm, creamy—to see what guests really reach for. Note who takes seconds and which garnishes disappear first; that’s the useful data. Use small test batches, tweak sweetness or booze levels, and keep clear labels. With a bit of trial you’ll reliably pick the right punches for every party.

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