Enjoy this sparkling cranberry punch for the holidays. The sweet and tart juices and fizzy soda make this party punch easy to prepare. It’s perfect for special occasions and family gatherings. Cheers!
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Cranberry Punch Recipe
I have the perfect suggestion if you're looking for a drink to add some sparkle to your holiday gathering. I made this cranberry punch for the holidays a few years ago when I needed a quick drink for a party we were hosting.
It's made with cranberry and apple juice and topped with a splash of fizzy 7Up. Add some floating fruit and a sprig of mint, and it's an instant hit for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve.
This drink is totally my go-to for this time of year! It's got such a fun, vibrant color and a bubbly fizz that it's perfect. Whether I'm making it for a party or just spending time with family, it gets everyone in the holiday spirit!
Why Make This Holiday Drink
- Ready in Minutes: You don’t need special skills or fancy ingredients—just mix, pour, and you’re done! Simple recipes are perfect when you have a lot to do during the holidays.
- Sweet and Refreshing: Everyone loves the fruity, refreshing taste. Make sure to stash a second batch in the fridge because it'll be gone quickly!
- Perfect Holiday Drink: The deep cranberry color and bubbly fizz really bring out the holiday vibe, especially when you add cranberries and mint.
- Great for Guests of all Ages: This mocktail is a hit for kids and adults! If you're looking for something more sophisticated, try adding vodka or sparkling wine to create a cocktail.
Main Ingredients
A combination of cran apple juice plus a clear soda makes this easy punch recipe come together in seconds. Be sure to refrigerate the juices and 7Up overnight so they are cold.
- Cranberry Juice: Make sure you buy 100% juice, not from concentrate.
- Fruit Juice: My go-to is apple juice, but you can also use apple cider, pineapple juice, or lemonade concentrate.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Any clear soda, such as 7Up, Ginger Ale, or Sprite, can be used.
- Garnish: Fresh cranberries, apple chunks, and mint add a festive look to your holiday tables. Other options are lime slices, fresh orange curls, cinnamon sticks, and pomegranate seeds.
How To Make Cranberry Punch
This Christmas punch is a breeze to make and looks fabulous, too! It is a great, family-friendly addition to holiday parties.
- Stir together the cranberry juice cocktail and refrigerate until chilled.
- Add the soda or pop to a large pitcher or punch bowl before serving.
- Float frozen cranberries and fresh apple chunks in the pitcher for added flavor and color.
What To Serve With Party Punch
Storage Recommendations
It's best to make this right before serving, as the carbonation will go flat after a few hours. Combine the juices ahead of time; then keep them in a covered pitcher in the fridge. Stir in your choice of fizzy drink just before serving.
Tips and Variations
- You can easily switch up the flavors by swapping apple juice for pineapple or orange juice for a tropical or citrus twist.
- Refrigerate the juice and 7Up ahead of time. This keeps the punch nice and cold without needing a ton of ice that could dilute it.
- Pour in the 7Up right before serving to keep that refreshing fizz.
- You can use sparkling water to reduce the sugar in the festive drink.
- Float frozen cranberries and apple slices in a punch bowl, and add a mint sprig to each cup for a festive touch.
- Add a splash of vodka, rum, champagne, or sparkling wine for an adult-only version. Remember to add it gradually and taste as you go!
FAQs
You can mix the juices and store them in the fridge. Just wait to add the soda and ice until right before serving so they stay bubbly and fresh.
Absolutely! Diet 7Up or any lemon-lime soda will work to reduce sugar. Ginger ale or ginger beer also adds a nice flavor twist.
If you prefer less sweetness, sparkling water or club soda are great options to keep the drink light and refreshing.
Freeze a mix of fresh fruit in a bundt pan or large ice mold with juice to create a festive ice ring. This will keep the drink extra cold and also add a little flair!
More Holiday Drinks
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Recipe
Sparkling Cranberry Punch
This Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch is a delicious drink that is easy to make and tastes so refreshing. The mixture of fruit juices and 7Up gives it the perfect sweet and tart flavor that everyone will enjoy. It is a great party punch for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cranberry juice
- 2 ½ cups apple juice or cider
- 1 ½ cups 7UP
- frozen cranberries
- apple chunks
- mint springs
Instructions
- Stir together the cranberry and apple juice. Refrigerate until chilled.
- Right before serving, stir in the 7UP. Add frozen cranberries and apple chunks to the punch.
- Serve cold with a sprig of mint.
Notes
- You can easily switch up the flavors by swapping apple juice for pineapple or orange juice for a tropical or citrus twist.
- Refrigerate the juice and 7Up ahead of time. This keeps the punch nice and cold without needing a ton of ice that could dilute it.
- Pour in the 7Up right before serving to keep that refreshing fizz.
- You can use sparkling water to reduce the sugar in the festive drink.
- Float frozen cranberries and apple slices in a punch bowl, and add a mint sprig to each cup for a festive touch.
- For an adult-only version, add a splash of vodka, rum, champagne, or sparkling wine. Remember to add it gradually and taste as you go!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 103Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 9mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 0g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
This post was first published in December 2016. It was updated and then republished in November 2024.
Kathy Hamilton
Can you use white grape juice instead of apple juice
Jocelyn
I'm sure that would be good too.
Nicole
Is it ok to use Cranberry Ginger Ale instead of Cranberry 7-Up? I can't find the 7-Up.
Jocelyn
Yes, that would be fine too!