Cranberry Ginger Ale Holiday Punch

With only 5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, this Cranberry Ginger Ale Punch is a thirst-quenching festive holiday (or any day) beverage that everyone will love! It’s a fun drink that’s always a huge hit at Christmas parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion.

Original post: December 2019 | Updated: November 2022 and October 2025

Why This Recipe Works

• This Cranberry Ginger Ale Punch comes together in just 5 minutes with 5 simple ingredients, yet looks like you spent all day making it.
• It’s a festive, non-alcoholic punch that’s perfect for any gathering, from Thanksgiving and Christmas to birthdays, baby showers, summer parties and New Year’s Eve.
• An easy and beautiful way to offer guests another drink option without the hassle.
• Budget-friendly and ideal for large crowds, making it perfect for parties of any size.
• Eliminates decision fatigue about what to serve and cuts down on trash.. no more half-finished juice boxes around the house!
• A crowd-pleasing, year-round favorite that adds sparkle and flavor to any celebration.

Holiday Punch Recipe Ingredients

This original recipe for this festive drink is made with just a handful of ingredients, but feel free to adjust ingredients to your tastes.

Cranberry juice cocktail – You can replace a portion of the cranberry juice with other juices to change up the flavors! Pineapple juice provides a fun tropical spin and lemonade offers a summer twist.

Frozen orange and limeade juice concentrates – Add the frozen juice directly from the freezer. This will keep the punch cold and eliminate the need to water it down with ice cubes.

Ginger ale – Use ginger ale for a non-alcoholic, kid approved drink. Ginger beer or soft, sparkling cider can also be used as a substitution. See the section below for suggestions for a grown-up version.

Lemon lime soda – Regular or diet soda will work great.

Holiday Punch Garnishes 

To really make your punch pop, consider adding extra garnish options. Make sure to use choices that float for best presentation.

• Fresh cranberries, orange or lime slices make the perfect, festive garnishes to leave floating in the punch bowl. 
• Frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh, plus they’ll help keep it cold.
• You can also add allspice berries, star anise, or small cinnamon sticks or sprigs of rosemary.

How to Make Cranberry Ginger Ale Punch

This quick cranberry punch recipe comes together so easily! Just add, stir, and serve!

1. Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl. Stir to combine.
2. If desired, add ice cubes or an ice ring to help keep the punch cold. 
3. For a festive touch, add orange slices and fresh cranberries to the punch bowl before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Refrigerate the cranberry juice and lemon lime soda beforehand to keep it extra cold.
• Feel free to either omit the oranges and cranberries or replace them with different fruit. Any type of fruit will complement the drink well and will be a great addition to your bowl.
• Consider adding an ice ring to the bowl to keep the mixture consistently cold. See instructions below.
• You can also add a tub of rainbow sherbet to the punch just before setting out.
• If you don’t own a punch bowl, cut the recipe in half or thirds and combine ingredients in a large pitcher.
• Use a ladle or plastic cup to pour from the bowl into individual cups without making a mess.
• This makes a very large batch, providing 1 full cup per person for up to 24 people.
• Creating an adult version? You can also replace a portion of the lemon-lime soda with champagne or serve your favorite spirits on the side for a holiday cocktail.

How to Create an Ice Ring

An ice ring is a great way to keep your punch cold throughout the party, plus it looks gorgeous! You can make the ice ring with just water, or make it with more juice and soda so the punch doesn’t get diluted as the ice thaws. You can also add berries or citrus peels to make it look even cooler!

Simply take a bundt pan, place on a small sheet pan or plate, and fill 1/2 – 2/3 full with liquid. Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours until completely frozen and add to the punch bowl before filling.

How to Make an Adult Punch

If you’re having an adults-only party and want a more grown up version of this punch, replace a portion of the soda with Champagne or Prosecco or your favorite spirits.

But remember, just because they’re all adults, they might not all drink. So you might consider placing adult spirits next to the punch bowl as an option instead of adding them in.

Holiday Party Recipes

• These Sugared Cranberries come with a warning: Once you start, you cran’t stop!
• Cranberry Bliss Bars – A delicious blondie packed with cranberries, white chocolate chips and a hint of orange and topped with dreamy frosting!
• This wildly popular Holiday Snack Mix is one of my favorite snacks to share at parties in the winter. 
• The classic, crowd-pleasing Fruit Pizza is a great appetizer or dessert with a cookie dough crust, dreamy cream cheese frosting and a colorful top layer of tasty glazed fruit.

How to Store

Refrigerate leftover punch in a mason jar or bottle with an airtight lid. Use within 2-3 days.

More Recipes

• Homemade Apple Cider
• White Truffle Hot Chocolate
• Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

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