Easy Holiday Fruit Punch – With or Without Alcohol

I spotted this Easy Holiday Fruit Punch recipe in the December 2022 issue of Lake Minnetonka Magazine, and immediately added it to my Christmas menu.

*Recipe tips, suggestions and variations below!

The recipe was contributed by Glen Lake Wine and Spirits which just happens to be a neighborhood favorite of ours. They offer a wide variety of wine, beer, and spirits, and have been family owned and operated since 1968! Glen Lake Wine and Spirits is a big supporter of Minnesota-made spirits, and they suggested locally crafted J. Carver Bourbon and Northland Vodka for their Bourbon and Vodka Spiked Holiday Punch recipe.

J. Carver Distillery is located in Waconia, MN. The name and products are favored by many fine restaurants and bars throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. If you’ve ever met Gina Holman from J. Carver, you most certainly noticed her vibrant spirit and infectious smile. She’s truly a gem! DO check out their spirits if you haven’t already, and take a look at all the great cocktail recipes that they offer on their website!

While I hadn’t tried Northland vodka before, I love good vodka and am always interested in trying something new-to-me! When I learned that Northland is a “Proud Supporter of Local Hockey Programs,” I was sold. As the proud aunt of two local youth hockey rock stars, and fan of their dad’s (my brother’s) life-long hockey career, I’m always happy to support the sport! In case you’re wondering, Northland Vodka is delicious – really smooth with (what I call) subtly sweet evergreen notes. It’s a great sipper!

What Is Easy Holiday Fruit Punch?

This fruit punch is made with a combination of fruit juices, a carbonated beverage, vodka, and bourbon. It’s an easy and delicious recipe that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. I’ve included variations and tips below so you can make this punch however you want.

The best thing about making your own Easy Holiday Fruit Punch is that you get to choose the ingredients. You get to determine the quantities, and can adjust the flavors as you wish. It’s all based on your tastes and preferences.

This recipe has just a handful of ingredients in addition to the alcohol (which you can omit or serve separately if you prefer) making it very easy, indeed!

What You’ll Need

• Cranberry Juice
• Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
• Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate (I used pulp-free)
• Ginger Ale – or other carbonated beverage (additional suggestions below)
• Fresh Cranberries, Orange Slices and Lemon Slices for garnish are optional, but very pretty and delicious!
• A punch bowl and ladle, or a large pitcher or beverage dispenser
• Ice cubes, etc., to keep the punch chilled

SERVING IDEAS: Punch Bowl, Beverage Dispenser, or Pitcher

This comes down to one simple question: What do you have on-hand?

PUNCH BOWL: If you have a punch bowl, then this is the perfect opportunity to use it! Make sure you also have a large ladle for pouring the punch into glasses. A punch bowl usually has more capacity which is needed if you’re making a full (or double) batch of this Easy Holiday Fruit Punch. A bigger bowl also offers the opportunity to add pretty ice cubes and lots of fresh fruit garnishes. I used a vintage dessert mold to make a fruit-layered ice ring.

TIP: If you’re going to make an ice ring, use distilled water so the ice is clear. Pour just a small amount of water in the mold, and add fruit. Freeze, and repeat with layers of fruit and water (freezing in between) until your ice ring is as thick as you want it. As an alternative, you can use decorative ice cube trays.

PITCHER or BEVERAGE DISPENSER: It’s hard to argue the convenience of pitchers and beverage dispensers. They’re easy to use and they take up relatively little space. In terms of space, it’s also easier to make a batch of punch (or two) in advance and keep the punch in the pitcher, covered and refrigerated.

TIP: If possible, use a pitcher/beverage dispenser with at least a 12 – 14 cup capacity (96 – 112 ounces, or 3 – 3.5 quarts), with room at the top.

Variations for this Easy Holiday Fruit Punch

This recipe is great just the way it is. Use it as a guide – with lots of possibilities!

TIP: Cut the recipe in half for a smaller batch, or double it for a crowd! Keep the second batch refrigerated, and add alcohol (if using) and the carbonated beverage just before serving so the punch is nice and fizzy!

TIP: Use cans of carbonated beverages instead of big bottles, and open the cans as needed to avoid waste.

Make It Ahead

Anything that can be done before guests arrive is “a must” in my book! This fruit punch recipe is easy to make-ahead so you can save yourself a few steps when entertaining.

Here’s how I make this batch cocktail:

1. Combine the cranberry juice, frozen lemonade and frozen orange juice in a large pitcher.
2. Add the alcohol. Stir well and adjust amounts to taste.
3. Add ginger ale or other carbonated beverage just before serving – a little (i.e., half a liter) at a time. Stir well, taste, and add more as needed.
4. Garnish the bowl or pitcher with fresh cranberries, orange slices and lemon slices.

Like many easy batch cocktail recipes, this Easy Holiday Fruit Punch can be edited to suit your preferences. I personally prefer less sweet beverages, so while I liked the punch with ginger ale, I also tried some other carbonated beverages. Here are some additional options:

• La Croix Lemon – or other sparkling waters
• Perrier
• Prosecco

Easy Holiday Fruit Punch for Brunch

Yes! Prosecco makes this a great fruit punch mimosa for brunch.

Fruit Punch Ice Cubes

Rather than using ice cubes, freeze this fruit punch into cubes and use them to chill your punch! Mix everything together EXCEPT the alcohol (because alcohol may keep the cubes from freezing solid). Pour the punch into ice cube trays, or better yet, make King Cubes – the big, square cubes! (King Cube trays are available on Amazon and many grocery and retail stores, too).

Punch cubes are also the best little idea ever for brunch mimosas. Just pop a few cubes in a glass, add prosecco or sparkling waters, and enjoy!

Adding The Alcohol… Or Not

Depending on the nature of the gathering and the guests, you may want to serve the alcohol on the side. Make sure to have a shot glass or liquid measuring cup available to use. This will provide options for guests who prefer vodka over bourbon (or vice versa), and a mocktail for those who prefer not to consume alcohol.

Got Leftover Fruit Punch?

Freeze it! Pour the punch into ice cube trays. When frozen, place the fruit punch cubes in an air tight container or zipper bag and store in the freezer. Add fruit punch ice cubes to a glass, pour vodka and/or a carbonated beverage over them, and enjoy!

If your leftover fruit punch has alcohol in it, it might not freeze solid. In that case, add vodka and/or a carbonated beverage, and enjoy as a fruit slushie!

How Much Does This Recipe Make?

The full, original recipe makes approximately 18.5 cups (4.5 liters) = 24.5, 6 oz. servings.

Half of the original recipe makes approximately 9.5 cups (2.25 liters) = 12.5, 6 oz. servings.

If you choose to use more, or less, of certain ingredients, just add/deduct the volume accordingly.

How Much Easy Holiday Fruit Punch To Make For A Party?

Depending on the duration of the event and other drinks being served, consider preparing 2 – 3, 6 oz. servings of Easy Holiday Fruit Punch per guest. The size of the punch glasses you provide will also help determine serving sizes.

Water Is Always A Good Idea!

Having plenty of water available for guests is a good way to make sure everyone stays hydrated. Providing pitchers of ice water or a “water station” next to the sink or refrigerator will enable guests to help themselves as they wish throughout their stay.

ENJOY!

MAKING THIS RECIPE ?

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