I call this perfect holiday punch recipe ‘Santa’s Little Helper’ for two reasons: one, because it’s the name of the scrappy little dog in The Simpsons and I always thought he was cute. The other is because Mama needs some Santa’s Little Helper to get through this massive pile of gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, and halls to deck. Personally, I use champagne as the bubbly in the punch but if you’re hoping NOT to have {double} visions of sugarplums dancing in your head you can substitute Sierra Mist or another lemon/lime soda to make it family friendly. However, I’ve had two glasses while writing this post so… there’s that. It’s SO good. 🙂
- 1 bottle of champagne (OR use a lemon-lime soda like Sierra Mist to make it non-alcoholic)
- 1 bottle of Cranberry Juice Blend
- 1 cup of sugar (try to use superfine sugar if you can find it)
- 1 cup frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed)
- 1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)
- ice
- water (for amount, see below)
- garnishes: lemon slices, cranberries, fresh rosemary sprigs
- Combine the champagne and the cranberry juice blend. Add the sugar, and stir vigorously until combined.
- Add the thawed concentrates, stir.
- If you want a strong punch you can leave as is and just add some ice. You may wish to dilute with up to three cups of water (add water to taste) depending on your personal preference. Remember adding ice will also dilute the punch a bit so don't go overboard on both ice and water. 🙂
- Add your garnishes-- a bag of fresh cranberries, lemon slices (wash the lemons well if including the peels), perhaps a sprig of fresh rosemary or two for a fresh kick.
- ** Note: You can also make this ahead of time-- simply add all ingredients EXCEPT the garnishes and bubbly (either champagne or soda). Refrigerate for a few hours and add the remaining ingredients when guests arrive. **
This is the same punch featured in the galvinized beverage dispenser when I shared tips for easy holiday hosting (and the tutorial for the fairy lights!) but please note I didn’t add the lemonade and orange juice concentrate for that photo shoot so it’s darker in the photos below.
However the photos give a good idea of the various garnishes, including cranberries + lemon slices.
Think Santa’s Little Helper sounds like the perfect Christmas punch recipe? It’s also great for baby showers (minus the champagne) and other festive gatherings. Champagne also makes it great for New Years.
Try this festive punch recipe and let me know what you think! Will Santa’s Little Helper be YOUR pal this holiday season? :: hiccup ::
YUM!
When I first saw this on instagram I knew I had to try it! I think I will make a batch for new years. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for coming on over Susie, and I hope you enjoy it!
When you suggest one bottle of cranberry How many ounces. It comes in several oz
Around 64 ounces. 🙂
I loved this Carrie! My Grandmother Grace gave me a similar recipe I’ve used for years. I just found your blog and I love it. I live in Sanford, N.C. but work in Raleigh, so we’re practically neighbors! Thanks for sharing. May I ask what app you used to post hour recipe cards? I’m trying to finish a recipe book for each of my girls. I LOVE how this views and prints. I’m not the most computer savvy but if you recommend it, I’ll give it a go. TIA,
LISA
This is my favorite kind of punch: champagne plus fruit juices!
Ummmm… yum! Pinning this for NYE 🙂
That sounds refreshing and delightful!
This looks SO good! I’ll have to make a kids batch AND an adults batch:)
DAMN!! I wish I had all the ingredients!
This looks amazing!! How many servings does this make approximately?
Hi Julie! I can’t remember exactly, but I think it’s quite a bit. I need to whip some up soon to answer that question, actually!
I’m planning to make this for a little party we are having. What is ‘cranberry juice blend’??
If you look in the juice aisle, you’ll find two kinds of cranberry juices: the 100% cranberry juice (pretty tart) or the famous ones like Ocean Spray that are actually blends. You could probably use the 100% juice one but you’d definitely need to adjust the sugar higher. I use an organic version of the Ocean Spray blend. Hope that helps!
This looks delicious. And practical. Because the only way to manage Christmas with some family members is with some “help” from Santa. Can’t wait to make this. Pinning!
HAHAHA! You made me laugh out loud. I love my family, but there is a reason we celebrate Christmas with our best friends instead. 😉
Could I use white wine instead of champagne?
I’m not a wine drinker so I can’t say for sure how that would taste. Champagne gives it bubbles and makes it fizzy, which I like. However white wine may make it like a sangria, which isn’t a bad thing!
Sounds yummy! But quick question, when you say a bottle of cranberry what size bottle do you use (ounces)? Thanks!
Gosh, I don’t know the exact size. I use the organic version of the Ocean Spray cranberry juice blend, maybe it’s 64 ounces? I’ll check the next time I’m at the store.
How many servings do you think is? Have a group of ladies over for cookie exchange and wanted to make this! Wasn’t sure if I should double the recipe.
Hi Malorie! I really do need to count the next time I make this. Usually it gets consumed so quickly I have no idea how much it makes.
It’s also tricky because it depends on how much water you add at the end (if any), and the serving size of the glasses you’re using. If you’re using small punch glasses (about 4oz), I’d say it makes at least 16 servings. But if your glasses are bigger (6 to 8 oz) then it might be less. However, most bottles of champagne have 6 servings, plus the 60 oz or so cranberry juice bottle is about 10 servings plus you’re adding additional ingredients so that’s how I arrived at the number. Hope that helps!
Hi, how many servings does the above recipe make?
Hi Danielle, it’s a little hard for me to judge because it depends on how much water you add at the end (if any), and the serving size of the glasses you’re using. If you’re using small punch glasses (about 4oz), I’d say it makes at least 16 servings. But if your glasses are bigger (6 to 8 oz) then it might be less. However, most bottles of champagne have 6 servings, plus the 60 oz or so cranberry juice bottle is about 10 servings plus you’re adding additional ingredients so that’s how I arrived at the number. It’s terrible but I never counted how many servings, however if you have a crowd there it will be all gone by the end. 🙂
Any chance I can use Prosecco instead of champagne ? this looks so perfectly yummy for my Holiday Party
I haven’t tried it with Prosecco so I can’t be sure, but they’re often used interchangeably so I bet it would taste fine.
I used less Cranapple and prosecco and loved it – you can alter per your taste
Thank you for posting – this was a huge hit
I’m so glad it was enjoyed! Great tip about the Cranapple!
This was perfect! I made it last year and I went back to find the recipe to make it again for the holidays! Thank you!!
Looks yummy. What kind of champagne did you use? Dry, extra dry? Thank you
I can’t remember what I used, but I think any type will do. If you’d like it less sweet, I’d go for extra dry.
What size bottle of sierra mist or lemon lime, 2 liter?
How many cans of each frozen concentrate are needed? I haven’t bought it in years and want to make sure I get enough. This looks and sounds delicious. Planning to serve it for Christmas Eve.
Could you use tequila/vodka instead of champagne with a lemon lime soda?
When you say champagne do you mean real champagne or sparkling wine like Martini &Rossi Asti?
You can use any type of sparkling beverage. I personally use champagne or prosecco, but any type of sparkling wine would work.
Recipe says “cup” of sugar but for the concentrates it says “c.”…does that mean a can of concentrate or a cup of the concentrate?
Cup. 🙂
How much of the Sierra Mist do you want it? Not included in the recipe.
If you’re not using champagne, use a bottle of Sierra Mist. If using champagne, skip the Sierra Mist.
Hi, on your Santa’s little helper punch for the frozen lemonade and orange juice does that ‘c’ mean ‘can’ or ‘cup’?? I’m making Thursday-help!!
It’s a cup. 🙂
I’ve made this punch from your recipe the last two years at Christmas and a for a few other occasions as well. It’s so good and always a hit! I cut the sugar to 1/2 c and added no water, only ice. Have made with both champagne and Sierra Mist – equally good! A big thank you for this one! And Happy Thanksgiving!!
Oh yay! You’re welcome!!
Hi, should I use pink or regular lemonade?
Wondering how much water, if any. I don’t want it to taste watered down. How much do you personally add?
Either one would work!
I like it pretty strong, so I don’t know if I used any. I think I just used ice (but it’s been over a year since I made it, so I could be wrong). I’d make it without water, and then taste it, and if it’s too powerful add a half a cup at a time.