Discover how to make the BEST Christmas punch for Christmas morning (or night!). This recipe includes both alcohol and non-alcoholic options. You can serve it for your friends for a boozy get-together while also making another batch that kiddos (and anyone not drinking alcohol) can enjoy too.
By the way, if you are looking for another awesome holiday cocktail recipe, you’ll love this Yule Mule, my spin on a Moscow mule. This mulled cranberry mocktail recipe is also fantastic if you are avoiding alcohol.
There are so many things to love about this cocktail. From the bubbles to the citrus and the tangy seasonal cranberry juice, this drink is scrumptious. Add your favorite garnish and pour it in a fancy glass and you have a super-fun drink that is perfect for parties.
Christmas Punch: Santa’s Little Helper
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.
Video: How to Make The Best Christmas Punch
If you prefer to learn by watching, then here is a quick video showing you how to make this delicious and festive drink.
How To Make Cranberry Christmas Punch
All of the details are in the printable recipe card a little further down in this post. First, here are some tips and tricks that I learned after making it a few times.
Christmas Punch Ingredients
Here is what I used in my Christmas punch, along with any substitutions you can make.
- Champagne: If you are making a non-alcoholic mocktail, then use a lemon-lime soda such as Sierra Mist instead.
- Cranberry Juice Blend: If you use sweetened cranberry juice, you can cut back on how much sugar you add later.
- Sugar: Try to use super-fine sugar. It blends in better with the rest of the ingreidents.
- Frozen Lemonade Concentrate: Use pure lemonade concentrate. If you try to use a mixture (like strawberry lemonade) it will alter how the entire drink tastes.
- Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: If you can find it, try to use an orange juice concentrate that doesn’t have pulp.
- Ice: Use as much ice as you want, but remember that it will water it down. If you want to keep it strong, make some cranberry juice ice cubes.
- Water: Remember that the more water you use, the more diluted the drink will be. You could make this without any water at all if you want a strong and fruity drink.
- Garnish: Have fun with your garnishes! I used lemon but you could use a sprig of thyme or rosemary and a few cranberries.
Tools and Supplies
This is a cocktail that you stir, so you don’t need any fancy cocktail equipment. All you need is a pitcher and something to stir the ingredients with. You can use a long cocktail stirrer or a wooden spoon.
How to Serve Christmas Punch
There are several ways to serve this delicious punch depending on the size of the crowd and the space you have for serving it. A punch bowl with a ladle is a good bet. I also love beverage dispensers for easy pouring too.
If you do get a dispenser, I recommend one with a stand so there’s room to dispense the punch without hanging the spigot over the edge of the table which might cause spills and drips on your floor. Here are a few of our favorites:
This is the same punch featured in the galvanized beverage dispenser when I shared tips for easy holiday hosting (and the tutorial for the fairy lights!).
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Punch
Here are some questions people often ask about how to make this festive punch. If you have an additional question, please leave it in the comments.
How long will this punch last in the refrigerator?
This punch will last up to a week in the refrigerator. However, I would wait until just before serving to add the champagne (or soda) to the rest of the drink.
If you are going to store leftovers, I suggest keeping it in an airtight container. The best containers for drinks like this is a pitcher with a lid or even multiple mason jars that seal tightly. Just keep in mind that the bubbles will deplete very quickly, and this drink is just better with bubbles!
What kind of parties can you serve this punch at?
Think Santa’s Little Helper sounds like the perfect Christmas punch recipe? It is! But, it’s also great for baby showers (minus the champagne) and other festive gatherings. The champagne also makes it great for New Year’s parties.
How do you make non-alcoholic Christmas punch?
It is really easy to make this punch into a non-alcoholic mocktail. All you have to do is replace the champagne with a lemon-lime drink. The best choices are either Sierra Mist or Sprite.
What is the best kind of glass for Christmas punch?
The best thing about this drink is that you can serve it in any type of glass. I like using a regular drinking glass. It’s super easy and durable.
What are the best types of garnish for the punch?
Pull out some of the flavors and use them as garnishes. The best types are either lemon or orange slices and some whole cranberries. You can also garnish with springs of either rosemary or thyme.
How many servings does this punch make?
This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd. It will serve at least 8 people but could be more, depending on how full you fill each cup.
Try this festive punch recipe and let me know what you think! Will Santa’s Little Helper be YOUR pal this holiday season?
BEST Christmas Punch Recipe: Santa’s Little Helper!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle champagne OR use a lemon-lime soda like Sierra Mist to make it non-alcoholic
- 1 bottle cranberry juice blend
- 1 cup 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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
More Fun Drink Recipes
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do. Enjoy!
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Rebecca @ Stapler Confessions says
YUM!
Susie says
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!
Carrie Higgins says
Thanks for coming on over Susie, and I hope you enjoy it!
Janet says
When you suggest one bottle of cranberry How many ounces. It comes in several oz
Carrie Higgins says
Around 64 ounces. 🙂
Lisa says
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
Gina Badalaty says
This is my favorite kind of punch: champagne plus fruit juices!
Carrie @ Chockababy says
Ummmm… yum! Pinning this for NYE 🙂
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
That sounds refreshing and delightful!
Lauryn says
This looks SO good! I’ll have to make a kids batch AND an adults batch:)
Noelle (@singerinkitchen) says
DAMN!! I wish I had all the ingredients!
Julie Hill says
This looks amazing!! How many servings does this make approximately?
Carrie Higgins says
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!
Tracie says
I’m planning to make this for a little party we are having. What is ‘cranberry juice blend’??
Carrie Higgins says
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!
Jenna says
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!
Carrie Higgins says
HAHAHA! You made me laugh out loud. I love my family, but there is a reason we celebrate Christmas with our best friends instead. 😉
Holly says
Could I use white wine instead of champagne?
Carrie Higgins says
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!
Melissa says
Sounds yummy! But quick question, when you say a bottle of cranberry what size bottle do you use (ounces)? Thanks!
Carrie Higgins says
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.
Malorie says
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.
Carrie Higgins says
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!
Danielle says
Hi, how many servings does the above recipe make?
Carrie Higgins says
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. 🙂
Eleni says
Any chance I can use Prosecco instead of champagne ? this looks so perfectly yummy for my Holiday Party
Carrie Higgins says
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.
Carol says
I used less Cranapple and prosecco and loved it – you can alter per your taste
Thank you for posting – this was a huge hit
Carrie Higgins says
I’m so glad it was enjoyed! Great tip about the Cranapple!
Melissa Nelson says
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!!
Shannon says
Looks yummy. What kind of champagne did you use? Dry, extra dry? Thank you
Carrie Higgins says
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.
Sherri Hall says
What size bottle of sierra mist or lemon lime, 2 liter?
michelle santore says
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.
Anon12323 says
Could you use tequila/vodka instead of champagne with a lemon lime soda?
Carolyn says
When you say champagne do you mean real champagne or sparkling wine like Martini &Rossi Asti?
Carrie Higgins says
You can use any type of sparkling beverage. I personally use champagne or prosecco, but any type of sparkling wine would work.
Molly says
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?
Carrie Higgins says
Cup. 🙂
Jennifer says
How much of the Sierra Mist do you want it? Not included in the recipe.
Carrie Higgins says
If you’re not using champagne, use a bottle of Sierra Mist. If using champagne, skip the Sierra Mist.
Jan says
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!!
Carrie Higgins says
It’s a cup. 🙂
Carmen says
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!!
Carmen says
Oh yay! You’re welcome!!
Stephenie says
Hi, should I use pink or regular lemonade?
Sue says
Wondering how much water, if any. I don’t want it to taste watered down. How much do you personally add?
Carrie Higgins says
Either one would work!
Carrie Higgins says
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.