Name: Spiced Cranberry Punch
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cranberry juice; 2 cups pomegranate juice; 1-2 cinnamon sticks; 2 star anise; 4 whole cloves; 1 orange, sliced; 1/2 cup orange liquor (such as Grand Marnier); 1/2-1 cup vodka (optional); 1-2 cups ginger beer, for topping; Fresh cranberries and pomegranate arils, for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love Spiced Cranberry Punch Recipe

This Spiced Cranberry Punch is a perfect festive drink for holiday gatherings — warming mulling spices, tart cranberries, sweet honey, a splash of citrus, and a festive sparkle from sparkling water make it both cozy and celebratory. It’s easy to make ahead, visually beautiful, and serves up to a crowd, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or winter get‑togethers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
8 all‑spice berries
5 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cups 100% cranberry or pomegranate juice
1 cup orange juice
1 1/2–2 cups vodka
4–6 (12‑ounce) cans sparkling water
chai spice sugar or cinnamon sugar, for rimming glasses (optional)
sliced oranges, mint, and star anise, for serving (optional)

Directions

In a pot, combine ½ cup water, the fresh cranberries, honey (or maple syrup), sliced ginger, all‑spice berries, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for about 5 minutes, until the cranberries begin to burst. Then remove from heat and let cool. Remove the ginger slices, all‑spice berries, and cloves. If desired, strain out the cranberries (or leave them for texture/color).
In a large pitcher, pour in the cranberry syrup you just made, then add the cranberry (or pomegranate) juice, orange juice, and vodka. Stir well and chill until you’re ready to serve.
Just before serving, top off the mixture with sparkling water. If you like, you can rim each glass with chai spice sugar or cinnamon sugar. Fill glasses with ice, pour the punch, and garnish with sliced oranges and a star anise (and mint if using).

Servings and timing

Serves: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Storage/Reheating

You can prepare the cranberry syrup ahead of time and store it sealed in the refrigerator. Once mixed with juice and vodka (but before adding sparkling water), the punch will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge. When ready to serve, just add the sparkling water and ice.

FAQs

How can I make this punch alcohol‑free (virgin)?

Simply omit the vodka and replace it with more cranberry (or pomegranate) juice or a mild sparkling beverage. You still get the festive flavors without the alcohol.

Can I make the syrup in advance?

Yes — the cranberry syrup can be prepared a day or two ahead. Store it sealed in the fridge, then when you’re ready to serve, combine with juices and sparkling water.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

You could try using frozen cranberries (thawed) — they should work similarly. If cranberries aren’t available at all, another tart berry might work, though the flavor and color will differ.

Can I substitute the vodka with another spirit?

Yes. If you prefer, you can use a spiced rum or another spirit to give a different flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this punch less sweet?

Absolutely — reduce the amount of honey (or maple syrup) in the syrup step, or substitute with a lighter sweetener. You can also use unsweetened cranberry or pomegranate juice.

How many drinks does this recipe yield?

It yields about 8 servings, according to the recipe author.

Can I double or increase the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes — this punch scales well. Just double (or triple) the syrup, juices, and vodka ingredients, and increase the sparkling water accordingly.

What’s the best way to serve this punch at a party?

Chill the base (without sparkling water) ahead of time, store in a large punch bowl or dispenser, then add sparkling water and ice right before serving. Garnish with orange slices and star anise for a festive look.

Can I make a non‑sparkling version?

Yes — skip the sparkling water and serve the punch over ice. It will be more like a traditional spiced cranberry juice cocktail.

How long will the punch stay good if mixed completely (with sparkling water)?

For best taste and fizz, serve soon after mixing. If you need to store leftovers, refrigerate without ice; the flavor should be fine for a day, but the carbonation will diminish over time.

Conclusion

The Spiced Cranberry Punch is a festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make drink that suits holiday gatherings and winter celebrations. It brings together tart cranberries, warming spices, citrus, and a sparkling finish — plus the flexibility to adjust sweetness, alcohol, or make a virgin version. Once you taste that cozy, spiced-sweet blend, it’s bound to become a holiday favorite.