Cranberry Citrus Punch Recipe

by | Nov 15, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes, Holiday Cocktails, Seasonal Cocktails

Cranberry Citrus Punch in a clear punch bowl and glass with orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs, set on a marble surface with warm golden holiday lights in the background.
Get Recipe Ingredients

This Cranberry Citrus Punch is a bright, crowd-friendly holiday drink made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemon, finished with bubbles for a refreshing sparkle. Serve it as a non-alcoholic Christmas punch, or add vodka or rum to turn it into an easy party cocktail that feels festive without any fuss.

Think of it as a lighter, big-batch cousin of classics like the Madras (vodka, cranberry, and orange) and cranberry spritzers — simple ingredients, bold color, and a perfect balance of sweet-tart citrus.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings (about 1 large pitcher)
  • Difficulty: Easy

Cranberry Citrus Punch Ingredients

For the Punch (Non-Alcoholic Base)

  • 3 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, not cranberry cocktail if possible)
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (optional but highly recommended)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups lemon-lime soda or sparkling water (added just before serving)
  • 2–4 tablespoons simple syrup or sugar, to taste (optional)

Garnish

  • Orange slices
  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for a holiday look)

Optional Alcohol (for Adult Version)

  • 1–2 cups vodka or white rum, to taste

Tools

  • Large pitcher or punch bowl
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring cups

How to Make Cranberry Citrus Punch

  1. Combine juices.
    In a large pitcher or punch bowl, add the cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine.
  2. Adjust sweetness.
    Taste the mixture and stir in simple syrup or sugar a little at a time if you prefer a sweeter punch.
  3. Chill and garnish.
    Add a handful of orange slices, lemon slices, and cranberries. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld and the punch chills.
  4. Add bubbles and serve.
    Just before serving, pour in the lemon-lime soda or sparkling water and gently stir. Serve over ice and garnish each glass with extra citrus and cranberries.
  5. Optional: Spike for adults.
    For an alcoholic version, stir in vodka or white rum right before serving, or leave the punch non-alcoholic and set the spirits on the side so guests can spike their own glass.

Bartender Notes

  • Use 100% cranberry juice for a punch that’s tart and refreshing; cranberry cocktail will make it sweeter.
  • Add the soda or sparkling water at the last minute so your punch stays bubbly.
  • If serving outside or over a long party, freeze extra cranberry juice in an ice cube tray to keep the punch cold without watering it down.
  • To keep this family-friendly, serve the spirits in a separate “adult add-on” carafe.

Cranberry Citrus Punch Variations

  • Vodka Cranberry Citrus Punch: Add 1–2 cups vodka to the pitcher for a Madras-inspired party punch.
  • Bay Breeze Punch: Emphasize pineapple by increasing the pineapple juice and using coconut rum.
  • Cranberry Lemon Spritzer: Skip the orange and pineapple, and bump up the lemon plus sparkling water for a sharper, spritzier drink.
  • Christmas Rum Punch: Swap in spiced rum and more pineapple juice to turn this into a holiday rum punch style drink.
  • Low-Sugar Punch: Use unsweetened juices and sparkling water, then sweeten lightly with a zero-sugar sweetener to taste.

Cranberry Citrus Punch FAQs

Is Cranberry Citrus Punch alcoholic?

By default, this Cranberry Citrus Punch is non-alcoholic, which makes it perfect for kids and adults alike. To make it boozy, add vodka or rum to the pitcher, or set the spirits on the side so guests can spike their own glass.

What is the drink called with vodka, cranberry, and orange juice?

Vodka mixed with cranberry and orange juice is traditionally called a Madras. This Cranberry Citrus Punch uses a similar flavor combo but adds pineapple, lemon, and bubbles to turn it into a shareable party punch.

Can you mix cranberry juice with lemon?

Absolutely. Cranberry and lemon pair really well together; the lemon brightens the cranberry and keeps the drink from tasting too sweet. In this punch, lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty kick that balances the other fruit juices.

Do pineapple and cranberry go together?

Yes — pineapple and cranberry are a classic sweet-tart pairing used in many holiday punches. Pineapple adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor that rounds out the tart cranberry in this punch.

Can I make Cranberry Citrus Punch in advance?

You can mix the juices, sweetener, and garnishes up to 24 hours in advance and keep them chilled. Wait to add the soda or sparkling water until just before serving so the punch stays effervescent.

How do I turn this into a Christmas cocktail punch?

For a Christmas cocktail version, stir in vodka, white rum, or spiced rum, add a few rosemary sprigs, and garnish generously with cranberries and citrus slices for a holiday look.

More Holiday Punch & Cranberry Drinks

Planning a larger holiday party? Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate how many bottles you’ll need for your Cranberry Citrus Punch and other drinks.

Cranberry Citrus Punch Video

A step-by-step video will be added here once it’s filmed and uploaded.

Nutrition (Estimated per 8 oz serving, non-alcoholic)

  • Calories: 120
  • Carbs: 30 g
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg