Skinny Christmas Punch (Vodka and Cranberry)

Ingredients

• about 300 g (3 cups)fresh cranberries
• 710 ml (3 cups)cold water
• 10 ml (2 teaspoons), or more to tastepure powdered stevia
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon)cinnamon
• 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon)ground ginger
• 473 ml (2 cups)vodka
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
• 2 cansflavoured sparkling water (berry, cranberry-raspberry, passion fruit or orange)

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the cranberries

   Put the cranberries, cold water, stevia, cinnamon and ground ginger in a large blender. Blend until the cranberries are thoroughly broken down and the mixture is smooth.

2. 2

   Mix and serve

   In a large punch bowl or pitcher, stir together the cranberry mixture, vodka and Grand Marnier. Add the sparkling water and serve with ice.

What is cranberry punch?

Cranberry punch is a party drink built around the tart fruit, often balanced with spirits or other flavourings. This version pairs vodka and orange liqueur with cinnamon and ginger for a spiced, citrusy finish.

Blending the cranberries with water makes the fruit the base of the drink, while sparkling water is added at the end for a lighter, fizzy finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 37 calories, 0g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat.

The cranberries and any sweetener contribute most of the carbohydrate, while the vodka and orange liqueur provide most of the alcohol; this recipe contains very little protein and no added fat. Serve a glass alongside a meal or savoury snack for a more balanced occasion.

Choosing the ingredients

Fresh cranberries: These give the punch its tart fruit flavour and vivid colour. Blend them thoroughly with the water so the mixture is smooth.

Sparkling water: Berry, cranberry-raspberry, passion fruit or orange flavours all suit the punch. Add it just before serving to retain its fizz.

Blending the fruit

Smooth mixture: Blend the cranberries, water, stevia and spices until the berries are well broken down. If your blender is small, work in batches and combine the mixture afterwards.

No straining step is specified, so the blended cranberry mixture goes straight into the punch bowl or pitcher.

Balancing the flavour

Sweetness: The recipe starts with 2 teaspoons of powdered stevia, with more added to taste. Cranberries are tart, so taste the blended base before mixing in the spirits.

Spice: Cinnamon and ground ginger add warmth without taking over the fruit. Keep to the stated amounts for a gently spiced punch.

Adding the fizz

Order matters: Stir the cranberry mixture with the vodka and orange liqueur first, then add the sparkling water. This helps preserve the bubbles.

Serve promptly: Once the sparkling water is in, pour the punch over ice and serve while it is still fizzy.

Serving the punch

A large punch bowl or pitcher makes it easy to serve a group. Set out ice separately or add it to glasses so the shared punch is not diluted as quickly.

This punch works well alongside savoury party snacks or a festive meal, where its tart fruit and citrus notes offer a refreshing contrast.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the water, spirits and sparkling water before mixing for a cold punch without relying on lots of ice.
• Taste the blended cranberry base before adding extra stevia.
• Use a large blender jug or blend the fruit mixture in batches.
• Add the sparkling water immediately before serving to keep its bubbles.
• Pour over ice in individual glasses to limit dilution in the punch bowl.

Variations

• Change the bubbles: Use berry, cranberry-raspberry, passion fruit or orange sparkling water.
• Adjust the sweetness: Add more powdered stevia a little at a time to suit your taste.
• Vary the citrus: Choose another orange liqueur in place of Grand Marnier.
• Make it less strong: Use less vodka and add more sparkling water to the bowl.
• Boost the spice: Add a small extra pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to the blended base.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding bubbles too early: They can fade while the punch sits; stir in the sparkling water just before serving.
• Leaving large pieces: Blend until the cranberries are thoroughly broken down and the mixture is smooth.
• Over-sweetening at the start: Cranberries vary in tartness; taste the base before adding more stevia.
• Using warm ingredients: Chill the liquids beforehand so the drink is ready to serve cold.
• Adding ice to the whole bowl too soon: It dilutes the punch; serve ice in the glasses instead.

How to store

Keep any uncarbonated cranberry mixture covered in the refrigerator and use within 2 days. For best fizz, mix in the vodka, orange liqueur and sparkling water shortly before serving; refrigerate leftovers and expect them to lose carbonation.

Frequently asked questions