Cranberry Punch

Ingredients

• 1.89 litres (64 oz)cranberry juice
• 710 ml (3 cups)pineapple juice
• 1 bottleprosecco, or sweet champagne
• to garnishfresh cranberries
• to replace the proseccosparkling cider or ginger ale

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the juices

   Pour the cranberry juice and pineapple juice into a large pitcher or punch bowl and stir to combine.

2. 2

   Add the fizz

   Just before serving, pour in the prosecco, or use sparkling cider or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version.

3. 3

   Garnish and serve

   Add fresh cranberries as a garnish, if desired.

What is cranberry punch?

Cranberry punch is a party drink made by combining fruit juices with a sparkling drink. Versions like this are a familiar choice for American holiday gatherings, where a large bowl is easy to share.

Cranberry brings a tart edge, while pineapple juice rounds it out with sweetness. Adding the bubbles just before serving helps keep the punch lively.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 204 calories, 1g protein, 34g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrate comes from the cranberry and pineapple juices, with further sugars from the sparkling drink depending on your choice. Prosecco contributes most of the small amount of protein, while the listed serving has no fat. Pair a glass with a savoury snack or meal to make a more balanced plate.

Choosing the juices

Cranberry juice: Use the kind you enjoy drinking; cranberry juice drinks can vary in sweetness and tartness, so the finished punch may taste different between brands.

Pineapple juice: This softens the cranberry's sharpness and gives the mixture a fruitier flavour. Stir the two juices thoroughly before adding anything sparkling.

Keep the bubbles fresh

Sparkling finish: Add the prosecco, sparkling cider or ginger ale only when you are ready to serve. Stir gently so the drinks combine without losing too much fizz.

Serving vessel: A large pitcher or punch bowl gives you room to mix and serve. If making a large batch, add the sparkling drink in portions as needed.

Make the non-alcoholic version

Simple swap: Replace the prosecco with sparkling cider or ginger ale. The juice base stays the same, so you can prepare it in the same way.

For a gathering with both versions, keep the juice mixture separate and add the chosen sparkling drink to each serving vessel just before serving.

Garnish and serve

Fresh cranberries: Scatter them over the punch for a festive finish. They are optional and are included as a garnish rather than mixed into the juice.

Serve the punch soon after adding the sparkling drink, while the fizz is at its best. A ladle makes it easy to portion from a punch bowl.

What to serve alongside

The fruity, sparkling drink suits a holiday spread with savoury appetisers, roast meats or a cheese board. Its sweetness also works well alongside salty snacks.

For a casual gathering, serve it with small bites that are easy to eat while standing, such as crackers and dips.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the juices and sparkling drink beforehand so the punch is ready to serve without waiting.
• Taste the juice mixture before adding the sparkling drink to check its balance.
• Add the bubbles shortly before serving to preserve their sparkle.
• Stir gently after adding the prosecco, cider or ginger ale.
• Keep the fresh cranberries as a garnish, rather than crushing them into the punch.

Variations

• Use ginger ale: Swap it for the prosecco for a sweet, non-alcoholic punch.
• Choose sparkling cider: Use it in place of prosecco for a fruity alcohol-free option.
• Try sweet champagne: Follow the recipe's alternative and add it just before serving.
• Adjust the tartness: Use a cranberry juice with a sweetness level you prefer.
• Serve by the glass: Mix the juice base in advance, then top each glass with the sparkling drink.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding fizz too early: It can go flat before serving; pour it in just before the punch is needed.
• Stirring vigorously: This releases bubbles; mix gently after adding the sparkling drink.
• Guessing the balance: Juice sweetness varies; taste the combined juices before adding the fizz.
• Forgetting the non-alcoholic option: Use sparkling cider or ginger ale instead of prosecco.
• Using a small vessel: It leaves little room to mix; choose a large pitcher or punch bowl.

How to store

Keep the juice mixture covered in the refrigerator and use it within 2–3 days. Store it without the prosecco, cider or ginger ale, then add the sparkling drink just before serving; leftover assembled punch will lose its fizz.

Frequently asked questions