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Photo Credit: Christopher TestaniLet’s be real—no holiday gathering is complete without a vibrant bowl of punch, and there’s no shortage of Christmas punch recipes to choose from. This compilation of Christmas cocktail recipes features classic punches, large-batch drinks, and individual servings that can easily be transformed into a punch by scaling up the ingredients. Pick a few to surprise your guests throughout the holiday season and beyond.
1. Festive Holiday Punch
Photo Credit: Jennifer CauseyThis tropical-inspired punch combines the sweetness of pineapple juice, the tartness of lime juice, and a trio of spirits: dark rum, Campari, and Prosecco. For a fun touch, create an ice ring in your Bundt pan and add it to the punch bowl just before serving.
2. White Grapefruit Ginger Spritz Punch
Photo Credit: Christopher TestaniThis delightful holiday punch features a spicy ginger simple syrup combined with unsweetened white grapefruit juice. Add a bottle of chilled Prosecco, and you'll have a refreshing, effervescent drink that's both sweet and tart. For a beautiful garnish, decorate the punch bowl with pink Ruby Red grapefruit slices and sprigs of thyme.
3. Bourbon Campari Punch
Photo Credit: Christopher TestaniChristmas punches often have a nostalgic, retro feel, and this one embraces those vintage vibes with a pomegranate aril ice ring floating in the punch bowl. This vibrant ruby red concoction features warming bourbon, the bitterness of Campari, and refreshing citrus juice to create a perfectly balanced drink. For a quicker preparation during the busy holiday season, consider buying pre-packaged pomegranate arils.
4. Minty Moscow Mule Punch
Photo Credit: J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah PepplerThis large-batch version of the classic Moscow Mule includes a delightful twist: a refreshing touch of mint. The cocktail is just as smooth and revitalizing as the original vodka-based drink, but the mint adds a festive, fresh element that makes it perfect for holiday gatherings. The spicier your ginger beer, the more kick your punch will have, so select one that suits your taste.
5. Chambord Lemonade Punch
Photo Credit: Getty ImagesThis adult version of pink lemonade makes a fantastic summer cocktail, but there's no reason not to enjoy it at Christmas. In this recipe, which is easy to scale up for a crowd, the lemonade gets a boozy twist with the addition of vodka and Chambord. For a fizzy version, swap out regular lemonade for a bubbly French variety.
6. Sweet and Spicy Mulled Wine
Photo Credit: Greg DuPreeConsider mulled wine a warm, winter-friendly punch. While some mulled wines can be overly sweet, this large-batch cocktail recipe—designed to serve eight—features a bold mix of black peppercorns and fresh, zesty ginger. The result is a well-balanced, distinctive punch that will surely delight your guests.
7. Plaza Champagne Punch
Photo Credit: Jen CauseyTry this take on the classic French 75 cocktail, originally from New York City's famed Plaza Hotel and its elegant Champagne Bar. This sparkling punch serves eight, making it perfect for sharing with friends. The recipe calls for gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, tropical tea, and rosé Champagne, garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.
8. Holiday Negroni
Photo Credit: Brie PassanoThis holiday Negroni recipe is perfect for a Christmas celebration, infused with cozy spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves overnight. Serve it as a punch for eight, garnishing each glass with a strip of orange zest and a whole star anise for a festive touch.
9. Tarragon French 75 Cocktail
Photo Credit: Victor ProtasioThis variation of the classic French 75 replaces gin with warming cognac for a more winter-inspired twist. The recipe, which serves eight, incorporates fragrant tarragon, adding a herbal depth of flavor that’s perfect for a holiday gathering.
