This Frost Christmas Punch has been my go-to festive refresher for holiday gatherings ever since I first mixed it up one snowy December evening. I discovered the combination while raiding the pantry for something bright and celebratory: a bottle of cranberry juice, a carton of orange juice, and a soda tucked in the back of the fridge. The result was unexpectedly crisp and cheerful — tart cranberry balanced by sweet orange, finished with sparkling ginger ale and a cinnamon stick for warmth. It’s one of those simple recipes that tastes far fancier than the effort it takes.

I love how this drink delivers a holiday feel without requiring a long ingredient list or last-minute fuss. It pours beautifully into glassware and the floating fresh cranberries look like little ornaments. Because it’s best served cold and fizzy, I often prepare the juices in advance and add the ginger ale at the last minute so the punch stays lively. Friends always ask what’s in it, and family members — even the selective ones — reach for seconds. It’s become a small holiday tradition in my house for both kids and grown-ups.

Ingredients

• Cranberry juice (2 cups): Use a 100% cranberry juice or a cocktail blend depending on how tart you like it; I prefer 100% for a bright cranberry backbone. Look for trusted brands like Ocean Spray or a store-brand 100% juice that doesn’t add unnecessary sugars.
• Orange juice (1 cup): Freshly squeezed is best for bright citrus aroma, but a high-quality, no-pulp carton works well. Valencia or navel orange juice gives a sweet counterpoint to the tart cranberries.
• Ginger ale, chilled (2 cups): Use a crisp, clear ginger ale such as Canada Dry or Schweppes; make sure it’s well chilled to keep the punch fizzy when you serve.
• Fresh cranberries (1 cup): These add color and a festive pop; choose firm, glossy berries and rinse before using. They can also be frozen briefly to serve as natural ice cubes.
• Cinnamon stick (1): Adds warm, aromatic spice. Use a whole stick to infuse subtle notes without overpowering the citrus and berries. Look for Ceylon or Cassia sticks at most grocery stores.

Instructions

Combine the juices: In a large pitcher (about 2-quart capacity), pour 2 cups cranberry juice and 1 cup orange juice. Stir gently with a long spoon to blend the flavors evenly. Chilling the juices beforehand enhances clarity and maintains the punch’s brightness. Chill and prepare garnishes: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes if time allows. Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup fresh cranberries and set aside a cinnamon stick per pitcher; if you like a colder drink without diluting, freeze some cranberries and use them as ice. Add the ginger ale just before serving: Pour 2 cups chilled ginger ale into the pitcher immediately before guests arrive. Stir gently once to combine — excessive stirring will flatten the soda. The ginger ale adds effervescence and lifts the juices. Serve and garnish: Ladle punch into glasses, add a few fresh or frozen cranberries to each glass, and tuck a cinnamon stick in for aroma and presentation. Serve immediately so the drink stays sparkling and fresh.

Storage Tips

Store the mixed juices (cranberry + orange) in a sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Keep the ginger ale unopened and chilled separately until just before serving — once mixed, carbonation will dissipate, so plan to assemble shortly before guests arrive. If you have leftover punch after serving, transfer it to an airtight bottle and refrigerate; it will remain palatable for 24–36 hours but will be noticeably less fizzy. For longer storage, freeze the juice blend in ice-cube trays and use cubes to chill single servings without dilution.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer less sweetness, swap half the orange juice for sparkling water and a squeeze of fresh lemon to preserve brightness while reducing sugar. For a deeper spice note, substitute one cinnamon stick with a slice of fresh ginger during infusion, then remove before serving. To make a boozy version, add 1–1 1/2 cups of spiced rum or vodka to the pitcher and reduce the ginger ale slightly so the drink remains balanced. If cranberries are unavailable, pomegranate arils provide similar color and tartness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this punch in clear glasses to showcase the vibrant red and floating cranberries; tall Collins glasses or stemless wine glasses work beautifully. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a thin wheel of orange for an additional aromatic note. Pair it with buttery scones and jam for a holiday brunch, or alongside savory appetizers such as sausage rolls and cheese boards at evening gatherings. For family events, offer cinnamon sticks on the side so guests can control the spiciness.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, add a few cloves or a star anise to the chilling pitcher for a warm undercurrent that complements the cinnamon stick. For summer celebrations, reduce the cinnamon and serve over crushed ice with fresh mint. At Thanksgiving, a splash of apple cider blended into the base (replace half the orange juice) brings autumnal notes. For New Year’s Eve, swap ginger ale for a quality dry sparkling wine to create a celebratory adult punch.

Meal Prep Tips

To streamline hosting, measure and combine cranberry and orange juices in a labeled container the day before, and chill both the juices and the glasses overnight. Freeze cranberries on a tray and store in a bag so they’re ready as garnish and natural chillers. Keep the ginger ale cold in an insulated cooler or in the fridge until service time and add it directly to the pitcher just before guests arrive to keep the punch lively. Use a ladle for ease of service and keep extra cinnamon sticks on hand for refreshment.

Success Stories

One memorable moment: I served this at a small holiday book club and a guest discovered a childhood memory of a similar punch at family gatherings. We swapped variations and one member brought a bottle of ginger beer the next time — it turned the drink into a spicier, more robust version that people loved. Over the years I’ve seen this simple combination work across seasons and occasions; neighbors have told me they doubled it for church socials, and parents appreciate how easy it is to make a festive nonalcoholic drink for mixed-age groups.

Whether you’re pouring a pitcher for a cozy brunch or a lively holiday party, this Frost Christmas Punch is an approachable, crowd-pleasing option. Its bright flavors and festive presentation make it a small tradition worth repeating each season — mix, chill, and enjoy the smiles it brings.