Make your winter cozy with a quick Christmas Punch recipe! Blend light rum, cranberry juice, tart cherry juice, spices and ginger ale for a festive drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 141
Ingredients
- 1 oz Light Rum - optional
- ½ oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz tart cherry juice
- ¼ oz rich simple syrup
- 1 pinch of allspice
- 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger
- 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 oz ginger ale - to top up
- Ground ginger - for garnish
Equipment
- Rocks Glass
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
- Jigger
- Grater
- Stirrer or large spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your rocks glass with ice cubes. Give it a quick stir to chill the glass and set it aside.
- Add Spices: In the shaker, mix together 1 pinch of allspice, 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger and 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Add Juices: Next, measure and pour ½ oz cranberry juice and ½ oz tart cherry juice.
- Add Rum: If using, add 1 oz Light Rum to the mix.
- Add Sugar: Finally, add ¼ oz rich simple syrup into the shaker.
- Shake: Fill your shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain: Discard the ice in the Old Fashioned glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes (you can also use the cocktail strainer to remove the excess water that has formed at the bottom of the glass and add a few more ice cubes if necessary). Then, use both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer to strain the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Top with Ginger Ale: Top up with approx. 2 oz ginger ale (adjust to taste and to the size of the glass) and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of ground ginger on top for garnish & for an added touch of spice and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Light Rum: If you don't have light rum, I've used vodka as an alternative for a different kick. For a non-alcoholic version, omit it or use a non-alcoholic spirit.
- Cranberry Juice: Pomegranate juice works well if you're out of cranberry juice. It adds a slightly different but delightful flavor.
- Tart Cherry Juice: You can substitute with apple juice for a sweeter profile if tart cherry isn't available.
Making a Pitcher of Christmas Punch:
- Scale: To make a larger batch that serves about 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. That means 8 oz of light rum, 4 oz of cranberry juice, etc.
- Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl and stir well.
- Serve: Pour into individual glasses over ice and garnish with ground ginger.
What is a Christmas Punch?
A Christmas Punch is a festive, spirit-based cocktail of light rum, cranberry juice, tart cherry juice, and ginger ale. It’s easy to make because it involves simple mixing of ingredients without complex techniques. This punch is perfect for holiday gatherings due to its vibrant flavors and the ability to be prepared in large batches.
What is a Christmas Punch made of – The Ingredients
Assemble these ingredients to craft a Christmas Punch.
- Light Rum: Provides the alcoholic base and adds smoothness.
- Cranberry Juice: Delivers a tart and refreshing flavor.
- Tart Cherry Juice: Contributes a rich, fruity taste.
- Rich Simple Syrup: Sweetens the punch and balances tartness.
- Allspice: Infuses warm, spicy notes into the drink.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a zesty, aromatic kick.
- Nutmeg: Offers a subtle, nutty spice.
- Ginger Ale: Brings effervescence and a hint of ginger flavor.
- Ground Ginger (for garnish): Enhances with an extra touch of spice.
