My Mom is the cocktail queen! It all started a few years ago with her famous lime daiquiri recipe, then last summer with Mom’s watermelon palomas. So this year I asked if she had any good non-alcoholic mocktail recipes she’d be willing to share with us. And what did she come up with, you ask? This perfectly sweet, slightly spiced, and bubbly non-alcoholic Christmas punch. Perfect if you’re trying to cut back on alcohol this holiday season, or need a fun mocktail recipe even the kids can enjoy! It’s seriously so good, we plan on making it for family and friends all holiday season long. Mom will bring the mocktails, and I’ll bring the gluten-free Christmas desserts! Cheers!
Why You’ll Love This Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch 🎄
- Family-friendly and kid-approved – Everyone can enjoy it, and the flavors are festive without being too sweet.
- Elevated flavor – The homemade spiced simple syrup adds warm ginger, cinnamon, and clove notes that taste way more special than store-bought punch!
- Easy to make ahead – The syrup lasts up to a month in the fridge, so you can whip up a mocktail in seconds all holiday season long.
- Perfect for holiday parties – It looks stunning in a glass with fresh cranberries and orange slices floating on top.
- Can be made alcoholic if needed – Just swap the sparkling cider for champagne or prosecco!
How to Make Spiced Simple Syrup 🍂
This homemade spiced syrup is what sets this mocktail apart – it infuses your drink with warm holiday flavor without needing any specialty ingredients.
- Add sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cloves, and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until reduced by half.
- Add in the sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
- Strain the syrup into a heatproof jar (like this one), chill, and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
It’s simple, cozy, and makes your whole kitchen smell like Christmas!
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What is Christmas Punch?
Christmas Punch is a festive holiday drink traditionally made with fruit juices, sparkling soda or cider, and sometimes alcohol. This version is non-alcoholic and made with a homemade spiced syrup for a warm, cozy holiday twist.
How do I make this Christmas Punch alcoholic?
Just replace the sparkling apple cider with champagne, prosecco, or a dry sparkling wine. You can also add 1 ounce of vodka, rum, or bourbon per serving.
Can I use store-bought simple syrup in this recipe?
You can, but the flavor won’t be nearly as rich or spiced. If using store-bought, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of ginger to mimic the homemade version.
Mom’s Recipe Tips 🍾
- Make the syrup ahead of time so assembling each drink takes less than a minute.
- Use crushed ice to keep the drink extra cold and refreshing.
- Add garnishes! Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs make it look incredibly festive.
- Taste and adjust – add more syrup for sweetness, or extra cranberry juice for a more tart mocktail.
This Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch is easy, fun, festive, and absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike. You’ll want to make a double batch!
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch
Equipment
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 cocktail glass
Ingredients
For the spiced simple syrup:
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 2 3-inch cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 4 whole cloves
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
For the Christmas punch:
- 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce orange juice
- 1/2 ounce spiced simple syrup
- sparkling apple cider or champagne
Instructions
For the spiced simple syrup:
- In small saucepan over medium heat bring all ingredients except sugar to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until reduced by half (about 20 mins).
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. Strain through fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container. Can be made up to 1 month ahead, store in the refrigerator.
For the Christmas punch:
- In a glass, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup then stir to combine.
- Add ice to the glass, then fill it the rest of the way with sparkling apple cider (or champagne to make it alcoholic!). Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries.
