Christmas Punch

I love games; board games, card games, trivia, you name it. So, I always try to have a game for my family to play on Christmas Eve, and this year is no exception. But I am still determining what that game will be! We’ve played them all, and I am drawing a blank! Suggestions appreciated!

We have checked one thing off our list. We have decided what our meal will be. That’s a huge one around here. We all consider ourselves authorities on the matter and have very strong opinions. We have agreed upon appetizers. I’m so excited because I pushed for this one! One of my favorite things to do is make a meal of appetizers. No matter if I am dining out, camping, or at home.

This year I plan to make this fabulous Christmas Punch. I’m not a huge punch fan, but I have combined a few different recipes to come up with one that my entire family loves, including me! We had it with our charcuterie board on Thanksgiving and loved it.

It’s not a set-in-stone recipe but a guide. Tasting it occasionally while making it is my number one tip. For a beautifully festive look, garnish each serving glass with an orange slice, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Christmas Punch

Course Beverages
Author Amye Melton

Ingredients

  • 1 (64-ounce) Ocean Spray Cran-Pomegranate juice
  • 1 (12-ounce) Lemonade frozen concentrated
  • 1 cup Ocean Spray Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
  • 1 cup good quality orange juice
  • Juice of 4-6 limes to taste
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract or more to taste
  • Sprite
  • Fresh cranberries washed and dried for serving
  • Orange slices for serving
  • Ice

Instructions

  • In a gallon jug, mix the Cran-Pomegranate juice, lemonade concentrate, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, orange juice, lime juice and almond extract. Taste and adjust flavors as you like.
  • My serving method is, to add an orange slice to the side of a glass. Add ice to the glass and top with a few cranberries. Add fruit juice mixture to fill the glass about 3/4 full. Finish filling the glass with Sprite. Top with a rosemary sprig and serve.

Notes

*Almond extract can overpower a recipe quickly, add it a little at a time until you get the flavor you prefer.  
*If you would rather serve from a punch bowl,  pour the fruit juice mixture into a punch bowl, add Sprite, to taste, and fresh fruit.  Serve over ice.  If left for too long the Sprite could go flat.  
*Ginger Ale can be used in place of Sprite.
*If you prefer, you can always sweeten it slightly by adding sugar to the fruit juice mixture.