Candy Cane Christmas Punch is the ultimate holiday showstopper, blending the festive sparkle of cranberry and lemon-lime soda with a glorious swirl of peppermint ice cream. The addition of pineapple juice gives a subtle tropical zing, and the crowning touch of crushed candy canes ensures this punch doesn’t just taste like Christmas—it looks the part, too! Whether you’re throwing a cozy family gathering or a full-on holiday bash, this delightfully cheerful drink will have everyone filling their glasses (and coming back for seconds).

Candy Cane Christmas Punch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this punch is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating a bubbly, creamy, and unmistakably minty winter treat. You only need a few pantry and fridge staples, and together they create Christmas magic in your glass!

Cranberry juice (4 cups, chilled): Bold, tangy, and vibrant, this gives the punch its brilliant red color and festive flavor.
Lemon-lime soda (2 cups, chilled): Adds sparkle and zing, making every sip lively and refreshing.
Peppermint ice cream or peppermint sherbet (1 cup): Provides a creamy, dreamy, minty twist that makes this punch truly special.
Pineapple juice (½ cup, optional): For those who love a fruity undertone, this brings a gentle tropical sweetness.
Crushed candy canes: Perfect for rimming glasses or garnishing, these add extra peppermint flair and crunch.
Fresh cranberries and mint leaves (optional): For garnish, adding a festive pop of color and freshness with every glass.

How to Make Candy Cane Christmas Punch

Step 1: Mix the Juices and Soda

In a large punch bowl or a festive pitcher, pour in the cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, and pineapple juice (if you’re embracing that fruity twist). Give it all a gentle stir—just enough to combine, but not flatten the bubbles. The vibrant red hue will already start to look inviting!

Step 2: Add the Peppermint Ice Cream

Right before serving, scoop generous mounds of peppermint ice cream or sherbet onto the punch. Let it melt in just a bit—the creamy white and red swirls will create a gorgeous, frothy layer that looks (and tastes) pure holiday magic.

Step 3: Rim the Glasses with Crushed Candy Canes

For the most festive presentation, lightly dip the rims of your serving glasses into a little water or corn syrup, then press them into a plate of crushed candy canes. This adds a satisfying crunch and makes every sip taste like a bite of Christmas.

Step 4: Ladle, Garnish, and Serve

Carefully ladle the Candy Cane Christmas Punch into your prepared glasses. Top each serving with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint if you like—instantly elevating the look and flavor. Now bring your glasses together and toast to merry moments!

How to Serve Candy Cane Christmas Punch

Garnishes

Garnishes aren’t just for show—they turn every glass of Candy Cane Christmas Punch into a little work of holiday art! Crushed candy canes give you that iconic Christmas peppermint, while fresh cranberries add a pop of festive red, and mint leaves offer a fragrant, snow-fresh finish. Feel free to layer them all for a punch that dazzles from every angle.

Side Dishes

This punch pairs so well with classic holiday treats. Set it alongside sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or a platter of cheese and crackers. If you’re serving savory bites, the punch’s sweet-tart profile is a cool counterpoint to salty and rich hors d’oeuvres—bring out a platter of baked brie or your favorite party mix!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get creative? Serve Candy Cane Christmas Punch in clear mason jars or tall flute glasses to show off those layers and swirls. For parties, use a big statement punch bowl with floating cranberries and big scoops of ice cream on top. Or, freeze some of the juice in ice cube trays and use them instead of regular ice for an ever-chilled, never-watered-down drink.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any punch left, strain out any ice cream that’s melted and keep the liquid in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to two days. You can add fresh scoops of peppermint ice cream and new garnishes the next time you serve!

Freezing

While the punch itself isn’t ideal for freezing (the creamy parts can separate), you can definitely freeze cranberry juice or pineapple juice in ice cube trays beforehand. These custom cubes help chill the punch without watering it down and are a handy make-ahead trick.

Reheating

Candy Cane Christmas Punch is meant to be beautifully cold and frothy, so reheating isn’t recommended. If your punch has lost its chill, simply add fresh ice cream or some of your pre-frozen juice cubes to bring back that iconic, icy-cold embrace.

FAQs

Can I make Candy Cane Christmas Punch ahead of time?

You can mix the juices and soda a few hours ahead and keep them chilled, but add the ice cream and garnishes just before serving to keep the frothy texture and festive look.

How do I make this punch for adults?

For a grown-up twist, stir in a cup of peppermint schnapps or vodka. The schnapps will boost that minty coolness, while vodka adds an extra kick without altering the classic flavor.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the ice cream?

Absolutely! Use a non-dairy peppermint or vanilla ice cream (oat milk or coconut-based are delicious) or even peppermint-flavored sorbet for a creamy but dairy-free result.

Can I use diet or sugar-free soda instead?

Yes, you can swap in your favorite diet lemon-lime soda to cut down on sugar, though it may affect the final sweetness just a bit. Taste as you go, and adjust with a splash of extra juice if needed.

What’s the best way to crush the candy canes?

Place candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon. Don’t overdo it—a mix of chunky and fine pieces makes the prettiest (and crunchiest) rim!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly no better way to kick off your holiday festivities than with a glass of Candy Cane Christmas Punch. It’s festive, fun, and guaranteed to get everyone in a merry mood. Try it at your next gathering, and let the punchbowl become the sparkle at your holiday table!

Candy Cane Christmas Punch Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Candy Cane Christmas Punch is a refreshing and festive non-alcoholic drink perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, and a hint of peppermint ice cream creates a deliciously merry flavor that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Candy Cane Christmas Punch:

4 cups cranberry juice (chilled)
2 cups lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP, chilled)
1 cup peppermint ice cream or peppermint sherbet
½ cup pineapple juice (optional, for a fruity twist)
Crushed candy canes (for rimming glasses or garnish)
Fresh cranberries and mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, and pineapple juice if using. Stir gently to mix.
Add Peppermint Ice Cream: Add scoops of peppermint ice cream or sherbet on top just before serving. Let it melt slightly for a creamy, frothy effect.
Rim Glasses: If desired, rim serving glasses with crushed candy canes by dipping the rims in water or corn syrup, then into the crushed candy.
Serve: Ladle the punch into glasses and garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for a festive touch. Serve immediately while bubbly and cold.

Notes

For an adult version, add 1 cup peppermint schnapps or vodka.
You can freeze some of the juice in ice cube trays to keep the punch cold without diluting it.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American