Candy Cane Punch

The holiday season is the perfect time to serve festive drinks that capture the spirit of Christmas. Candy Cane Punch does just that, with its vibrant colors and refreshing peppermint flavor. This non-alcoholic punch is a crowd-pleaser that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. The combination of peppermint, cranberry, and lemon-lime soda offers a blend of sweet, tart, and minty freshness that’s perfect for family gatherings, Christmas parties, or even cozy nights by the fireplace.

Easy to make and endlessly customizable, Candy Cane Punch is a delightful addition to any holiday spread. It’s a drink that both kids and adults will love, but you can easily add a splash of alcohol if you’re looking for an adult-friendly version. Ready to make this holiday punch? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

To make this festive Candy Cane Punch, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 quart cranberry juice – Provides a beautiful red color and tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the punch.
  • 2 cups lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or 7UP) – Adds a hint of citrus and a refreshing fizz.
  • 1 cup peppermint ice cream (or peppermint sherbet) – The peppermint flavor and creamy texture create the classic candy cane taste.
  • Ice cubes – To keep the punch chilled.
  • Garnishes: Crushed candy canes, whole candy canes, fresh cranberries, or mint leaves – These add festive flair and a touch of holiday magic.

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Punch Bowl
Choose a large punch bowl or glass pitcher for serving. Add a few handfuls of ice cubes to keep the punch chilled.

Step 2: Pour in the Cranberry Juice
Add the cranberry juice to the punch bowl, giving the base a beautiful red color.

Step 3: Add the Lemon-Lime Soda
Pour the lemon-lime soda into the cranberry juice. The soda adds fizz, bringing a refreshing effervescence to the punch.

Step 4: Add the Peppermint Ice Cream
Spoon in the peppermint ice cream or sherbet. The ice cream will start to melt, blending with the punch and giving it a creamy, minty flavor. Stir gently until the ice cream begins to dissolve and blend with the liquids.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For a festive touch, garnish with crushed candy canes, fresh cranberries, or a sprig of mint. Hang whole candy canes on the side of each glass for added decoration. Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday cheer!

Variations

Here are a few ways to customize your Candy Cane Punch:

  1. Adult Version
    • Add a splash of peppermint schnapps, vodka, or white rum to the punch for a festive adult twist.
  2. Fruity Peppermint Punch
    • Substitute half of the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice or a berry blend for a more complex fruit flavor. Add fresh fruit like raspberries or pomegranate seeds for extra color.
  3. Creamy Candy Cane Punch
    • For an even creamier texture, mix in a cup of vanilla or eggnog-flavored ice cream along with the peppermint ice cream.
  4. Sparkling Candy Cane Punch
    • Use sparkling water instead of soda for a lighter, less sweet version, or try using a flavored sparkling water like cranberry or lime.
  5. Holiday Slush Punch
    • Freeze cranberry juice in ice cube trays. Use these ice cubes in the punch to keep it cool without diluting the flavor.

Cooking Notes

  • Using Different Peppermint Flavors: If you can’t find peppermint ice cream, use peppermint extract sparingly with vanilla ice cream, as it can be potent.
  • Presentation Tip: For extra holiday flair, coat the rims of your glasses in crushed candy cane pieces. Dip the rim in a bit of cranberry juice, then press it into the crushed candy cane pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Candy Cane Punch is ideal for Christmas gatherings or winter-themed parties. Here are some serving ideas to make it even more special:

  • Holiday Party Pitcher: Scale up the recipe and serve it in a large glass punch bowl with a ladle, so guests can help themselves.
  • Individual Glasses: For an elegant touch, serve in festive glasses or Mason jars with a candy cane garnish on each.
  • Pairing with Desserts: Serve alongside holiday treats like sugar cookies, peppermint bark, or chocolate truffles for a dessert pairing that everyone will enjoy.

Tips

  • Chill the Ingredients: Keep all the ingredients in the fridge before making the punch, as this helps the ice cream melt more slowly and keeps the punch cold.
  • Add Ice Cream Just Before Serving: To maintain the creamy texture and freshness, add the peppermint ice cream right before you’re ready to serve.
  • Use Crushed Ice: For a refreshing and festive texture, use crushed ice instead of ice cubes to make the punch extra cold.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 150 (without alcohol)
  • Protein: 1g
  • Sodium: 10mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use regular ice cream instead of peppermint ice cream?
A1: Yes, you can use vanilla ice cream and add a drop or two of peppermint extract. Be careful not to add too much, as peppermint extract is strong.

Q2: Can I make Candy Cane Punch ahead of time?
A2: You can mix the cranberry juice and soda ahead of time, but wait to add the ice cream until just before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

Q3: How can I make it less sweet?
A3: Substitute some of the soda with sparkling water, or use an unsweetened cranberry juice for a tarter flavor.

Q4: Is there a non-dairy option for this punch?
A4: Yes, you can use peppermint-flavored coconut or almond milk ice cream for a dairy-free version.

Q5: Can I serve this punch warm?
A5: While Candy Cane Punch is typically served cold, you can omit the soda and heat the cranberry juice for a warm variation. Stir in peppermint extract and garnish with a candy cane.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Punch is a festive and delightful drink that captures the holiday spirit in every sip. With its bright colors, refreshing fizz, and peppermint kick, it’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Perfectly family-friendly and easy to make, it’s a wonderful addition to your holiday drink menu. And with simple variations, you can customize it to suit everyone’s taste.

So gather your ingredients, get your holiday music on, and mix up a bowl of this delicious Candy Cane Punch. It’s the perfect way to toast to the season with friends and family. Cheers to holiday cheer in every sip!

Print
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Candy Cane Punch


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

To make this festive Candy Cane Punch, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 quart cranberry juice – Provides a beautiful red color and tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the punch.
  • 2 cups lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or 7UP) – Adds a hint of citrus and a refreshing fizz.
  • 1 cup peppermint ice cream (or peppermint sherbet) – The peppermint flavor and creamy texture create the classic candy cane taste.
  • Ice cubes – To keep the punch chilled.
  • Garnishes: Crushed candy canes, whole candy canes, fresh cranberries, or mint leaves – These add festive flair and a touch of holiday magic.

Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Punch Bowl
Choose a large punch bowl or glass pitcher for serving. Add a few handfuls of ice cubes to keep the punch chilled.

Step 2: Pour in the Cranberry Juice
Add the cranberry juice to the punch bowl, giving the base a beautiful red color.

Step 3: Add the Lemon-Lime Soda
Pour the lemon-lime soda into the cranberry juice. The soda adds fizz, bringing a refreshing effervescence to the punch.

Step 4: Add the Peppermint Ice Cream
Spoon in the peppermint ice cream or sherbet. The ice cream will start to melt, blending with the punch and giving it a creamy, minty flavor. Stir gently until the ice cream begins to dissolve and blend with the liquids.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For a festive touch, garnish with crushed candy canes, fresh cranberries, or a sprig of mint. Hang whole candy canes on the side of each glass for added decoration. Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday cheer!

Notes

  • Using Different Peppermint Flavors: If you can’t find peppermint ice cream, use peppermint extract sparingly with vanilla ice cream, as it can be potent.
  • Presentation Tip: For extra holiday flair, coat the rims of your glasses in crushed candy cane pieces. Dip the rim in a bit of cranberry juice, then press it into the crushed candy cane pieces.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: Approximately 150 (without alcohol)
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Protein: 1g

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