Christmas punch
Cranberry, orange, brandy and prosecco in a bowl. Makes ten glasses and takes about 15 minutes.
- Time
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Glass
- Wine glass
- Strength
- 2 UK units
How to make Christmas punch
- Chill everything. Put the juices, brandy and prosecco in the fridge for at least 2 hours so nothing needs much ice.
- Mix the base. Pour the brandy, triple sec, cranberry juice and orange juice into a large punch bowl and stir for about 10 seconds until combined.
- Add the ice and fruit. Slide in the block of ice and float the orange slices, cranberries and rosemary on top. The punch should look full and colourful.
- Top with prosecco. Just before serving, pour in the prosecco slowly and stir once, gently. Ladle into glasses.
- Glass
- Wine glassNo wine glass? Punch cups, tumblers or small wine glasses.
- Ice
- One large cube
- Garnish
- Floating orange slices, fresh cranberries and a few rosemary sprigsOr: Just orange slices.
What you need to make Christmas punch
Bottles we'd use
- ProseccoA brut or extra dry is best. The juices add plenty of sweetness.Find it on Amazon
- BrandyA basic VS brandy is fine; there is no need for Cognac.Find it on Amazon
- Triple secCointreau is the benchmark; any triple sec works.Find it on Amazon
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The Christmas punch story
Punch is one of the oldest party drinks in Britain. The word is often traced to the Hindi panch, meaning five, for the five ingredients of the early recipes brought home by sailors of the East India Company. Whether or not that is the true source, punch bowls have been part of Christmas ever since.
This version is built to be made ahead. The juice and spirits go in the bowl and chill; the prosecco goes in at the last moment so it stays lively. If the punch tastes too tart, add a little sugar syrup. If it is too sweet, a squeeze of lemon fixes it.
Christmas punch: your questions answered
What is in Christmas punch?
Christmas punch is made with 200 ml brandy, 100 ml triple sec, 500 ml cranberry juice, 300 ml orange juice and a bottle of Prosecco, which makes 10 glasses. Garnish: floating orange slices, fresh cranberries and a few rosemary sprigs.
How strong is Christmas punch?
Made to this recipe, Christmas punch contains about 2 UK units of alcohol per glass. That is worked out from typical bottle strengths, so it changes with the bottles you use. UK guidelines advise not regularly drinking more than 14 units a week.
What glass do you serve Christmas punch in?
Serve Christmas punch in a wine glass over ice. No wine glass? Punch cups, tumblers or small wine glasses.
