Because today is the day to sip Christmas punch while trimming the tree, I’m fully in holiday mode.
We skipped our usual Thirsty Thursday post yesterday, so I couldn’t wait to share this now. It feels like the ultimate tree-trimming weekend, and this Christmas punch is exactly what you want while decorating by the fire.
Some years I’m ready for Christmas way early, and others I wait until after Thanksgiving. This year I’ve been itching for the holidays since October. We talked about it at dinner last night—most of us have felt ready for Christmas sooner than usual.
I was hosting yesterday, though, so I didn’t want to take down the pumpkin decorations just yet. It didn’t feel right to switch over completely.
Today, though, it’s full-on Christmas here. I’m deep into decorating and serving this festive punch alongside a pile of leftovers.
When I spotted a tree-trimming cider punch in Bon Appetit, I knew I had to put my own spin on one for our tree-decorating ritual.
The base of this punch is lambrusco—a slightly bubbly, rich red that I’ve been enjoying lately after years of leaning away from reds. I built the drink using my autumn simple syrup, a splash of orange juice, sparkling pomegranate soda and a touch of Grand Marnier for depth.
I also made decorative ice cubes with cranberries, pomegranate arils and rosemary. They’re mostly for looks—if the rosemary starts to melt out, I pull it so it doesn’t overpower the punch. Do what feels right for your taste.
This punch is spiced, boozy, bright and perfect for stringing lights and hanging ornaments.
How to make Christmas Punch
Tree Trimming Punch
Ingredients
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup autumn syrup (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
- 1 cup sparkling pomegranate soda
- 1 750 mL bottle lambrusco, chilled
- 1 cup club soda
Autumn Simple Syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 2 cardamom pods
- a few slices of orange rind
Instructions
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If you want festive ice cubes, add cranberries, pomegranate arils and a sprig of rosemary to an ice cube tray, fill with hot water and freeze overnight.
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Place ice cubes and orange slices in the bottom of a punch bowl. Stir together the autumn syrup, orange juice, Grand Marnier, pomegranate soda, lambrusco and club soda. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Autumn Simple Syrup
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Combine the brown sugar, water, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom pods and orange rind in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, then simmer 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for a few days; you can keep the spices and rind in the syrup for extra flavor and remove them just before using.
Did you make this recipe?
If you tried this, feel free to share a photo and tag it in your own holiday posts. I always love seeing how folks make it their own.
I’m ready for the sparkle.