Quick Cranberry Rosemary Holiday Punch: Best Festive Mocktail
This non-alcoholic punch is bright, tart, herbaceous, and just sweet enough—a grown-up drink that kids can enjoy, too. It comes together in ten minutes flat, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed is best)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup rosemary simple syrup (see notes)
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (2-3 for steeping, plus extra for garnish)
- Ice cubes or a large ice ring
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
- Apple slices or pomegranate seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Make the rosemary simple syrup (optional but recommended): In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar (or honey). Add 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain out the rosemary sprigs and let the syrup cool completely. (Can be made a day ahead.)
- Chill everything: Ensure cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling water are well-chilled before starting.
- Combine the juices: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in 4 cups of cranberry juice and 1/2 cup of orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the rosemary syrup: Start with 1/4 cup of cooled rosemary simple syrup. Stir and taste. Add more syrup if desired (up to 1/3 cup).
- Add the fizz: Just before serving, slowly pour in 2 cups of chilled sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to preserve bubbles.
- Garnish and serve: Drop in a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries, a few thin orange slices, and a couple of fresh rosemary sprigs. If using an ice ring, gently slide it into the punch. Pour into glasses filled with ice, and garnish each glass with a small rosemary sprig and a few cranberries. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a stunning presentation, freeze a few cranberries and a rosemary sprig into an ice ring the night before. The rosemary simple syrup can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. If you want a boozy version, add 1 to 1.5 cups of vodka or gin before adding the sparkling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 120150
- Sugar: 2833
- Sodium: 1020
- Carbohydrates: 3035
Keywords: cranberry punch, rosemary punch, holiday punch, non-alcoholic punch, festive mocktail, quick punch, Christmas punch, New Year's punch