There’s something I can’t resist about a holiday punch with a tropical twist. And this cranberry pineapple punch checks all the boxes!
It’s a refreshing mix of sweet pineapple, tart cranberry, and fizzy ginger ale. It’s perfect for any celebration.
My favorite thing about it? Seeing guests’ faces light up when they spot the floating cranberry and lime slices. And then that “wow” look when they taste the pineapple, too.
Here’s to making memories and spreading holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pineapple Punch
Party Perfect: Punch recipes are always an easy go-to for large gatherings. This one yields several servings and can be doubled or tripled as needed! Plus, its vibrant red hue is fun and festive, especially for the Christmas holiday.
Wonderfully Flavorful: The sweetly tropical pineapple balances perfectly with the tart cranberries. The fizzy ginger ale adds a subtle sparkle and warmth that’ll dance on your tongue.
Quick & Easy: The punch takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, with no complicated techniques or cooking required. Just mix, pour, and serve.
Kid-Friendly: Cranberry pineapple punch is 100% alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients
- Pineapple Juice: Sweet and tropical canned juice provides a smooth, golden base for the punch. It adds natural sweetness and a bright island flavor.
- Cranberry Juice: Use 100% juice! It’s tart and vibrant and gives the punch its signature ruby color. Plus, it balances the sweetness with a refreshing tang.
- Ginger Ale: Its carbonation adds effervescence and a subtle ginger kick for a sparkling, well-blended finish.
- Simple Syrup: The clear liquid sweetener dissolves instantly to adjust the sweetness.
- Cranberries: The colorful garnish and flavor enhancer. Use fresh or frozen, as you prefer.
- Lime: Slice it thinly for a citrusy garnish. It provides a fresh aroma and subtle citrus notes while adding visual appeal.
- Ice Cubes: Use larger cubes to prevent rapid melting and dilution.
How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Punch
This punch recipe isn’t as easy as 1, 2, 3, but it’s pretty close!
1. Combine the juices. Mix the pineapple and cranberry juices in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
2. Adjust the sweetness. Add 2 tablespoons of simple syrup and stir well. Taste and adjust with more simple syrup as needed.
3. Add the ginger ale. Carefully pour the ginger ale into the pitcher or punch bowl. Stir gently to avoid ruining the fizz.
4. Garnish. Sprinkle the cranberries and lime slices on top.
5. Serve. Mix in plenty of ice to keep the drink chilled. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Pineapple Punch
Believe it or not, I have several tips for this recipe. Check them out before preparing the punch.
- Chill everything! Yes, everything! Keep the juices and ginger ale in the fridge until immediately before making the punch. Pop the bowl (or pitcher) in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to chill. Keep the limes refrigerated, and use frozen cranberries.
- Go big or go home. Amazon sells several large ice cube molds, like these WIBIMEN large molds. Alternatively, you can make an ice ring with the cranberries inside!
- Go easy on the simple syrup. Remember, you can always add more sweetener, but you can’t remove it once it’s in there. Use only 2 tablespoons at first, and add more slowly as needed.
- Jazz it up with sherbet. This isn’t actually a sherbet punch recipe. But you could easily add scoops of sherbet for a fruity, decadent treat. It’ll also do double duty as “ice.” I recommend raspberry or lime.
- Put in the prep work. Prepare the base of your punch (juices and simple syrup) up to 4 hours ahead. Then, refrigerate it to let flavors meld. Just don’t add the ginger ale until immediately before serving. (It’ll go flat if you add it too early.)
- Be creative! The cranberries and lime slices are great, but they aren’t your only option for garnishes. Float some pineapple chunks in the punch for an extra tropical treat.
- Make it boozy. Only inviting adults to your party? Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of vodka, white rum, or Prosecco for punch with a kick.
How to Store
Unfortunately, this punch doesn’t freeze well. You can, however, keep it for a few days.
To Store: Remove the fruit garnishes. Then, store the drink in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It will lose its fizziness but should still taste pretty good.
Cranberry Pineapple Punch
10
servings5
minutes143
kcalThis easy cranberry pineapple punch is perfect for any party! It’s refreshing, colorful, and a festive addition to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
3 cups chilled canned pineapple juice
3 cups chilled 100% cranberry juice
2-4 tablespoons simple syrup, to taste
1 (1-liter) bottle chilled ginger ale
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 lime, thinly sliced
ice cubes
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the pineapple juice and cranberry juice.
- Add 2 tablespoons of simple syrup and stir well. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup, one tablespoon at a time, as desired.
- Gently pour in the ginger ale and stir carefully to preserve its fizz.
- Add the cranberries and lime slices for a festive garnish.
- Just before serving, mix in plenty of ice to keep the punch refreshingly cold. Serve immediately and enjoy with friends and family!
Notes
- Keep everything chilled until just before serving. If making the base ahead of time, add only the juices and simple syrup. Then, refrigerate until time to serve. Add the ginger ale immediately before serving.
- Use large ice cubes or an ice ring to prevent dilution. (Sherbet is another option.)
- Add the simple syrup slowly to avoid getting the punch too sweet.
- Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of vodka, white rum, or prosecco for an adults-only drink.
