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    Home » Holiday » Christmas » Cranberry Punch

    Cranberry Punch

    Published: Dec 9, 2021 · Modified: Jul 28, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Creamy, frosty Cranberry Punch is a refreshing holiday drink that is ready in minutes and is irresistible to everyone from kids to adults!

    A glass of cranberry punch.

    A frosted cranberry punch is the winter version of an Orange Julius! This cranberry julius is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

    What You’ll Find In This Post

    • Cranberry Punch Ingredients
    • How To Make Cranberry Julius
    • Additional Flavors
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Holiday Beverage Recipes
    Ingredients on a countertop.

    Cranberry Punch Ingredients

    We love that this cranberry punch recipe is so easy to make and totally customizable. Keep extra cans of cranberry juice concentrate in the freezer so that you can make this anytime you want!

    • Cranberry Juice Concentrate: The main ingredient in this recipe is a can of frozen cranberry juice concentrate. You can use cranberry blend, cranberry raspberry, apple cranberry, or black cherry cranberry, depending on what is available at your grocery store.
    • Water: The water helps to dilute the concentrated strawberry juice. Make sure you use cold water to keep the strawberry whip as chilled as possible.
    • Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla extract takes this drink from good to amazing and gives it that vanilla ice cream flavor.
    • Half-n-Half: The half-n-half makes the frosted cranberry drink creamy. You can substitute it with an equal amount of heavy cream, milk, or milk alternative if you prefer, but it may change the consistency and flavor depending on what you choose.
    • Granulated Sugar: Adding sugar increases the sweetness and makes the beverage a treat! You can swap it out with your favorite sugar alternative or even skip it entirely if you prefer.
    • Ice Cubes: This recipe calls for three cups of ice cubes, so having a powerful blender is a bonus!
    • Cranberries: We used fresh cranberries as a garnish for the drink. You can also blend some into the cranberry whip if you want the added texture and cranberry flavor.

    How To Make Cranberry Julius

    pouring milk into blender

    First, pour all of the ingredients into the blender jar.

    a hand holding down the blender lid

    Then, blend with the cover on until smooth.

    pouring the cranberry whip drink into glasses

    Next, pour the finished drink into glasses, garnish it with fresh cranberries, and serve right away.

    A pitcher of cranberry punch.

    Additional Flavors

    One of the great things about this drink recipe is that you can customize it to make it your own. Here are a few flavor suggestions:

    • Lime Cranberry: Add sweetened lime juice to the blender and garnish the drink glasses with lime wedges.
    • Orange Cranberry: Add frozen orange juice concentrate in addition to the cranberry concentrate for a Christmas flavored orange julius.
    • Cranberry Pomegranate: Add some chilled pomegranate juice to the blender and garnish the drinks with pomegranate arils.
    • Pineapple Cranberry: Add pineapple chunks or frozen pineapple juice concentrate to the blender.
    Frosted cranberry punch on a tray with glasses.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make cranberry punch ahead of time?

    You can prepare the cranberry punch as directed in the recipe up to 2 hours ahead of time. Instead of pouring it into cups, place the plastic blender jar with the lid on (or pour it into a plastic pitcher with a lid) into the freezer!

    Set a timer and give the blender jar a shake every 20-30 minutes so that the juice doesn’t freeze solid. Remove the blender jar from the freezer and shake or stir to combine. Or return it to the blender and whip it back together for a few seconds.

    Is it normal for cranberry julius to separate?

    Yes, the liquids in this beverage tend to separate, with the heavier liquid on the bottom and the foam on the top. Simply give it a stir or enjoy it as is.

    Can I use bottled cranberry juice instead of frozen cranberry juice concentrate?

    You could use bottled cranberry juice instead of the water and frozen cranberry juice concentrate called for in this recipe. But keep in mind the flavor and consistency will change as well.

    A glass of cranberry julius.

    More Holiday Beverage Recipes

    • Pomegranate Lime Holiday Punch is a family-friendly holiday drink.
    • This Frosty Mocha Punch is a family tradition!
    • Warm Mulled Cider is perfect for the cold months.
    • Cranberry Orange Holiday Punch is a fantastic flavor combination.
    Cranberry punch in glasses.

    Cranberry Punch

    Creamy, frosty Cranberry Punch is a refreshing holiday drink that is ready in minutes and is irresistible to everyone from kids to adults!
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 cups
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    Bamboo Serving Tray Set
    Hammered Plastic Tumblers
    Blendtec Blender
    Paper Drinking Straws

    Ingredients

    • 12 oz frozen cranberry concentrate
    • 1 ½ cups water
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 cup half-n-half
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 3 cups ice cubes
    • ½ cup cranberries optional garnish

    Instructions

    • Put all of the ingredients in a large 90-ounce capacity blender jar. Make in batches when using a smaller blender.
    • Add the cover and blend until smooth.
    • Pour into glasses, garnish with cranberries, and serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    One: Make Ahead

    • Prepare up to 2 hours ahead of time. Instead of pouring it into cups, place the plastic blender jar with the lid on (or pour it into a plastic pitcher with a lid) into the freezer!
    • Set a timer and give the blender jar a shake every 20-30 minutes so that the juice doesn’t freeze solid.
    • Remove the blender jar from the freezer and shake or stir to combine. Or return it to the blender and whip it back together for a few seconds.

    Two: Variations

    • Lime Cranberry: Add sweetened lime juice to the blender and garnish the drink glasses with lime wedges.
    • Orange Cranberry: Add frozen orange juice concentrate in addition to the cranberry concentrate for a Christmas flavored orange julius.
    • Cranberry Pomegranate: Add some chilled pomegranate juice to the blender and garnish the drinks with pomegranate arils.
    • Pineapple Cranberry: Add pineapple chunks or frozen pineapple juice concentrate to the blender
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Course: Beverages
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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