Creamy, frosty Cranberry Punch is a refreshing holiday drink that is ready in minutes and is irresistible to everyone from kids to adults!
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
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
First, pour all of the ingredients into the blender jar.
Then, blend with the cover on until smooth.
Next, pour the finished drink into glasses, garnish it with fresh cranberries, and serve right away.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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
Video
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.
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
