Sparkling holiday punch is a festive, bright and bubbly sipper to share with friends and family. Pick from TWO different options!

Welcome to December, friends, and to all of the parties and festivities and fun!

Which means we need drinks.

Previously I’ve shared this champagne brunch punch that we love in the mornings, Christmas or otherwise. 

And this poinsettia cocktail is one my mom and I have enjoyed for countless years.

(Everyone also loves these peppermint martinis later in the day for a different festive drink!)

Today we are making not one but TWO sparkling holiday punch recipes.

Cause you know, it’s good to have options.

So let’s take a look at each one.

Option 1: Cointreau with cranberry juice and sparking wine

This was my go-to and it’s a killer flavor combination of cranberry and orange, which are just such a perfect pairing.

This punch is vibrant and gorgeous in color and tastes so light and bright.

It’s endlessly sippable and a great crowd pleaser.

But of course, I wanted to play around. You know, see what other possibilities are out there.

I tried a few things that were just OK and then I landed on option number two.

Option 2: Chambord, ginger ale and sparkling wine

This combination is outstanding!

If you haven’t had it, Chambord is a French black raspberry liqueur and while that sounds super specific, it’s crazy versatile.

(Your vodka-soda just got a huge upgrade with a splash of Chambord!)

This punch was my favorite. It’s got lots more depth of flavor, richness and just a more interesting profile.

It’s a little less vibrant in terms of color but you’ll be going back for refills, no doubt about it.

OK, let’s get mixing.

Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up below on how to make sparking holiday punch. Just tryin’ to be helpful.

If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.

Recipe Notes:

• Recipes: We have TWO separate recipes included below. Pick whichever one sounds best to you. Just don’t combine everything together.
• Cointreau: I use Cointreau but Grand Marnier or any good quality orange liqueur will do.
• Chambord: This is a black raspberry liqueur with great, rich flavor. You can buy fairly small bottles - that are super cute and classy looking - if it’s a spirit you don’t use often.
• Bubbly: You can use Prosecco or Cava or champagne or your favorite sparkling wine.
• Garnishes: I have suggested garnishes but feel free to play with any of your favorite fruits and garnishes for these drinks.
• Serving: You can serve this in a punch bowl or a pitcher, whichever you prefer.

Also, while not at all necessary, it can be fun to make some pretty ice cubes. Just be sure to do that the night before.

All you need is some fresh fruit - berries and little slices of orange are a good fit here - and a sprig of fresh herbs if you so desire.

Place everything in an ice cube tray (I have and love these cocktail ice cube trays but there are lots of different kinds available), add filtered water to almost the top and then freeze for 6-8 hours, until solid. Ta da!

OK, back to drinking.

I’ve listed the servings as 8-10, but it’ll depend a bit on how you serve this punch. For instance, you’ll get lots more servings using dainty champagne flutes than you will if you use large glasses.

And of course, please drink responsibly.

Also, I know we all want make ahead items at the holidays and when entertaining, but this really needs to be made and served immediately.

If it sits too long, the sparkling wine will lose the bubbly (as will the ginger ale in that version of the recipe).

Feel free to measure and pour out the liqueur in advance and have the serving vessel and other bottles ready to go.

It takes just a minute or two to add everything to your bowl or pitcher and stir it. 

Also, please make sure your sparkling wine and the cranberry juice or Ginger Ale is well chilled.

When you're ready to enjoy, here are our favorite optional garnishes: Orange slice or wedge, fresh cranberries, skewers of fresh fruit and/or sprig of mint.

Feel free to experiment however! You could even use frozen fruit or some edible flowers or mini holiday cookies or candies for extra fun!

Whichever option you choose - or both! - I hope you enjoy this sparkling holiday punch with loved ones and lots of laughter.

Cheers!

XO,

Kathryn