Holiday Champagne Punch
This easy holiday champagne punch with pomegranate and orange is the perfect festive party drink. Make ahead, serve a crowd, and enjoy the bubbly cheer!
Table of contents
Hosting a holiday party means a lot of moving parts. A big bowl of this fizzy champagne punch takes the pressure off, guests can serve themselves, and the homemade pomegranate-mint ice cubes keep it cold without diluting the flavor. The bright mix of citrus and pomegranate tastes festive, and it's simple to put together. Just stir and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Champagne Punch
- Built-in ice cubes that add flavor: The mint leaves and pomegranate seeds freeze right into the cubes, so they chill the punch while infusing it with extra freshness and color.
- Scales up without fuss: Need more? Just multiply the juice and champagne. One batch serves a crowd, and the recipe doubles or triples easily in a large punch bowl.
- Simple ingredients you can find year-round: Pomegranate juice, orange juice, and your favorite sparkling wine are all easy to grab at any grocery store.
Key Ingredients for Pomegranate Orange Champagne Punch
- Pomegranate juice: Use 100% pomegranate juice, not a blend, for the deepest color and tart flavor. It's available in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets.
- Orange juice: Fresh-squeezed gives the brightest taste, but bottled is fine in a pinch. Look for no pulp or added sugar.
- Orange-flavored liqueur: Grand Marnier is classic, but Cointreau or triple sec also work. For a less sweet punch, reduce the amount slightly.
Kitchen Tools for Holiday Champagne Punch
- Punch bowl or large pitcher (at least 3 quarts)
- Ice cube trays (standard size, enough to make 12-16 cubes)
- Measuring cups and a large stirring spoon
Tips for Making the Best Pomegranate Orange Champagne Punch
Start the ice cubes at least 4 hours ahead, overnight works too. Freeze them in a single layer so the mint and seeds stay evenly distributed. For the punch, mix the pomegranate juice, orange juice, and orange liqueur first, then pour in the champagne just before serving. This keeps the bubbles lively. If you're using a sweeter sparkling wine like Prosecco, you can reduce the liqueur slightly to balance the sweetness.
Expert Advice for a Perfect New Year’s Eve Punch
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the Grand Marnier and replace the champagne with a good sparkling cider or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The punch will still taste bright and celebratory. To keep the punch from getting too diluted, use a single large block of ice instead of cubes, freeze a ring of juice or water with mint and pomegranate seeds in a bundt pan. It melts slower and looks dramatic.
Make-Ahead Pomegranate-Mint Ice Cubes
The ice cubes are the star of this punch, and they're easy to prep in advance. Place 1 or 2 mint leaves in each ice cube compartment, then scatter 3 to 4 pomegranate seeds on top. Fill with water and freeze for at least 4 hours. You can keep them in a freezer bag for weeks. When you're ready, just drop them into the punch bowl, they'll chill the drink without turning it watery too quickly.
4 Ways to Customize This Batch Cocktail
Switch up the sparkling wine, Prosecco, cava, or any dry sparkling white wine works. Swap the Grand Marnier for another orange liqueur like Cointreau, or try Gran Gala for a slightly different note. For a non-alcoholic punch, omit the liqueur and use sparkling apple cider or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. You can also experiment with the juice: substitute cranberry juice for part of the pomegranate juice for a tarter kick.
What to Serve with Holiday Champagne Punch
This punch pairs well with savory appetizers. Ladle it alongside baked brie, spanakopita, or puff pastry pigs in a blanket. For a lighter spread, set out roasted nuts and cured meats. Garnish each glass with an orange slice and a few extra pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. A sprig of mint adds freshness.
How to Store Leftover Holiday Champagne Punch
The juice mixture (pomegranate juice, orange juice, and liqueur) can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the champagne only when you're ready to serve. Once combined, the punch will go flat after a few hours, so it's best enjoyed fresh. Leftover punch can be refrigerated for a day, but the bubbles won't return.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 12 servings
- Cuisine
- American
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the ice cubes: Place 1-2 mint leaves in each space of an ice cube tray. Divide ¼ to ⅓ cup of the pomegranate seeds among the ice cube spaces. Fill with water and freeze for 4 hours or longer, until solid.
- Make the punch: Mix the pomegranate juice, orange juice, and orange liqueur in a large punch bowl over the ice cubes. Add the champagne and stir. Add slices of orange juice and the remaining pomegranate seeds to the juice and serve. Add more mint leaves as garnish if desired.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
- Calories
- 121 kcal6% DV
- Protein
- 1 g2% DV
- Fat
- 1 g1% DV
- Carbs
- 25 g9% DV
- Fiber
- 1 g4% DV
- Sugar
- 22 g
- Sodium
- 10 mg0% DV
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA). Values are estimates — see our nutrition data sources.
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