This Vintage-Inspired Christmas Punch Couldn't Be Easier—or More Delicious
Classic Christmas Punch
As the festive season descends upon us with twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and the unmistakable scent of cinnamon in the air, there's no better way to celebrate than with a timeless and heartwarming tradition: holiday punch.
A big bowl of holiday cheer is just the thing to get you in the spirit (pun intended) of the season. And one fun vintage-inspired version of the holiday drink is the Classic Christmas Punch from It's a Wonderful Life: The Official Bailey Family Cookbook. The fruit-packed ice ring and the club soda-based punch is sure to be something George Bailey and his family would approve of. I was intrigued by the throwback recipe, but wondered how it would hold up in modern times. To find out, I gave it a shot in my kitchen. Here's what happened.
Get the recipe: Classic Christmas Punch
Courtesy of Choya Johnson
Ingredients for the Classic Christmas Punch
For this recipe you'll need the following ingredients: cranberries, thin orange slices, pomegranate arils, fresh mint, club soda, cranberry juice, ginger ale and pineapple juice and/or orange juice.
How to Make the Classic Christmas Punch
To get this party punch started, you'll first make the ice ring. Arrange the cranberries, orange slices, pomegranate arils and a few sprigs of mint in the bottom of a Bundt pan or ring mold, filling it halfway. Pro tip: Before you start, make sure the pan fits inside your punch bowl, which will ensure that the ice ring will fit too.
In a pitcher, mix club soda with two cups of cranberry juice and pour the mixture over the fruit, covering them and leaving about half an inch of space from at the top of the pan. Stick the pan in the freezer (making sure it's level) and let freeze until firm, which will take at least 8 hours.
Courtesy of Choya Johnson
For the punch, combine ginger ale, cranberry juice, and pineapple or orange juice in a punch bowl. Chill the punch mixture until you're ready to serve.
To release the ice ring from the mold or pan, submerge the bottom of it in a large bowl of cold water for 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, place the ice mold in the punch bowl and delicately pour the chilled punch over it for a refreshing and visually stunning presentation.
Related: 26 Make-Ahead Christmas Punch Recipes That Bring Holiday Cheer
What I Thought of the Classic Christmas Punch
Indulging in this timeless Christmas punch is a delightful experience, thanks to its delectable flavor profile and the convenience of readily available ingredients. The simplicity of the recipe allows for a swift preparation, though the anticipation builds during the 8-hour wait for the ice mold to freeze and take on its picturesque form. The punch is delicious on its own, but I wouldn't be upset with a splash of rum or gin to really add some spirit to the drink.
Courtesy of Choya Johnson
Tips for Making the Classic Christmas Punch
Make it boozy. As mentioned above, taking this punch up a notch only requires a bit of rum, gin or the spirit of your choice.
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