Ginger Beer and Cranberry Punch Cocktail Recipe

If you’re hunting for a holiday drink that actually tastes good, you’re in the right place. My Ginger Beer and Cranberry Punch Cocktail is fizzy, simple, and honestly just fun for any get-together.

This festive drink brings together sweet cranberry juice cocktail and spicy ginger beer. The result? A bold, bright punch that just feels like the holidays.

I love that you can serve this cranberry ginger punch as a cocktail or keep it booze-free. It works in a big bowl for Christmas, or just pour it into glasses and call it a mocktail.

The color’s gorgeous and the bubbly bite makes it feel a little special—almost too easy.

Let’s mix up a holiday cocktail that people might actually remember. Whether you’re prepping for a crowd or just want something cheery at home, this punch brings a pop of festive energy to the table.

Ginger Beer And Cranberry Punch Cocktail Recipe

This punch blends sweet-tart cranberry juice with spicy ginger beer and a little citrus. It’s festive, easy to tweak, and honestly, I’ve made it on random weekends too.

Equipment

• Large punch bowl or a big pitcher
• Measuring cup
• Long spoon or stirrer
• Citrus juicer (for fresh lime juice)
• Small knife and cutting board (for limes)
• Ladle (for serving)
• Ice bucket or tray
• Cocktail glasses or cups

I usually grab a punch bowl for a crowd, but a pitcher is fine for a smaller group. A long spoon really helps mix everything without making a mess.

Squeezing fresh lime is way easier with a juicer, but your hands will work in a pinch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened)
• 2 cups ginger beer (chilled)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 to 1.5 cups vodka or spiced rum (optional, for a spirited punch)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)
• 1-2 limes, sliced into wheels
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 whole star anise (optional)
• Ice cubes (as needed)

I go for unsweetened cranberry juice if I want it tart, but sweetened is fine too. Pineapple juice brings a mellow sweetness.

For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the vodka or rum. The garnishes make it look festive and, honestly, a little fancy.

Instructions

• Pour cranberry juice, ginger beer, pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice into your punch bowl or pitcher.
• Add vodka or spiced rum if you’re using it.
• Stir gently with a long spoon.
• Toss in sliced limes, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and maybe some star anise.
• Add ice cubes to chill everything down.
• Ladle into cocktail glasses, making sure each glass gets some fruit and spices.

I always taste before serving—sometimes it needs more lime or a splash more ginger beer for that extra kick.

Notes

Spiced rum gives a warmer, deeper flavor, but vodka keeps it lighter. Fresh or frozen cranberries float on top and keep things cold, plus they look great.

This punch is super forgiving, so it’s easy to make alcohol-free for kids or anyone skipping the booze.

If you want a stronger flavor, let the garnishes infuse in the juice for 10-20 minutes before adding ice and ginger beer. For parties, I like to set out extra lime wedges so guests can add more citrus if they want.

Serve it cold—lots of ice is key.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of this ginger beer and cranberry punch cocktail, the first thing I notice is the bright, tart taste of cranberry. It’s got a vibe a little like cranberry margaritas, but honestly, it’s not as sour—just more balanced.

The ginger beer steps in with a fizzy kick that tingles on my tongue. Compared to a classic Moscow Mule, the ginger here feels softer, blending with the cranberry instead of stealing the show.

There’s a mild sweetness, but thankfully, it doesn’t go overboard. Lime juice sneaks in a hint of sharpness, kind of brightening every sip and making the whole thing feel refreshing.

Flavors I pick up:

• Tart cranberry
• Spicy ginger
• Mild sweetness
• Light citrus

Texture:
It’s bubbly and crisp. I’d say the chill from the ice keeps everything tasting sharp and lively.

If you’re into cranberry margaritas but want less tang and more fizz, this one’s a solid pick. The ginger gives it a twist from regular punch, but it still goes down easy.