Winter Citrus Sparkling Punch Cocktail Recipe

When the weather turns cold, I just want something bright and lively on the table. Citrus always feels like a treat in winter, you know? It’s fresh, it’s zippy, and it pairs so well with bubbles.

This Winter Citrus Sparkling Punch Cocktail is crisp, refreshing, and honestly, it’s the kind of drink you’ll want to keep refilling. It’s easy to mix, not fussy, and it just feels right for a festive get-together—or hey, even a quiet night in.

I love how this punch hits that sweet spot: a little sweet, a little tart, and plenty of fizz. The citrus brings real flavor, not just a hint, and the sparkling water keeps everything light.

It’s one of those drinks that works for a crowd or just a couple of people. You really don’t need much to pull it together.

You’ll find everything you need right here, from the short ingredient list to the easy steps. I’ll even toss in some tasting notes, so you know what you’re getting into when you pour that first glass.

Winter Citrus Sparkling Punch Cocktail Recipe

There’s something about punch that just feels fun, but I still want it to taste fresh and not overcomplicated. This citrus punch does exactly that.

It balances tart lemon juice, sweet simple syrup, and those gorgeous blood oranges with plenty of sparkle from club soda.

Equipment

• Large punch bowl – I like mixing and serving everything in one big bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Keeps things balanced so the flavors don’t get weird.
• Citrus juicer or reamer – Fresh juice is a must, trust me, it makes all the difference.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For slicing up the blood oranges, lemons, and whatever else you want to toss in for garnish.
• Mixing spoon or ladle – I go easy with the stirring so the bubbles don’t disappear.
• Strainer – Super handy for catching seeds and pulp from the citrus.
• Ice mold or large ice cubes – Bigger cubes melt slower, which is always a win.

Having these tools out ahead of time makes things smoother, and you’ll end up with a drink that tastes just right.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh blood orange juice
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
• 1 cup vodka or gin (I’ll switch it up depending on my mood)
• 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 small stick of cinnamon
• Ice, for serving
• Citrus slices (blood orange, lemon) for garnish

Blood oranges are my favorite here because they look gorgeous and bring a hint of sweetness. The ginger and cinnamon add just enough spice to keep things interesting.

Instructions

• Juice the blood oranges and lemons with your citrus juicer.
• Strain the juice to get rid of seeds and any extra pulp.
• In a big punch bowl, mix together the citrus juice, simple syrup, and your choice of vodka or gin.
• Stir it gently—no need to go wild.
• Add the grated ginger and cinnamon stick.
• Pop the bowl in the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Right before serving, pour in the sparkling water or club soda.
• Add ice and toss in some citrus slices for garnish.
• Ladle into glasses and serve cold.

I always hold off on adding the sparkling water until the last minute. Otherwise, you lose that fizzy kick.

Notes

If I’m in the mood for something more herbal, I’ll go with gin. Vodka keeps it lighter, though, so it’s really up to you.

Sometimes I cut the simple syrup in half if I want it a little less sweet.

Fresh juice really is the way to go—bottled stuff just doesn’t compare. Blood oranges are usually easy to find in winter, but regular oranges work if you’re in a pinch.

For more spice, let the cinnamon stick hang out in the punch a bit longer. If you want it subtle, just take it out after a few minutes.

And if you need more for a crowd, doubling the recipe is no problem at all.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright citrus flavor jumps out at me. There’s this mix of orange, lemon, and grapefruit that just feels so crisp—almost like a wake-up call for your taste buds.

The sparkling water adds a gentle fizz, just enough to keep things interesting. I have to say, the bubbles make the drink feel lively, but thankfully, it never gets heavy or overwhelming.

There’s a hint of sweetness that smooths out the tartness from the fruit. It tastes like the natural sugars from the juice are doing their thing, making the punch go down pretty easy.

I pick up on a bit of bitterness from the grapefruit, too. That edge gives the cocktail a little more character, so it doesn’t end up cloyingly sweet.

The finish? It’s clean, fresh, and honestly, kind of addictive. Every sip leaves behind a light citrus note that makes me want to go back for more.