Candy Cane Christmas Punch is the ultimate festive drink to bring holiday cheer to your next gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, planning a kids’ party, or just want something sweet and sparkling for cozy nights by the fire, this peppermint-packed punch delivers! Creamy ice cream meets bubbly soda, a hint of tart cranberry, and crushed candy canes for a colorful, nostalgic flavor that makes everyone smile. Best of all? It’s ready in minutes and can be made with or without alcohol.
Candy Cane Christmas Punch is more than just a holiday beverage—it’s a centerpiece. With its pink hue, minty aroma, and festive fizz, it’s the kind of drink that instantly puts everyone in the Christmas spirit. Inspired by traditional party punches, this version uses peppermint ice cream and soda to create a creamy, foamy texture that both kids and adults love. You can even spike it with a splash of schnapps for grown-up gatherings.
Table of Contents
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid- and adult-friendly versions
- Quick to make—only 10 minutes
- Visually stunning with candy cane flair
- Customizable with endless variations
- Perfect for parties, brunches, or holiday dinners
Looking for more holiday drinks? Check out our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Twisted Pasta or Peach Caprese Salad with Burrata for perfect pairings.
🛒 Ingredients
- 6 cups lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale for more fizz)
- 2 cups peppermint ice cream (or vanilla + crushed candy canes)
- 1 cup cranberry juice (adds color and tartness)
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh cranberries and mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Optional for Adults:
- ½ cup peppermint schnapps or vodka
🧾 Instructions
- Chill soda, juice, and alcohol (if using) in the fridge.
- In a large punch bowl, combine soda and cranberry juice.
- Gently stir in peppermint ice cream until frothy and creamy.
- Sprinkle in crushed candy canes and stir lightly.
- Garnish with cranberries, mint leaves, or whole candy canes as stirrers.
- Serve immediately in clear festive glasses.
⏱ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 8–10
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Non-Alcoholic)
Calories: ~180
Sugar: ~28g
Fat: ~4g
Carbohydrates: ~34g
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on brands and substitutions.
🔄 Tips & Variations
Ingredient Swaps:
- Soda: Swap lemon-lime with ginger ale or sparkling water
- Ice Cream: Use vanilla + peppermint extract or crushed candy canes
- Juice: Pomegranate juice can deepen the color
Creative Twists:
- 🎄 Grinch Punch: Lime sherbet + green food coloring
- ❄️ Frosty White: Use vanilla ice cream, clear soda, no juice
- 🍹 Spiked Version: Add schnapps, vodka, or even white rum
- 🧊 Frozen Treat: Blend ingredients for a slushy version
🙋♀️ FAQs
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free peppermint ice cream or sorbet.
Q: How can I keep it fizzy longer?
Chill all ingredients first and add soda just before serving.
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
Mix soda and juice ahead. Add ice cream and candy canes right before serving.
Q: Is this safe for kids?
Absolutely—just leave out the alcohol and double the fun garnishes!
Q: Can I skip the ice cream?
You can. Use peppermint syrup and more soda for a lighter version.
Candy Cane Christmas Punch
Equipment
- – Large punch bowl
- Ladle
- – Measuring cups
- – Ice cream scoop
Ingredients
- – 6 cups lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
- – 2 cups peppermint ice cream or vanilla + crushed candy canes
- – 1 cup cranberry juice
- – ½ cup crushed candy canes
- – Fresh cranberries and mint leaves optional
- – Optional: ½ cup peppermint schnapps or vodka
Instructions
- Chill soda, juice, and schnapps if using.
- Combine soda and cranberry juice in a large punch bowl.
- Stir in ice cream until creamy.
- Top with crushed candy canes.
- Garnish with cranberries, mint leaves, or whole candy canes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
– Use vanilla ice cream with peppermint extract if needed.
🎁 Conclusion
Candy Cane Christmas Punch is the drink your holiday party didn’t know it needed. It’s cheerful, simple to make, and loved by guests of all ages. Whether you’re serving a big family brunch or a casual evening get-together, this festive punch is the perfect touch of peppermint magic.