When the house smells like cookies and the tree lights are twinkling, you need a drink that feels just as festive. This candy cane Christmas punch is bubbly, creamy, and loaded with peppermint cheer. With just a few ingredients and zero stress, you’ll have a magical drink that both kids and grown-ups will ask for every year.
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Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Christmas Punch A Festive Holiday Drink 2025
It’s pink, it’s fizzy, it’s fun. The peppermint ice cream swirls into the cranberry soda like snow, and the crushed candy canes on top bring the sparkle. You can spike it with schnapps or leave it kid-friendly. Either way, it’s ridiculously easy to make. If you love bright, wintry drinks like this one, be sure to try our white Christmas punch too it’s a dreamy, creamy sidekick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 liter lemon-lime soda, chilled
2 cups cranberry juice
4 scoops peppermint ice cream
½ cup crushed candy canes
Fresh cranberries for garnish
Mint leaves
Optional: ½ cup vodka or peppermint schnapps
How to Make Candy Cane Christmas Punch A Festive Holiday Drink 2025
Pour the chilled cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda into a large punch bowl
Stir gently to mix, keeping the fizz
Add big scoops of peppermint ice cream right into the bowl
Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top
Toss in a handful of cranberries and a few mint leaves
Serve with candy cane stirrers or rimmed glasses
This punch is also perfect served next to spiced molasses gingerbread muffins for a cozy dessert table spread.
Fun Swaps and Variations
Use vanilla ice cream and a drop of peppermint extract if you can’t find peppermint
Switch cranberry juice for pomegranate or cherry
Add a scoop of raspberry sherbet for a fruity twist
Make it dairy-free with coconut milk ice cream
Want to keep it extra chill? Turn it into a slushie by freezing part of the soda mixture and blending right before serving
Tips for Serving Candy Cane Christmas Punch A Festive Holiday Drink 2025
Rim your glasses with crushed candy canes using a little honey or corn syrup
Serve in a clear pitcher or glass punch bowl to show off the color
Add floating cranberries and fresh mint to each glass for that extra holiday sparkle
Looking for something to serve on the side that’s not dessert? Try our butternut squash and apple bake for a warm, cozy companion
Make-Ahead Tips
Chill your soda and juice a few hours ahead so they’re ice cold
Crush your candy canes and store them in an airtight container
Don’t add the ice cream until just before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh
Leftovers don’t last long, but you can refrigerate and enjoy within a day
FAQ
Can I make it without ice cream?
Yes, it’ll still be bubbly and bright, but you’ll miss the creamy swirl. Add a splash of half-and-half for some richness if you want
Is this drink good for kids?
Absolutely. Just skip the alcohol and let the crushed candy canes do the magic
What if I don’t have peppermint ice cream?
Use vanilla and stir in crushed peppermint candies or a drop of extract
Try It and Share the Cheer
This candy cane Christmas punch is festive without the fuss. Perfect for tree decorating, cookie swaps, or just sipping in pajamas while watching your favorite holiday movie. If you make it, tag us! We’d love to see how you serve it up
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Candy Cane Christmas Punch (Fizzy, Sweet, and Pepperminty!)
Ingredients
- 1 liter lemon-lime soda chilled
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 4 scoops peppermint ice cream
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Mint leaves
- Optional: ½ cup vodka or peppermint schnapps
Instructions
- Pour the chilled cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda into a large punch bowl.
- Stir gently to mix, keeping the fizz intact.
- Add big scoops of peppermint ice cream directly into the bowl.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive sparkle.
- Add fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish.
- Serve with candy cane stirrers or in rimmed glasses.