Anti-Inflammatory Candy Cane Christmas Punch is a refreshing drink. It contains cranberry juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, peppermint syrup, orange juice, lime juice, and candy canes. These are simple items that we can find easily in stores or in the kitchen pantry. This refreshing drink contains fruit juices, so we can use unsweetened juices and sugar-free peppermint syrup to reduce the added sugar. It requires only 10 minutes, so it is good to prepare a quick drink for Christmas parties or holiday gatherings. Anti-Inflammatory Candy Cane Christmas Punch stores nicely in the fridge, but it is not good for long-term storage, as its fizz and texture will be ruined. Serve this refreshing punch with holiday appetizers, roasted vegetables, & Christmas cookies.
STATS:
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Cook time: Nil
- Cuisine: American
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Course: Beverage
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
- Servings: 8 servings
EQUIPMENT:
- Big punch bowl
- Citrus juicer
- Long-handled spoon
- Serving glasses
- Ice scoop
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- Two cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- ½ cup peppermint syrup
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup lime juice
- 6–8 small candy canes
- Crushed ice for serving
- Fresh cranberries, orange slices, & mint
INGREDIENT NOTES:
CRANBERRY JUICE:
- Include the cranberry juice to provide a tart, fruity flavor & a beautiful red color. We can use unsweetened cranberry juice to reduce the added sugar, and it also keeps its refreshing taste.
GINGER ALE:
- Include the ginger ale to provide a fizzy texture & a light ginger flavor. We can also use lemon-lime soda, sparkling water, or zero-sugar soda as we want.
PEPPERMINT SYRUP:
- Include the peppermint syrup to provide a sweet candy cane flavor. We can decrease the quantity or use sugar-free peppermint syrup to make the drink less sweet.
CANDY CANES:
- Include the small candy canes to provide a festive look & a boost of peppermint flavor. We can hang one on each glass or crush a small amount to decorate the rim.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, we measure the quantity of all the liquid items then rinse the mint, orange, & cranberries.
- Now add the juices to the big pitcher vessel, then include the peppermint syrup and mix to combine them.
- Then add the chilled ginger ale just before serving, then mix gently.
- Now add the crushed ice, then add the prepared punch on it.
- Then include the orange slices, mint leaves, and cranberries, decorate them with a candy cane, and serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
HOLIDAY APPETIZERS:
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Cucumber Hummus Bites
MAIN DISHES:
- Herb-Roasted Chicken
- Baked Salmon
- Vegetable Lasagna
SIDE DISHES:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Sweet Potato Wedges
- Winter Green Salad
DESSERTS:
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Chocolate Truffles
- Christmas Sugar Cookies
FESTIVE DRINKS:
- Orange Cinnamon Tea
- Cranberry Orange Mocktail
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
TIPS:
- Properly chill the juices and other items, then mix so the drink will remain cold and we don’t have to add lots of ice.
- We have to add the ginger ale or lemon soda just before serving, or else it loses the fizz.
- It is best to consume the punch fresh for the best fizzy taste.
- You can adjust the quantity of peppermint syrup as you like.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the punch to a closed pitcher & store for two days.
FREEZER:
- Don’t freeze the prepared punch, as they lose the fizz. Add the mixture of juices in the container and freeze for two months, then add the ginger ale fresh.
FAQs:
Can I make this drink before time?
- Yes, you can prepare the mixture of juices in advance, put it in a closed box, and store it in the fridge, and mix the ginger ale fresh for the best fizz. Avoid storing the fully prepared drink, as it loses the carbonation.
How to make the punch without the extra sugar?
- We have to utilize the fresh juices and unsweetened peppermint syrup and ginger ale for this purpose.
What to add instead of ginger ale?
- Add lemon-lime soda, sparkling water, or any zero-sugar carbonated drink instead of it.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 150 kcal
Serving: 8
Net carbs: 36 g
Iron: 0.4 mg
Total carbs: 37 g
Serving size: 1 cup
Vitamin A: 60 mcg
Fiber: 0.5 g
Calcium: 20 mg
Protein: 1 g
Sodium: 20 mg
Potassium: 180 mg
