White Christmas Punch

Save this recipe on:

This White Christmas Punch is the ultimate festive drink for your holiday party. Creamy, sweet, and topped with sparkling cranberries, it looks like a winter wonderland in a glass. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or a cozy night in with a Hallmark movie, this punch is guaranteed to bring smiles.

The texture is rich like melted ice cream, with subtle vanilla notes and a fizzy kick from the lemon-lime soda. It’s kid-friendly as-is, but you can easily add a splash of rum or vodka for a grown-up twist. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can spend more time mingling and less time mixing.

---

What Kind of Punch Base Works Best?

A good punch starts with a creamy, flavorful base. For this one, a blend of vanilla ice cream and milk creates the dreamiest texture. The combination mimics melted milkshake vibes, making every sip feel indulgent. Lemon-lime soda adds the right balance of fizz and tartness to cut the sweetness.

If you want to swap out flavors, try using a berry sherbet or coconut milk for a fun variation. But vanilla ice cream is the gold standard for that classic White Christmas look.

---

Ingredients for the White Christmas Punch

Vanilla Ice Cream – This is the creamy base that gives the punch its luxurious texture. Let it soften slightly before blending so it mixes smoothly.

Milk – Thins out the ice cream just enough to create a drinkable consistency while maintaining the rich flavor.

Lemon-Lime Soda – Adds sparkle and a touch of citrus to contrast the sweetness. Use Sprite or 7UP for the best result.

Cranberries – These aren’t just for garnish. Fresh cranberries bring a pop of color and a burst of tartness with each sip.

Coarse Sugar or Sparkling Sugar – Roll your cranberries in this for a frosty look. It elevates the festive presentation beautifully.

Optional: Rum or Vodka – For adults looking to warm up a little more, a shot of rum or vodka blends seamlessly into the punch without overpowering it.

---

How To Make the White Christmas Punch

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl or blender, combine the softened vanilla ice cream and milk. Blend until smooth and pourable. This will form the rich, dreamy base of your punch.

Step 2: Add the Fizz

Gently stir in the lemon-lime soda. Avoid blending this step to preserve the carbonation. A light stir will do the trick to incorporate the bubbles evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Garnish

Roll fresh cranberries in coarse or sparkling sugar. Let them sit for a few minutes to set and glisten. These will add a wintry sparkle and a festive pop of color.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Pour the punch into individual glasses or a large punch bowl. Top each glass with a handful of sugared cranberries. If you’re making a spiked version, stir in the desired amount of rum or vodka just before serving.

Step 5: Keep It Chilled

If you’re serving over time, keep the punch chilled in the fridge or set the punch bowl in a tray of ice. You can also freeze some of the punch into cubes to prevent it from diluting as it sits.

---

Serving and Storing the White Christmas Punch

Serve this punch immediately after preparing for the best texture and fizz. It’s best enjoyed cold, right when the ice cream base is frothy and fresh. For gatherings, keep it in a large punch bowl set in a bed of crushed ice, or serve in glasses topped with festive garnishes.

If you need to make it ahead of time, blend the milk and ice cream and store in the refrigerator. Stir in the soda just before serving to maintain the carbonation. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day, though the fizz will soften.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What alcohol goes best with White Christmas Punch?

Rum and vodka are the most seamless options. They blend well with the creamy base and soda without overpowering the holiday flavors.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond or oat milk. Make sure your soda is also dairy-free (most lemon-lime sodas are).

How do I keep the punch cold without watering it down?

Freeze extra punch in ice cube trays and add those cubes instead of plain ice. You can also pre-chill the glasses.

Is it safe to make this ahead of time?

Yes, but only mix the milk and ice cream in advance. Wait to add the soda until just before serving to preserve the fizz.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

You can, but they won’t sugar as nicely as fresh ones. If using frozen, let them thaw slightly before rolling in sugar.

What can I use instead of cranberries?

Pomegranate seeds, sugared rosemary sprigs, or edible glitter are great festive alternatives for garnish.

---

Want More Holiday Drink Ideas?

If this White Christmas Punch has you feeling merry and bright, don’t stop here! Try these other delicious drinks and sweet sippers from the blog:

• Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie for a cool, minty dessert drink vibe.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups if you’re into tangy-meets-creamy perfection.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a snowy treat to pair with your punch.
• Winter Brittle adds a crunchy, sweet snack to your drink table.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies when you want something rich to go alongside.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go boozy or keep it family-friendly? Add crushed candy canes or try a different soda?

I love seeing your variations and hearing your tips. Drop a comment below and let’s keep sharing holiday cheer!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: