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If you’re looking for a festive holiday drink that’s refreshing, lightened up, and gorgeous on the table, this Sparkling Citrus Champagne Punch is it. With fresh-squeezed citrus, naturally sweetened honey-ginger syrup, and plenty of bubbly sparkle, it’s the perfect party drink for brunches, dinners, or any gathering this holiday season.
This punch takes just minutes to prepare, looks beautiful with citrus slices and herbs, and can easily be made as a mocktail or cocktail. It’s a crowd-pleasing, feel-good drink that still fits on any table this time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Citrus Champagne Punch
I’m sure we can all agree that holiday parties are so much better with a fun and festive drink in hand. And this holiday champagne punch recipe is perfect for your Holiday parties.
- Fresh, bright citrus flavor — orange, grapefruit, and a hint of lemon make this punch vibrant and refreshing.
- Naturally sweetened — the honey-ginger simple syrup adds warmth and sweetness without refined sugar.
- Festive + customizable — make it non-alcoholic, add extra herbs, or adjust sweetness to your taste.
- Perfect for a crowd — easy to double and beautiful for entertaining.
If you’re going to do holiday cocktails, do them right. This Sparkling Citrus Champagne Punch is just the recipe you need.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a quick breakdown of the clean, simple ingredients that make this punch shine! *Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe and instructions!
- Orange Juice and Grapefruit Juice: You can use pre-made juices in a pinch, but I think freshly squeezed juice is the way to go!
- Sparkling Water: I use plain sparkling water, but flavored water would work as well.
- Champagne or Prosecco: Champagne is a little more expensive, while Prosecco (or another sparkling wine) is a little more economical. Either will work and either will be delicious, we promise!
- Vodka: I use gluten-free vodka, but regular vodka will work as well.
- Simple Syrup: I make a natural sugar simple syrup with honey, water, and fresh ginger (specific for this recipe)!
- Ice: You can add the ice in the pitcher or in each serving glasses.
- Garnishes: Decorate the punch with fresh fruit, such as lemon slices, orange slices, and grapefruit slices, fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and a couple of sprigs of fresh rosemary.
How to Make Sparkling Citrus Champagne Punch
This holiday punch recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, what a win!
- Make simple syrup: Combine honey, water, and ginger in a saucepan, then simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Make the juice: Squeeze the oranges and grapefruit to get 2 cups of orange juice and 1¾ cups of grapefruit juice.
- Combine: In a pitcher, combine the juice with sparkling water, champagne or prosecco, vodka, cranberries, rosemary, and ice cubes. Mix in the cooled simple syrup. Stir gently.
- Serve: Add citrus slices and herbs right before serving to keep everything bright and fresh.
Kitchen Tools I Use
Having the right tools makes fresh citrus drinks so much easier. Here are my go-tos:
- Citrus Juicer or Hand Squeezer — to get every drop of juice without the mess.
- Fine Mesh Strainer — perfect for catching pulp or seeds for a smoother punch.
- Small Saucepan — for simmering the honey-ginger simple syrup.
- Large Pitcher or Drink Dispenser — ideal for serving a crowd and showcasing all the beautiful citrus slices.
- Sharp Knife + Cutting Board — for prepping your garnishes.
- Cocktail Stirrer or Long Spoon — to gently mix without losing carbonation.
These simple tools make the prep quick, efficient, and fun—especially when hosting.
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is easy to adapt based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Mocktail Version: Replace champagne with sparkling cider, club soda, or extra sparkling water.
- More Flavor: Add lemon or lime juice for extra brightness.
- Sweeter Cocktail: Increase the honey-ginger syrup slightly.
- Herbal Notes: Add fresh mint or basil to the pitcher.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce or skip the syrup entirely for a more tart, refreshing drink.
FAQ’s:
Of course! Make the citrus juice and honey-ginger syrup up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the fridge. Add sparkling water and champagne just before serving to maintain all the bubbles. And of course, garnish upon serving.
Yes — this is one of the easiest drinks to scale up for parties.
Leftover punch won’t stay as bubbly, but will still taste delicious. Best enjoyed fresh.
Absolutely! Make this drink alcohol-free by just leaving out the alcohol. You can supplement with extra juice or sparkling water.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Complete your party menu with a few delicious finger foods! Here are some of my favorites:
- Jalapeño Popper Dip
- Prosciutto Wrapped Glazed Shrimp
- An Epic Charcuterie Board
- Spinach Dipped Stuffed Mushrooms
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip
More Holiday Drinks to Wow Friends and Family
- Apple Cider Sangria
- Cranberry Orange Margarita
- Slow Cooker Mulled Cider with Caramel Pecan Rim
- Orange Cranberry Margarita
- Mike’s Gin Fizz Cocktail
Watch The Video:
Sparkling Citrus Champagne Punch
Ingredients
- 5 freshly squeezed oranges makes 2 cups of juice
- 2 freshly squeezed grapefruits makes 1 3/4 cups of juice
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 2 bottles of champagne or prosecco
- 6 to 8 ounces gluten-free vodka
- 3/4 cup of simple syrup add more based on desired sweetness
- 2 cups of ice
- Garnish: 4 lemon slices 4 orange slices, 2 grapefruit slices, and 1/2 cup fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- Garnish: Sprigs of rosemary
Simple Syrup (makes: 1 1/4 cup):
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger peeled and cut into slices
Instructions
- Make simple syrup: Bring water honey, and ginger to a simmer, let simmer for 5 minutes. Take off heat and set aside Let cool completely before using. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Juice oranges and grapefruit and set aside. Cut additional orange, grapefruit, and lemon slices for garnish in the pitcher.
- Place freshly squeezed juice, and fruit slices in pitcher.
- Pour in sparkling water, hampagne or prosecco, vodka, cranberries, 3 sprigs of rosemary, and 2 cups of ice.
- Once simple syrup is cooled, pour in 3/4 of a cup. Reserve remaining simple syrup for later use.
- Stir well, garnish, and serve.
thank you, great cocktail and definitely appreciate the lightened version, certainly don’t need a lot of refined sugar in my alcohol, instant headache for me, so much appreciated!
How many servings or how much does this recipe make?
Serves about 10, depending on how much/little people drink!
8-10 depending on how heavy of drinkers!
My mouth is watering right now!! This looks SO festive and SO refreshing! I think I’m going to add it to my Christmas menu 😉
Love it! Enjoy!
Dang girl, that is so pretty I almost wouldn’t want to drink it! Almost, lol. I love the combination of pomegranate and grapefruit.
This is gorgeous! We have guests coming Christmas weekend and they would love this!
Thank you! Enjoy it!!!!
This drink looks so beautiful! Love all of the citrus!
This looks so good, Lexi!!! <3