This virgin mulled cranberry punch is a cosy, alcohol-free holiday favourite. Made with Ocean Spray Wholeberry™ Cranberry juice, citrus and warming spices, it’s best served hot—perfect for designated drivers and children alike. 
Post in collaboration with Ocean Spray® Wholeberry™ cranberry
I’m usually one for cocktails, but this virgin mulled cranberry punch might just be my favourite winter drink. It began when I tried Ocean Spray® Wholeberry™ cranberry fruit juice drink blend, which packs whole crushed cranberries into every glass with no added sugar or preservatives. I loved it straight away, and so did my kids.
While it’s delicious chilled, the juice also makes a comforting hot punch. The mulled cranberry punch keeps things non-alcoholic but captures the familiar, spicy warmth of mulled wine. With citrus, cinnamon, star anise, fresh ginger and a touch of agave for sweetness, it’s rich, fragrant and easy to make. My kids—aged 11 and 7—surprised me by adoring their steaming mugs as we sat by the fire making lists for Santa.
The punch takes about 5–7 minutes to bring to a very gentle simmer. That short cooking time is enough for the spices and citrus to infuse the cranberry juice and create a deep, warming flavour. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little more agave; the cranberry juice on its own is bright and tart, which balances beautifully with the spices.
One of the best features of this recipe is that the flavours develop further if you make it in advance. Once cooled, store the punch in the fridge and the spices will continue to infuse, intensifying the aroma and taste. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove for a cosy cup the next day—useful after a cold, muddy morning walk with the dogs when you need a quick pick-me-up.
This virgin mulled cranberry punch is ideal for holiday gatherings: school fairs, tree-decorating parties, or simply keeping a jug in the kitchen to warm up while you work. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd and looks festive when garnished with skewered cranberries and a strip of orange peel. Serve it in mugs or heatproof glasses for immediate holiday cheer.
Virgin mulled cranberry punch
By Lucy Parissi | Supergolden Bakes
This virgin mulled cranberry punch is a festive, non-alcoholic drink made with cranberry juice, citrus and seasonal spices. Serve it warm for the best experience.
Prep Time: 7 minutes • Cook Time: 7 minutes • Total Time: 14 minutes • Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 850 ml Ocean Spray Wholeberry cranberry (1 carton)
- Juice of 1 large orange
- 80 ml agave syrup (about 1/3 cup), or to taste
- Peel of 1 orange
- 1 orange, sliced thinly
- 1 lemon, sliced thinly
- 2 cm / 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 small cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 3 cloves
- Fresh cranberries and extra orange peel to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a very gentle simmer over low heat.
- Stir occasionally and keep at a gentle simmer for 5–7 minutes until hot and fragrant. Turn off the heat and let the punch cool slightly. Taste and add more agave if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Strain into a jug to remove the spices, or leave them in for a stronger, evolving flavour—the punch will continue to infuse as it cools.
- Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with cranberries threaded onto cocktail sticks and a strip of orange peel for a festive finish.
Notes
If you have leftover punch, store it in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or gently on the stove before serving. The flavour improves after resting, so making it ahead is a great option for busy holiday days.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday event or just want a comforting drink while wrapping gifts and decorating the tree, this virgin mulled cranberry punch is an easy, family-friendly option. Its bright cranberry base combined with warm spices makes it a memorable non-alcoholic alternative that both adults and children can enjoy.
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