Festive Candy Cane Punch

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and festive treats. One delightful drink that captures the spirit of the season is Festive Candy Cane Punch. This creamy, refreshing punch is perfect for warming up those chilly winter evenings and is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Festive Candy Cane Punch is an easy way to add a festive touch to your gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, and you can customize it to be either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. Plus, who can resist the delicious combination of vanilla and peppermint, topped off with colorful candy canes? It brings cheer to every holiday party!

How to Make Festive Candy Cane Punch

Ingredients:

1 quart vanilla ice cream
2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled
1 cup peppermint schnapps (optional; for a non-alcoholic version, use 1 teaspoon peppermint extract)
Crushed candy canes for garnish

Directions:

In a large punch bowl, scoop the vanilla ice cream.
Slowly pour the chilled lemon-lime soda over the ice cream, letting it foam up and mix naturally.
If you’re going for the alcoholic version, stir in the peppermint schnapps. For a family-friendly option, add the peppermint extract and stir gently to combine.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.
Ladle the punch into individual glasses and enjoy!

How to Serve Festive Candy Cane Punch

Serve the punch in clear glasses to show off the colorful candy canes and delicious foam! It’s a great idea to have a few extra toppings, like more crushed candy canes or some whipped cream, for people to customize their drinks.

How to Store Festive Candy Cane Punch

If you have leftovers, cover the punch bowl and store it in the fridge. However, this punch is best enjoyed fresh. The ice cream and soda will separate over time, so it’s a good idea to prepare just enough for your party.

Tips to Make Festive Candy Cane Punch

Chill the lemon-lime soda well before serving. This helps keep the punch nice and cold.
For an extra festive look, add some red and green sprinkles on top with the crushed candy canes.
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, make sure to mention the optional ingredients for both versions of the punch.

Variation

You can try different flavors of ice cream, like peppermint or chocolate, for a unique twist. Adding some crushed ice can make it even colder and more refreshing!

FAQs

Can I make this punch ahead of time?
While you can prepare the punch ingredients and keep them separate until serving, it’s best to mix them right before you serve to keep it fresh and frothy.

Is this drink kid-friendly?
Yes! Just skip the peppermint schnapps and use peppermint extract for a delicious non-alcoholic version.

Can I use other kinds of soda?
Absolutely! You can use any citrus soda or even ginger ale for a different flavor profile.