Easy Crockpot Christmas Punch

This cozy crockpot Christmas punch is my favorite low-stress way to keep everyone warm and happy during the holidays. Just toss a few simple ingredients into the slow cooker, let it simmer away while you do all the other things, and serve it straight from the crock - festive, fragrant, and totally effortless.

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The backstory.

This recipe was born out of one hectic Christmas morning when I wanted something warm and festive to sip on - but the stovetop was already packed and I was over dirtying more pans. I grabbed cranberry juice, citrus concentrates, and cinnamon sticks, tossed everything in the crockpot, and hoped for the best. It turned into the easiest holiday punch ever, and now I make this slow cooker version every year so I can plug it in, walk away, and let the house smell like Christmas.

It's a must make.

This crockpot Christmas punch is one of those easy wins you'll want on repeat all season long.

• Only a few ingredients. You literally pour in three juices, toss in cinnamon sticks, water, and walk away - no complicated steps or special tools.
• Perfect for parties. It stays warm in the crockpot, so guests can help themselves to a ladle of hot punch whenever they walk in the door.
• Kid and adult friendly. Serve it as-is for the whole family, or set out a "grown-up add-in" station so adults can spike their mugs if they'd like.

Let's talk flavor and texture.

This punch is warm, sweet-tart, and super sippable. The cranberry juice brings classic holiday flavor with just enough tang, while the orange and lemonade concentrates add a bright, citrusy sweetness that keeps it from feeling heavy. As it gently simmers, the cinnamon sticks infuse everything with a cozy spice that smells just as good as it tastes. The texture is smooth and light - like a hot, fruity tea rather than a thick cider - so you can happily sip a mug (or two) without feeling weighed down.

Hot cranberry punch crockpot ingredients.

This hot cranberry punch slow cooker recipe keeps things simple with basic ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

• Cranberry juice: The base of the drink and the main holiday flavor. Use 100% cranberry juice for a more tart punch or cranberry cocktail for a sweeter sip.
• Frozen orange juice concentrate: Adds bright, citrusy sweetness and rounds out the cranberry flavor.
• Frozen lemonade concentrate: Brings a little tang and extra citrus zip so the punch doesn't taste flat or overly sweet.
• Cinnamon sticks: Gently infuse warmth and spice as the punch heats - no gritty texture like ground cinnamon.
• Water
• Optional: Sugar or brown sugar to balance any tang.

Optional extras: fresh orange slices, fresh cranberries, star anise, cloves, or rosemary sprigs for garnish and extra festive flavor.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

Customize it your own way.

This hot cranberry punch crockpot recipe is super easy to tweak so you can make it fit any holiday gathering.

• Turn up the fruit. Add a splash of apple cider or pomegranate juice for extra fruity flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness. Use 100% cranberry juice for a tarter punch, cranberry cocktail for a sweeter one, or stir in a little honey or sugar at the end if you want it sweeter.
• Boost the spice. Add extra cinnamon sticks, a few whole cloves, star anise, or a slice of fresh ginger while it heats for more cozy spice.
• Make it adults-only. Let guests spike their mugs with rum, bourbon, brandy, or red wine once the punch is hot and the slow cooker is set to warm.

How to serve it.

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This crockpot Christmas punch is perfect for easy, serve-yourself holiday sipping.

• Serve straight from the slow cooker. Keep it on the warm setting with a ladle and mugs nearby so everyone can help themselves.
• Garnish for a festive look. Float orange slices and fresh cranberries in the crock, and add a few cinnamon sticks or rosemary sprigs for color and aroma.
• Set up a drink station. Offer garnishes, sweeteners, and optional spirits on the side so each person can customize their own mug.
• Pair with holiday brunch. Serve alongside egg casseroles, sweet rolls, and a simple fruit tray for Christmas morning or weekend brunch.
• Use it for parties. This punch works for open houses, cookie exchanges, and holiday movie nights when you want something warm that isn't hot chocolate.

Kori's tips.

• Don't let it boil. Heat the punch until it's steaming hot but not bubbling so the citrus stays bright and doesn't turn bitter.
• Prep it ahead. Add all ingredients to the crock insert, cover, and refrigerate, then set the insert into the base and start cooking a couple of hours before guests arrive.
• Adjust the strength. If the punch tastes too strong after sitting, stir in extra water; if it tastes too mild, add a little more concentrate or juices and let it warm through.
• Tame the tang. Add in sugar to taste to offset too much tang. Some cranberry juice blends are very tart.
• Watch the cinnamon. If the cinnamon flavor starts to get too strong, remove the cinnamon sticks and keep the punch on warm.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

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