Festive Cranberry Cream Delight
Celebrate the holiday season with our Festive Cranberry Cream Delight, a luscious punch that combines the tartness of cranberry and the creaminess of sweetened condensed milk. This eye-catching punch, crowned with a stunning cranberry ice ring, is perfect for any festive gathering. Serve in elegant stemmed wine glasses to elevate the occasion. The vibrant color and refreshing taste make this a delightful addition to your holiday festivities. Prep ahead with the ice ring and watch your guests be amazed as they enjoy each sip packed with holiday cheer!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 (14-ounce) can (Do not substitute with evaporated milk.)
Frozen Cranberry Juice Concentrate
1 (12-ounce) can, thawed
Cranberry Liqueur
1 cup, optional (For an extra festive touch.)
Red Food Coloring
To taste, optional (Add for a vibrant color.)
Club Soda or Ginger Ale
2 (1-liter) bottles, chilled
Cranberry Juice Cocktail
2 cups
Water
1 1/2 cups
Cranberries
3/4-1 cup (Fresh or frozen, for the ice ring.)
Lime Slices or Mint Leaves
For garnish
Instructions
1
Prepare the Cranberry Ice Ring: In a 1.5-quart ring mold, combine the cranberry juice cocktail and water. Pour 1/2 cup of this mixture into the mold.
2
Place the cranberries and lime slices or mint leaves in the mold for decorative purposes, then freeze this layer for several hours.
3
Once the bottom layer is frozen, pour the remaining 3 cups of the cranberry mixture into the mold and freeze overnight until solid.
4
On the day of serving, in a large punch bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, thawed cranberry juice concentrate, cranberry liqueur (if using), and red food coloring (if using) until smooth.
5
Just before serving, add the chilled club soda or ginger ale to the punch bowl and gently mix.
6
Unmold the ice ring by running warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds, and place it in the center of the punch bowl.
7
Serve in stemmed wine glasses, garnishing each glass with additional cranberries or mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry Cream Delight?
Festive Cranberry Cream Delight is a luscious holiday punch that combines the tartness of cranberry with the creamy texture of sweetened condensed milk, often served with a decorative ice ring.
Can I substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk?
No, you should not substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk as it will change the sweetness and consistency of the punch.
How do I prepare the cranberry ice ring?
In a 1.5-quart ring mold, combine cranberry juice cocktail and water. Freeze a small amount with cranberries and lime or mint first, then add the rest and freeze overnight.
What size mold is needed for the ice ring?
A 1.5-quart ring mold is recommended for this recipe.
How long does it take to freeze the ice ring?
The first decorative layer takes several hours, and the full ring should be frozen overnight until solid.
Is cranberry liqueur required for this recipe?
No, the cranberry liqueur is optional and can be added for an extra festive touch if desired.
Should the club soda or ginger ale be chilled?
Yes, for the best results, you should use two 1-liter bottles of chilled club soda or ginger ale.
When should I add the soda to the punch?
Just before serving, add the chilled club soda or ginger ale to the punch bowl and gently mix.
How do I unmold the ice ring?
Unmold the ice ring by running warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds.
What type of glasses are recommended for serving?
This punch is best served in elegant stemmed wine glasses to elevate the holiday occasion.
Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries for the ice ring?
You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries to decorate the ice ring.
What can I use for decoration in the ice ring besides cranberries?
Lime slices or mint leaves are excellent choices for adding a decorative touch to the ice ring.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
The red food coloring is optional and can be added to taste if you want a more vibrant color.
Does the cranberry juice concentrate need to be thawed?
Yes, the 12-ounce can of frozen cranberry juice concentrate should be thawed before mixing.
How much cranberry liqueur should I add?
If you choose to use it, add 1 cup of cranberry liqueur.
What is the base liquid for the ice ring?
The ice ring base is a mixture of 2 cups of cranberry juice cocktail and 1.5 cups of water.
How do I ensure the decorative items stay in place in the ice ring?
Freeze a 1/2 cup layer of the juice mixture with the cranberries and lime/mint first for several hours before adding the remaining liquid.
Can I use ginger ale instead of club soda?
Yes, you can use either club soda or ginger ale depending on your preference for sweetness.
How many bottles of soda do I need?
You will need two 1-liter bottles of your chosen carbonated beverage.
Can I garnish individual glasses?
Yes, you can garnish each stemmed wine glass with additional cranberries or mint leaves.
What makes this punch creamy?
The creaminess comes from the addition of one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
Is this punch suitable for a cocktail party?
Absolutely, it is tagged as a cocktail party drink and its elegant presentation makes it perfect for such events.
Can I prepare this punch in advance?
You can prepare the ice ring and the base mixture (milk and concentrate) in advance, but add the soda just before serving.
What is the flavor profile of the drink?
It is a refreshing and festive blend of tart cranberry and sweet, creamy milk with a carbonated finish.
How much water is used in the ice ring?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of water to be mixed with the cranberry juice cocktail.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include holiday punch, cranberry drink, festive beverage, party punch, and christmas drink.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional items like liqueur and food coloring.
Is this a kid-friendly drink?
If you omit the optional cranberry liqueur, it is a non-alcoholic punch suitable for all ages.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to prepare the cranberry ice ring by combining the juice cocktail and water in a mold.
Where should the ice ring be placed?
The ice ring should be placed in the center of the punch bowl just before serving.