A Festive Holiday Cocktail; California Punch Bowl Recipe

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A Festive Holiday Cocktail; California Punch Bowl Recipe

December 9, 2025
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A Festive Holiday Cocktail; California Punch Bowl Recipe

If there was ever a moment to go big, sparkle a little brighter, and pour something unforgettable into your holiday cocktail lineup, it’s right now—because we’re officially entering the most wonderful time of the year. And nothing kicks off holiday celebrations quite like a holiday cocktail that doubles as a magical showstopper worthy of your holiday table.

Enter the California Punch Bowl -bold and fruity.

It is bold. It is fruity. And it’s got just enough swagger to make your family gatherings feel like you’ve upgraded to VIP seating. Yes—it’s the perfect drink when you want something that screams “festive” – and it tastes like a winter wonderland, serving a crowd without breaking a sweat.

This is your guaranteed crowd-pleaser, the one you’ll be asked to bring to every holiday party, winter gathering, and festive “just stop by” situation. It’s what happens when California wine, vibrant juices, fresh fruit, and a little sparkle come together in one big, beautiful bowl.

Why a Punch Bowl is the Ultimate Festive CA GROWN Treat

There’s a reason holiday punch has been around forever. It’s the original big batch party magic—equal parts convenience and celebration. A punch bowl turns even the simplest get-together into an experience. People hover around it like it’s the office water cooler, but way more fun.

Plus, this one?

It’s layered with CA GROWN flavors, driven by red wine, kissed with pomegranate juice, and brightened with fresh citrus. Add ginger beer right before serving, and you’ve got a cocktail with bubbles, zip, and the personality of an extrovert at a holiday party.

Let’s Talk California Wine—The Star of This Holiday Cocktail

This punch begins with a generous pour of California red wine, and honestly, that’s where the magic starts.

Grapes on the vine in the vineyard in Livermore.

Here’s why California wine deserves the spotlight:

California is basically wine country from top to bottom.

The state’s fertile soils and temperate climate allow winegrapes to thrive in nearly every region—coastal, valley, foothill, and mountain.

The Central Valley is the real powerhouse.

If you were ready to bet on Napa or Sonoma being the top growers, think again. The Central Valley produces more than half of all winegrapes grown in the state. It’s an under-the-radar region filled with innovative winemakers, family-owned vineyards, and some of the most versatile grapes you can pour into a holiday cocktail.

An aerial view of Keller Estate.

California boasts over 6,200 wineries.

Most of them?

Family-owned.

So every time you pick up a bottle for one of your creative winter cocktails, you’re supporting real California farm families. It’s a fun way to upgrade your home bar while investing in the people who grow the flavors we love.

If you’re shopping for this punch, a Merlot or red blend from California hits all the right notes: fruity, smooth, and sturdy enough to mingle with citrus, spice, and ginger heat.

A Holiday Cocktail With Vibrant Hues, Flavor, and a Little Sparkle

This festive cocktail pulls in some of California’s most colorful winter ingredients: pomegranate juice, orange juice, apple cider, and as many slices of fresh fruit as you can pile in. Think bright orange wheels, ruby pomegranate arils, kiwi stars, apple slices, even frozen grapes (a genius ice alternative that doesn’t water anything down).

The result?

A cocktail that looks like it walked out of a snow-globe party scene—vibrant hues, aromatic spices, and a touch of elegance that instantly elevates your holiday season.

Why This Drink Is a Signature Holiday Party Move

Let’s be honest. Most people don’t want to fuss with mixing cocktails one by one during a crowded holiday party. You’re busy greeting friends, answering the same “how have you been?” question eight times, and trying to keep the appetizers flowing.

A punch bowl solves all your problems in one swoop:

  • ✨Guests serve themselves.
  • ✨You look like the world’s most organized host.
  • ✨The drink stays delicious from the first ladleful to the last.
  • ✨It’s a holiday twist on classic wine cocktails.
  • ✨It pairs beautifully with the full array of holiday cocktails and snacks.
  • ✨It’s the perfect centerpiece for your next gathering, from a cozy night by the fire to a loud, chaotic holiday party.

This punch bowl recipe is bold enough for your adventurous friends, sweet enough for the traditionalists, and balanced enough to keep everyone happy.

A Crowd-Friendly Holiday Drink That Works Every Time

This holiday cocktail checks every single box:

  • ✔ Big batch
  • ✔ Easy to prep
  • ✔ Holiday-ready
  • ✔ A delicious drink that works with brunch, dinner, or dessert
  • ✔ A fun way to serve California wine
  • ✔ A festive twist that feels special but not fussy

Whether you’re building a signature cocktail for your holiday party or need something unforgettable for a festive brunch, this California Punch Bowl brings a lot of joy, a splash of color, and enough sparkle to carry you all the way into the New Year.

So grab a bottle of your favorite spirit (in this case, California red wine), slice up some fruit, and let this drink be the reason everyone lingers a little longer. The holidays are short. The good moments are shorter. This punch makes them last just a little bit longer—and isn’t that what the season’s all about?

From our kitchen to yours, cheers to a perfect holiday and your new favorite sippable tradition.

Want To Get In The Groove For Sipping? Check Out This Spotify Playlist From CA GROWN!

Craving more delicious warm beverages for the cooler weather ahead? Check out our Pinterest for more CA GROWN recipes.

Got your own recipe for a warm beverage we should try? Snap a pic and tag us with #CAGROWN—we’d love to see what you’re mixing up.

Glasses of red wine holiday punch.

California Punch Bowl Recipe

Meg van der Kruik
This festive holiday cocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Our California Punch Bowl is vibrant, fruity, and full of California flavor.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 243 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1.5 liters red wine from California we opted for Merlot
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 3 cups orange juice
  • 3 cups ginger beer or strong ginger soda
  • 2 TBSP vanilla extract
  • Possible Garnishes: frozen grapes orange slices, kiwi slices, apple slices, persimmon slices, pomegranate arils, cinnamon sticks, star anise

Instructions
 

  • Pour the red wine, juices, ginger beer, and vanilla into a large punch bowl. Stir well to mix.
  • Garnish with fresh fruit and cinnamon sticks. Serve in glasses over frozen grapes as ice.

Notes

This punch is best made right before serving. You can make it one day ahead and refrigerate, but save the ginger beer to add right before serving

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 18mgPotassium: 501mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 152IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
Keyword holiday cocktail, punch, punch bowl recipe, red wine
Tried this recipe?Mention @cagrownofficial or tag #CAGROWN!

More Batched Cocktail Recipes for Your Celebrations

So many celebrations, so little time! Good thing we’ve already done the internet research for you on the best batch cocktail recipes. Simply choose a recipe, gather the ingredients, and let the good times roll.

Red Apple Sangria Wine Cocktail recipe

Red Apple Sangria Wine Cocktail

Our friends at Discover California Wines know a thing or two about batch cocktails made with California wines – like this Sangria, which is a fabulous make-ahead option that feels like a celebration in a glass! This recipe, filled with red apples and oranges, can easily be doubled (or even tripled) for larger celebrations—plus, it’s very pretty in a standing beverage server.

Click here for the recipe.

Glögg – A Scandinavian mulled wine

This batch cocktail from A Girl Defloured is the ultimate winter warmer. Traditionally made with red wine, spices, and a splash of brandy, this version takes it up a notch with California prunes for a hint of natural sweetness. The result is a cozy, aromatic drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and fills your home with the festive scents of cinnamon, cardamom, and citrus.

Click here for the recipe.

red wine hot chocolate recipe

Hot Chocolate Spiked with California Red Wine

A cocktail that doubles as dessert? We’re in. This recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate with Red Wine is so incredible, we can’t think of a better reason to toast marshmallows. 

Click here for the recipe.

California-Style Cazuela Voladora

If you love Palomas, then don’t go another minute without trying this Cazuela Voladora cocktail made “California-style” with chilled white wine instead of tequila, plus juicy pomegranate and fresh ginger from Hola Jalapeno. Perfect for any party.

Click here for the recipe.

Sparkling Bourbon Sangria

This Sparkling Bourbon Sangria from Britney Breaks Bread is an easy recipe that combines sweet red wine, a touch of bourbon, and fresh fruit for a delicious cocktail.

Click here for the recipe.

Warm Winter Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is wine that’s been simmered with spices and sometimes a little fruit or honey. There’s a trick, though. You’ve gotta cook this down low and slow. Our friend KC the G-Free Foodie walks you through all of the details in this blog post.

Click here for the recipe.

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