My sweet mother-in-law, Gwen Hancock, was a great southern cook, and left several handwritten books full of recipes that she collected over the years. I found this recipe in one of those books, and she gave her friend, Barbara Hood, credit for the recipe. Christmas Party Punch is quick and easy; it's not too sweet (although you can add a little sugar, if necessary), and looks very festive when served in a pretty glass beverage dispenser. I like to fill the dispenser with cranberries and orange slices. You can also add lemon slices, star fruit slices, and mint if it's available. There is a notation at the bottom of Gwen's recipe that you can add vodka, to taste, but that's optional. For our family parties, I serve this as is, without alcohol.

If you don't have access to a beverage dispenser, this also looks great in a punchbowl, especially with an ice floater. To make a floater, put a little water in the bottom of a Bundt pan and freeze. Using silk or plastic, place holly sprigs upside down on the ice, as well as poinsettias, or pine boughs – you want it as colorful as possible. Top with orange slices, lemon slices, and fill the rest with rinsed cranberries. Place in the freezer and pour water to the top. Freeze well. To unmold, run hot water around the outside, invert, and it will pop out.

Makes 24 6-ounce servings

2 quarts cranberry juice cocktail
1 12 oz. can orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 liters ginger ale

Fresh cranberries, rinsed well and drained
1 orange, sliced
Ice

1. Mix the cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice concentrate, and lemon juice; refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Place the cranberries, oranges, and ice in a large, decorative beverage dispenser.
3. Pour the cranberry juice mixture into the dispenser; add the ginger ale and serve.

Note: for a non-carbonated beverage, add lemonade instead.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 107 Calories from Fat 1
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 1% Protein 2% Carb. 97%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 8 mg
Total Carbohydrate 26 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 91% Calcium 0% Iron 2%