If you’re searching for the perfect festive drink to dazzle your holiday crowd, look no further than Santa Snowball Punch! This delightful punch is a frothy, creamy concoction that blends the tang of citrus, the sweetness of pineapple, and the smooth richness of coconut, all topped with snowy scoops of vanilla ice cream. Its playful candy cane and cherry garnish makes every glass sparkle with cheer, and the punch itself tastes just as magical as it looks. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, a kids’ party, or a grown-up gathering (hello, optional rum!), this party-worthy punch is sure to be the highlight of your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Main Punch:
- 4 cups lemon-lime soda (chilled)
- 2 cups pineapple juice (chilled)
- 1 cup coconut milk or cream of coconut
Additional:
- 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
- Red sanding sugar or sprinkles (for rimming glasses)
- Maraschino cherries and mini candy canes (for garnish)
How to Make Santa Snowball Punch
Step 1: Rim the Glasses
Start by rimming your serving glasses for an extra touch of Christmas magic! Dip each glass in a bit of water or light corn syrup, then gently press it into red sanding sugar or sprinkles. Let the glasses dry for a few minutes so the sugar sticks well and makes every pour sparkle.
Step 2: Mix the Punch Base
Pour the chilled lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and coconut milk (or cream of coconut, if you like it sweeter and more decadent) into a large punch bowl. Gently stir everything together until it’s well mixed—the combination will look lightly frothy and smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 3: Add the “Snowballs”
Now comes the star of the Santa Snowball Punch! Carefully scoop generous balls of vanilla ice cream and float them on top of the punch. They look just like frosty snowballs bobbing in a winter wonderland and bring a rich, creamy “wow” factor to every cup.
Step 4: Let the Magic Happen
If you like a float-style punch with distinct scoops, serve right away—your guests will love how the soda fizzes over each creamy “snowball.” For a creamier, almost milkshake-style drink, let the ice cream melt and blend into the punch just a bit before serving. You can’t go wrong either way!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the festive punch into the sugar-rimmed glasses. Top each glass with a cheery maraschino cherry and a mini candy cane perched on the rim. Now step back and admire—Santa Snowball Punch is the showstopper your holiday table was waiting for!
How to Serve Santa Snowball Punch
Garnishes
Go wild with the finishing touches! Maraschino cherries and mini candy canes are an absolute must—they add a pop of color and that unmistakable whimsical vibe. You could also toss on some holiday-themed sprinkles or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut for even more “snowy” goodness.
Side Dishes
Santa Snowball Punch pairs wonderfully with all sorts of festive treats. Try serving it alongside gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or a platter of fresh fruit. If you’re setting up a brunch, it’s a fabulous companion to cinnamon rolls and fruit tarts. For a more adult gathering, a selection of rich cheeses and spiced nuts would be just right.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run free! Serve Santa Snowball Punch in a glittery glass punch bowl, or use clear mason jars for rustic charm. For a crowd, try setting up a DIY punch station so guests can ladle their own and add their favorite garnishes. Want an extra splash of drama? Drop in edible glitter or a scoop of colorful sherbet for beautiful swirls!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Santa Snowball Punch left, pour it into a covered pitcher and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The ice cream will melt, making for a sweeter, creamier treat—almost like a punchy milkshake!
Freezing
While you can freeze the punch, its texture will change considerably, becoming more like an ice cream slush. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to one week. Let it thaw just a bit in the fridge before stirring and serving as a chilly dessert drink.
Reheating
Santa Snowball Punch is definitely a “serve cold” creation! If you’re pulling leftovers from the fridge or freezer, simply give them a good stir and pour over fresh ice—no need to reheat. For a party, always add fresh ice cream right before serving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Santa Snowball Punch ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can combine the lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and coconut element a few hours in advance and keep it chilled. Wait until just before serving to add the ice cream “snowballs”—that way, your punch stays delightfully frothy and fresh.
Is there a way to make this punch dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Swap in your favorite non-dairy vanilla ice cream and use coconut beverage or a plant-based cream of coconut substitute. It’ll be just as creamy and festive, perfect for guests with dietary needs.
Can I add alcohol for an adult version?
Definitely! For a grown-up twist, add a cup of coconut rum or white rum to the punch base. Just remind guests there’s a kick in this batch—the tropical flavor with the ice cream is pure holiday magic!
What if I don’t have red sanding sugar?
No worries! You can use any festive sprinkles or colored sugar you love. Even granulated sugar tinted with a few drops of red food coloring works. The fun is in the sparkle, so get creative with what you have.
How far in advance can I prepare the garnishes?
Rim your glasses with sugar up to several hours ahead; just keep them upright and dry. Cherries and mini candy canes can be set out right before serving to keep them perky and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of Santa Snowball Punch to bring out smiles and start sweet holiday memories. This easy, showy punch is delicious, dazzling, and just plain fun—give it a try this season, and watch it become the toast of your festive table!
Print
Santa Snowball Punch Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Santa Snowball Punch is a festive and creamy non-alcoholic holiday drink perfect for Christmas gatherings. This snowball punch is a sweet and bubbly treat that will delight guests of all ages.
Ingredients
Main Punch:
- 4 cups lemon-lime soda (chilled)
- 2 cups pineapple juice (chilled)
- 1 cup coconut milk or cream of coconut
Additional:
- 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
- Red sanding sugar or sprinkles (for rimming glasses)
- Maraschino cherries and mini candy canes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rim Glasses: If desired, rim the glasses by dipping them in water or light corn syrup, then into red sanding sugar.
- Mix Punch: In a large punch bowl, combine the lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and coconut milk. Stir gently to mix.
- Add Ice Cream: Add scoops of vanilla ice cream on top to resemble “snowballs.”
- Serve: Let the ice cream melt slightly for a creamy texture or serve immediately for a fizzy float-style punch. Ladle into prepared glasses and garnish with maraschino cherries and mini candy canes.
Notes
- For an adult version, add 1 cup of coconut rum or white rum.
- You can prepare the base ahead of time and add ice cream just before serving.
- For a richer coconut flavor, use cream of coconut instead of coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
