Low-Sugar Cran-Orange Punch

Three ingredients and a bowl of crushed ice. This cranberry orange punch keeps the sugar low by combining unsweetened cranberry juice with frozen orange juice concentrate and sugar substitute instead of the heaping cups of granulated sugar that most punch recipes call for.

The orange concentrate goes in undiluted, which packs a stronger citrus punch than regular orange juice would. Mixed with cranberry juice, it creates a tart, fruity base that’s concentrated enough to stand up to the club soda added right before serving.

Adding the soda at the last minute is a must. Stir it in too early and the fizz goes flat before your guests pour their first glass. The crushed ice chills each serving and dilutes the concentrate slightly as it melts, bringing the sweetness into balance.

Kitchen Tips

• Chill the cranberry juice and thawed OJ concentrate thoroughly before mixing. Cold ingredients keep the punch from getting watery when poured over ice.
• Add the club soda gently, folding it in rather than stirring vigorously. Aggressive stirring knocks out the carbonation.
• Taste and adjust the sugar substitute to your preference. Different brands have different sweetness levels.

Variations

• Sparkling water swap: Use flavored sparkling water (lemon or lime) instead of plain club soda for a subtle extra layer.
• Fresh fruit garnish: Float thin orange slices and fresh cranberries on top for a festive party look.
• Ginger ale version: Replace club soda with diet ginger ale for a sweeter, spicier punch with more complexity.