Red Reindeer Punch was originally created for a fall football tailgate party. The flavors reflect the fall season and the colorful red drink was for team spirit. {recipe and photo credit: Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist www.intoxicologist.net}

Red Reindeer Punch made its debut at a recent Saturday afternoon football tailgate party. To be honest, at the time of the tailgate the drink still did not have a name. Naming drinks is the most difficult part for me. Creating the recipe is another ballgame completely. Requirements for this drink were simple: this had to be a red drink for team spirit and I wanted something that reflected the flavors of fall.

Even though this recipe was originally created with a tailgate party in mind, the flavors reminded me more of winter holidays. This punch recipe tastes of caramel apple, soft cranberry and ginger spice. It is a luscious caramel apple served over ice without a wallop of alcohol banging you over the head. Red Reindeer Punch is perfect for holiday gatherings with family, friends and co-workers.

Red Tailgate Punch - {photo credit: Cheri Loughlin, www.intoxicologist.net} — Red Tailgate Drink – {photo credit: Cheri Loughlin, www.intoxicologist.net}

So even though this red punch began with team spirit and tailgating in mind, it veered in another direction. Back to the drawing board for that tailgate drink!

Red Reindeer Punch Recipe

Red Reindeer Punch is a luscious caramel apple served over ice without a wallop of alcohol banging you over the head. {recipe and photo credit: Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist www.intoxicologist.net}

Red Reindeer Punch – recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin

Makes a little less than 2 gallons

1 – 750ml Bottle Pucker Sour Apple Sass Flavored Vodka

1 – 750ml Bottle Butterscotch Schnapps

1 – 750ml Bottle Gingerbread Liqueur

100 ounces (12-1/2 cups) Cranberry Juice Cocktail

50 ounces (6-1/4 cups) Apple Juice

Apple Slice or Cranberries Garnish

Chill all ingredients overnight for best results. Combine all liquids in large punch bowl or drink dispenser. Stir. Place apple slices and fresh or frozen cranberries in mixture if using large punch bowl. Save apple slices and fresh or frozen cranberries for glasses if using a sealed drink dispenser. Serve punch in rocks glasses over fresh ice. Garnish drink accordingly.

Red Reindeer Punch Single Serve Recipe

Red Reindeer Punch tastes of caramel apple, soft cranberry and ginger spice. It is excellent for holiday gatherings with friends, family or co-workers. {recipe and photo credit: Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist www.intoxicologist.net}

Red Reindeer Punch – recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin

single serve

1/2 ounce Pucker Sour Apple Sass Flavored Vodka

1/2 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps

1/2 ounce Gingerbread Liqueur

2 ounces Cranberry Juice Cocktail

1 ounce Apple Juice

Garnish Options:

Apple Slice or Cranberries Garnish

Apple Slice and Caramel Candy Garnish

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir. Garnish with fresh apple slice or cranberries on cocktail pick – or – Garnish with cocktail pick with apple slice, caramel candy, followed by another apple slice.

I used Pucker Vodka, Hiram Walker Liqueurs and Ocean Spray brands while creating this recipe. Homemade Ginger Vanilla Syrup can also be substituted for Gingerbread Liqueur for spicier kick and less alcohol in the completed cocktail. Caramel Apple Liqueur is also a great addition to this cocktail. Use half Butterscotch Schnapps and half Caramel Apple Liqueur for deeper caramel apple flavor.