When I’m looking for an extra touch of festiveness during the holidays, I lean on this easy Christmas Punch. It’s made with sparkling cranberry and apple flavors, can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic and is ready in 15 minutes.

Looking for more Christmas recipes? Try my Homemade Caramels, Christmas Cornflake Wreaths, Caramel Hot Chocolate, and Peppermint Brownies!

Why I love this recipe:

• Quick – Only 15 minutes from start to finish for the best Christmas punch recipe to compliment your meal.
• Festive – This bright red punch will add the perfect holiday touch of color and make it feel like Christmas.
• Delicious – Everyone always raves about this easy Christmas drink when I serve it. It’s refreshing, full of flavor, and an absolute crowd pleaser. We look forward to it every year.

How to make Christmas Punch:

Combine Ingredients: Pour the water, sugar, and cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. 

Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop. Pour into a container and allow it to cool to room temperature, or chill in the fridge until cooled.

Add Juice: Pour cooled cranberry syrup in a pitcher, followed by apple cider, cranberry juice and lime juice and chill until ready to serve. 

Once ready to serve, pour in Ginger-Ale and ice.

Serve this easy Christmas punch recipe with thinly sliced lime, apples, or oranges floating on top, or even a cinnamon stick to add to the festive appearance (optional). Add them all last so they don’t add any bitter flavors to the drink.

Make Ahead and Instructions:

To Make Ahead: The whole traditional Christmas punch recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead of time, just don’t add the ginger-ale, ice, or any garnishes until ready to serve. Store covered in the fridge.

More Holiday Beverages to Try:

• Homemade Eggnog
• Wassail
• Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
• Creamy Hot Cocoa

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Christmas Punch

This easy Christmas Punch recipe is ready in 15 minutes and is perfect for a holiday gathering! It has sparkling cranberry and apple flavors and can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic; making it great for kids and adults.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 152kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 6

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 3 cups apple cider
• 2 cups cranberry juice (not juice cocktail)
• juice from half of a small lime
• 3 cups ginger ale , chilled
• crushed ice

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Combine the water, sugar and cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop. Pour into a tupperware and allow to cool to room temperature, or chill in the fridge until cooled.
• Add cooled cranberries to a pitcher. Add apple cider, cranberry juice and lime juice and chill until ready to serve. 
• Once ready to serve, add ginger-ale and ice.
• Optional: Serve with thinly sliced lime, apples, or oranges floating on top, or even a cinnamon stick to add to the festive appearance. Add them all last so they don't add any bitter flavors to the drink.

Video

Notes

To Add Alcohol: Instead of 3 cups Ginger ale, use 1 ½ cups Ginger ale and 1 ½ cups of an inexpensive champagne, cava or prosecco, or dark rum, or brandy. You could also add a few shots of vodka.

Make Ahead Instructions: This is a great drink to make in advance. You can make all of it, except for adding the ginger soda or champagne, a day ahead of time.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.4mg

I originally shared this recipe November 2016. Updated December 2020 and December 2023.

This creamy and refreshing homemade Orange Julius recipe is made with orange juice, milk, water, ice, vanilla, a frozen banana, and a secret ingredient that makes it the best!

Looking for more refreshing drink recipes? Try this Oreo Milkshake, Strawberry Lemonade, Green Smoothie, or Frozen Hot Chocolate!

Why I love this recipe:

• As good as the Original: I remember strolling the mall as a kid and begging my mom for a drink from Orange Julius. This homemade Orange Julius recipe is the perfect copycat recipe that’s every bit as good as the original, and so inexpensive and easy to make from home.
• Secret Ingredient – Our secret ingredient is adding a little powdered sugar for a pinch of sweetness and fluffy smooth texture.
• Adaptable – Feel free to add other fruit to change up the flavor profile! See variations below.

What is an Orange Julius?

Orange Julius is a fruit smoothie that is made by combining orange juice with ice cubes, sweetener, milk, and vanilla. The term was originally the name of an American beverage store that created the original Orange Julius recipe. Since it’s so easy to make at home, it’s become a household name.

How to make an Orange Julius:

Blend: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Serve immediately!

Recipe Variations:

• Other Fruit: Add frozen strawberries, pineapple, etc either in place of the banana or in addition. Add additional liquid if needed, so it blends smooth.
• Strawberry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries in place of the banana.
• Pineapple Orange Julius: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple.
• Triple Berry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
• Mango Orange Julius: Add mango from 1 whole mango or 1 cup frozen mango chunks.
• Vegan Orange Julius: Substitute almond milk or other non-dairy milk.
• Protein Orange Julius: Add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.

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Orange Julius

This homemade Orange Julius recipe is made with orange juice, milk, water, ice, vanilla, and a frozen banana for the most refreshing creamy orange smoothie.

Course Beverage, Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 158kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 3

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup powdered confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• zest of 1 orange
• 1 small frozen banana
• 1 cup Ice cubes

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

• Strawberry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries in place of the banana.
• Pineapple Orange Julius: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple.
• Triple Berry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
• Mango Orange Julius: Add mango from 1 whole mango or 1 cup frozen mango chunks.
• Vegan Orange Julius: Substitute almond milk or other non-dairy milk.
• Protein Orange Julius: Add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 0.2mg

*I originally shared this recipe in February 2014. Updated March 2020 and June 2023.

This post contains affiliate links. I love sharing my favorite products with you!

This homemade Horchata recipe is so easy to prepare, made with rice, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and water. It’s my take on the popular favorite.

Do you love Mexican recipes as much as I do? Check out my versions of Tacos Al Pastor, Elotes, or Tres Leches Cake.

We love to make homemade Horchata at our house because I usually always have the ingredients I need, and it’s easiest enough for my kids to do. Plus, horchata is an extra fun addition to taco night. I can’t say this recipe is authentic, but it’s my take on it and I think it tastes incredible. (Here’s an authentic Horchata recipe from Isabel Eats.) Let me know how you make horchata, in the comments below!

What is Horchata?

Horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah) is a popular Mexican drink that is often described as a sweet rice milk beverage. Horchata is made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and is served in many Mexican restaurants.  There’s an important balance to the creamy rice and cinnamon flavors found in horchata and this homemade horchata recipe is my favorite.

How to Make Horchata:

Blend: Combine the rice, hot water, and cinnamon sticks in a blender and blend until the rice and cinnamon sticks are roughly ground. Add the remaining water and blend again. Pour contents into a pitcher or container with a fitted lid and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).

Strain: Pour the rice mixture into a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a pitcher and discard the rice.

Finish Horchata: Stir in the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar (to your preference). Chill until ready to serve. Stir well before serving and serve over ice.

What is Hochata de Chufa?

Horchata de chufa is popular in Spain and it differs from Mexican horchata (or horchata de arroz) in that Mexican horchata is made with rice and horchata de chufa is made with chufa (also known as tiger nuts).

Recipe Variations:

Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute equal parts almond milk for the milk in the recipe.

You may also like these Mexican recipes:

• Wet Burrito
• Smothered Green Chili Chicken Burritos
• Authentic Mexican Rice
• Cheese Enchiladas
• Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
• Mole Enchiladas
• Esquites (Mexican Corn in a Cup)

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Horchata

This Horchata recipe is my take on the popular favorite. It's made with rice, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and water. It takes seconds to prep, is refreshing and absolutely delicious!

Course Beverage

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours

Servings 6

Calories 269kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 2

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 Mexican cinnamon sticks
• 4 cups hot water
• 2 cups milk , or almond milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ – 1/2 cups granulated sugar , to taste

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• To a blender, add rice, 2 cups of hot water, and 2 Mexican cinnamon sticks. 
• Blend until the rice and cinnamon sticks are roughly ground. Add the remaining water and blend again. 
• Pour contents into a pitcher or container with a fitted lid and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours. 
• Pour the rice mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, into a pitcher. Discard the rice. 
• Stir in the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar (to your preference). Chill until ready to serve. Stir well before serving and serve over ice.

Video

Notes

Serve this with one of my favorite Mexican meals.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 1mg

I originally shared this recipe April 2016. Updated July 2019 and April 2023.

The best Vanilla Protein Shake recipe is healthy, packed full of protein, and only takes 5 minutes to make! It tastes creamy and delicious. I love to drink it for breakfast, an on-the-go snack, or even for a healthy dessert!

If you love protein packed foods, try our Chocolate Protein Shake, Protein Bars, Green Smoothie or Protein Pancakes.

Why I love this recipe:

• Healthy – High in protein and fiber, this easy Vanilla Protein Shake will keep you full for hours.
• Delicious – This shake satisfies my sweet tooth every single time. I love eating it for a quick breakfast, or even a late night dessert.
• Quick – The best healthy meal or snack ready in just 5 minutes! Perfect for on the go too.

Ingredients Needed:

• Vanilla Protein Powder: I’ve tried so many and this vanilla protein powder is my absolute favorite.
• Pitted Dates
• Almond Butter and Cinnamon
• Almond Milk
• Frozen Banana and Ice

How to make a Vanilla Protein Shake:

Combine Ingredients: Put all ingredients in the blender. Blend the protein shake to a smooth consistency.

Enjoy: Pour the best vanilla protein shake in a milkshake cup and sprinkle with cinnamon.

More Healthy Snacks:

• Protein Bars
• Instant Pot Yogurt
• Garlic and Parmesan Kale Chips
• Easy Healthy Granola
• Granola Bites
• Healthy Applesauce Oat Muffins
• Energy Balls
• No Bake Granola Bars
• Applesauce

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Vanilla Protein Shake

The best Vanilla Protein Shake recipe is healthy, packed full of protein, and only takes 5 minutes to make! It tastes creamy and delicious. I love to drink it for breakfast, an on-the-go snack, or even for a healthy dessert!

Course Beverage, Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 person

Calories 556kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 3

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder , good quality* (about 30-38 grams)
• 3 medjool dates , pitted
• 1 Tablespoon almond butter , organic
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk , organic
• 30 grams frozen banana
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8-10 Ice cubes (depending how thick you’d like it)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add to blender and blend until smooth.

Video

Notes

Protein Powder: This is our favorite Vanilla protein powder –recommended by a trusted personal trainer, and it tastes the BEST!

Nutrition

Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 409mg | Potassium: 1171mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 65g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 574mg | Iron: 2mg

Start your morning right with the best Green Smoothie recipe made with kale, pineapple, mint and ginger. It’s so fresh and delicious, my kids request it every morning!

Do you love smoothie recipes as much as I do? Try my Chocolate Protein Shake, Strawberry Banana Smoothie, or this Healthy Breakfast Smoothie!

Whether you’re a green smoothie expert or a newbie, you will love this recipe! Green smoothies are the perfect way to start your morning off right…with pure vitamins, minerals, fiber, and with no added sugar.  Green smoothies are also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables for breakfast.

What I LOVE about this Green smoothie:

• Fast– You can literally have this ready to go in under 5 minutes! I always keep kale in the refrigerator and frozen fruit in the freezer, making this healthy smoothie the fastest breakfast to throw together.
• Healthy – I love kale because it’s low calorie and packed with vitamins and fiber. The flaxseed oil is a great addition know one can taste, and we often add a scoop of chia seeds for even more protein and fiber.
• Customizable– Change it up by adding different greens, different fruit, or even throwing in some protein powder, nut butter or rolled oats! See more variation ideas below.

Ingredients Needed:

• Kale
• Fruit: Apple, Pineapple, and Banana
• Water and Ice Cubes
• Mint Leaves, Lemon Juice, Flax Seed Oil, Agave Nectar, and Ginger Purée.

How to Make a Green Smoothie:

Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a high-power blender and blend until smooth.

Blend until smooth.

Serve and enjoy this healthy green smoothie recipe for breakfast, or a healthy snack.

Healthy Green Smoothie Variations:

• Add rolled oats:  a great whole grain that will add additional protein and fiber and a thicker texture that I love.
• Add nut butter: a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for some some healthy unsaturated fat and protein.
• Switch up the greens by adding spinach or collard greens.
• Add powder: A scoop of unflavored protein powder, collagen peptides, or acai berry powder.

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Green Smoothie

Start your morning right with the best Green Smoothie recipe made with fruit, kale, lemon, and ginger. It's so fresh and delicious, even my kids love it!

Course Beverage, Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 146kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 3

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped kale , packed, large ribs removed
• ½ of a medium apple (4 oz)
• 3-5 fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks , about 2-3 chunks
• ½ of a frozen banana
• ½ cup water
• 1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 Tablespoon flax seed oil
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• ¾ teaspoon refrigerated pureed ginger or fresh minced ginger
• 4 ice cubes

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a high-power blender and blend until smooth.

Video

Notes

 

Variations:

• Add rolled oats.  Whole rolled oats are a great whole grain that will add additional protein and fiber as well as a grainy texture that I love.
• Add peanut butter.  A spoonful of peanut butter will also add some healthy unsaturated fat as well as protein.
• Switch up the greens.  Try adding collard greens or kale in place of spinach.  Or try a little of each.
• Add powder. Try adding a heaping tablespoon of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, collagen peptides, or acai berry powder.
• Make it vegan or dairy-free.  Leave out the yogurt and use soy or almond milk.

Old Green Smoothie Recipe: I’ve been making this posted version of a green smoothie for last two years and absolutely love it. The old version I shared years ago on this post is below (although not as healthy as my new version). Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup milk
• juice of 1 orange, freshly squeezed
• 5 ice cubes
• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 banana
• ½ cup frozen fruit: pineapple, strawberries, mango, peaches, or raspberries
• 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed, optional
• chia seeds, optional

 

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 312mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 6846IU | Vitamin C: 88mg | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 1mg

I originally shared this recipe April 2013. Updated December 2019 and February 2023.

This post contains affiliate links. I love sharing my favorite products with you.

The best Chocolate Protein Shake recipe is decadent, creamy, and filled with wholesome ingredients. It only takes 5 minutes and is the perfect breakfast, post-workout snack, or dessert!

If you love drinks, smoothies and shakes, try my Strawberry Banana Smoothie, Healthy Breakfast Smoothie, Power Smoothie, or Green Smoothie!

Why I love this recipe:

My friend shared the most amazing protein shake with me last year and it became an obsession. Her recipe was inspired by a protein shake from Lillie’s Eats and Treats. I started making my own much simplified version and, months later, it’s still one of my daily cravings!

• Healthy – High in protein, and filled satiating ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied.
• Tasty – This seriously could pass for a chocolate milkshake. I love to enjoy it in the evenings as a dessert and it satisfies my sweet tooth every time!
• Quick – All you need is 5 minutes for this chocolate banana protein shake! Perfect for breakfast, post-workout snack, dessert, or even a snack on the go!

Ingredients Needed:

• Unsweetened Almond Milk
• Chocolate Protein Powder: Your favorite kind (we like Clean Simple Eats).
• Cocoa Powder: Any unsweetened cocoa powder will work, but the darker the richer. I’ve loved this brand.
• Powdered Peanut Butter: We love PB Fit.
• Frozen Banana
• Ice

How to make a Chocolate Protein Shake:

Blend: Add protein powder, cocoa powder, almond milk, banana, and ice, to a blender and blend until smooth.

Add Toppings: Pour into cup and use a spoon to stir in peanut butter powder. Optional: Stir in other mix-ins—my favorites are Rice Krispies cereal, cacao nibs and a sprinkle of flake salt. Stir and enjoy this chocolate peanut butter protein shake.

Milkshake Cup and Spoon: My friend served her shake in a stainless steel milkshake cup, with long milkshake spoons, and it made them so fun to eat–like enjoying a true chocolate milkshake. I went and immediately bought my own.

Recipe Variations:

• Protein Powder: We like Clean Simple Eats. Use your favorite brand.
• Nut-Free: Use oat milk or soy milk and omit the peanut butter powder.
• Toppings: Feel free to top with a sliced banana, a little whipped cream, or your favorite toppings!

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Chocolate Protein Shake

The best Chocolate Protein Shake recipe is decadent, creamy, and filled with wholesome ingredients. It only takes 5 minutes and is the perfect breakfast, post-workout snack, or dessert!

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Diet Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Vegan

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 people

Calories 167kcal

Author Lauren Allen

Cost 2

Equipment

• Milkshake Cups
• Milkshake Spoons
• Blender

Ingredients

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder , (30-35 grams) good quality*
• 1 Tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder , or more, to taste
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 30 grams frozen ripe banana*
• 8-15 Ice cubes , (depending how thick you’d like it)
• 1 Tablespoons peanut butter powder , (PB Fit) stirred in at the end

Optional Additional Mix-Ins:

• 1 Tablespoon Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 Tablespoon cacao nibs
• Flake salt , to garnish

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add protein powder, cocoa powder, almond milk, banana, and ice, to blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour into cup and use a spoon to stir in peanut butter powder.
• Add Optional Toppings: My favorites are Rice Krispies cereal, cacao nibs and a sprinkle of flake salt.
• Stir and Enjoy.

Video

Notes

Protein Powder: We like Clean Simple Eats Brownie Batter. Use your favorite brand.

No Banana: substitute ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum, to add some thick shake consistency.

Sweetener: As is, this shake is richly dark chocolate. If you’d like to sweeten it, add a little maple syrup, agave, or chocolate stevia drops. 

Nut-Free: Use oat milk or soy milk and omit the peanut butter powder.

Thick Chocolate Shake: Add even more ice.

 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 501mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 517mg | Iron: 1mg