15 Flavorful Party Punch Drink Recipes That Will Bowl Over Your Guests (2024)

Open any party cookbook and you are certain to find a collection of punch recipes—and for good reason. Serving punch at a party is a tradition that dates back to the earliest days of the British East India Trading Company. In fact, the term "proud as punch" came from the immense satisfaction sailors took in their trade route punch recipes.

We're pretty proud of our punch recipes, too. So, we've compiled a list of our favorites to help quench your guests' thirst. Whatever the occasion, we have a fitting punch recipe, including a party-ready tropical rum punch recipe and a kid-friendly sherbet punch recipe that's fizzy and fun. If you're strapped for time, don't sweat it—you can quickly whip up one of these easy punch recipes before guests arrive.

Make an Ice Ring, Ice Cups, or Ice Shards to Keep Punch Cool

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Garden Tea Punch

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When you need a pick-me-up onsummer's hottest days, reach for a glass of this punch. Fresh mint, tea, and club soda are simple ingredients, but they make an especially refreshing summer party punch drink recipe when brought together. If you want to show off the goods from your garden, garnish each glass with a few extra mint leaves.

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Watermelon Cooler Punch

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Nothing says "summer" like watermelon, and this refreshing non-alcoholic watermelon punch recipe is full of it. The combo of watermelon, mint, and club soda is perfect for sipping outside on a sunny day. For an added touch, serve this summery punch in a big glass pitcher garnished with watermelon slices or frozen watermelon balls and sprigs of mint.

Buy It: Cha Cha Pitcher ($35, Crate & Barrel)

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Sangria

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Sangria is, without a doubt, one of our favorite alcoholic punch recipes. Customize this wine-based punch by adding agave nectar or sugar for sweetness or by adding your favorite fruits. To make the punch fizzy, mix in lemon-lime soda just before serving. With a bubbly accent, it becomes a perfect punch co*cktail.

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Coconut Cream Island Punch

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Spring, summer, fall, or winter,punch recipes with alcoholalways get the party started—andthis creamy spiced rum punch is no different. Frozen star fruit slices act as ice cubes and become a fruity snack once they thaw out in this grapefruit soda blend. Coconut sorbet or gelato adds a tropical touch and keeps this punch cool and creamy to the last drop.

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Strawberry Daiquiri Punch

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Who doesn't love sipping on a strawberry daiquiri? This rum punch recipe serves a crowd, making it the ideal drink for any big bash. Try using fresh strawberries in spring or early summer for the best flavor. And you don't need a fully stocked bar to mix up this drink, either—it takes only five ingredients and a blender!

Buy It: Ninja Professional Blender ($80, Target)

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Pepino Punch

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This refreshing spin on a big-batch margarita uses fresh cucumber, basil, and jalapeños to create what has quickly become one of our favorite green punch recipes. This adults-only punch recipe calls for a bottle of tequila, but you can transform the punch into a spicy mocktail by swapping in an equal amount of pineapple or orange juice. Serve in a pitcher, a punchbowl, or on the rocks with fresh cucumber, sprigs of basil, and aswizzle stick garnish.

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Pineapple-Ginger Punch

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Delight guests of all ages with this fruity tropical recipe. To make this the best party punch drink recipe for adults, try mixing in rum, vodka, or pineapple-flavored vodka. Thanks to the combo of fresh ginger and pineapple juice, just one sip of this punch co*cktail is like an instant trip to an island oasis.

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Good Morning Mulled Punch

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Not all easy punch recipes have to be cold. This warm drink will be the star of your next brunch. Made with apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and allspice, this punch recipe is an even better companion for breakfast food than coffee.

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Bourbon Strawberry Smash

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Plenty of boozy punch recipes feature rum or vodka. This one is a party-sized twist on a smash—a classic co*cktail that often features bourbon, rye, or brandy. This summer sipper calls for fresh strawberries, but you can make it with peaches, mango, raspberries, or any other fruit you fancy. Before serving, stir in some club soda and garnish each glass with a sprig of mint.

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June Bug

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Ginger ale, grenadine, orange juice, and orange sherbet: That's all you need to whip up a quick batch of this fruity and refreshing party punch drink recipe. You can make this drink for adults and kids or add a grown-up boozy twist by mixing in white rum or vodka. Since it's so simple to make, this punch drink recipe is a great go-to for summer parties.

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Mint Julep Punch

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Make mint juleps easy with this simple punch recipe that requires just five ingredients. Toss those ingredients in a punchbowl and soon, this classic mint and bourbon punch will have any party feeling like theKentucky Derby. The secret trick? It isn't the fresh mint leaves—it's the black cherry bourbon.

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Pink Rhubarb Punch

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If you've got rhubarb growing in your garden, it'd be a mistake not to spare some for this gorgeous pink punch recipe. This pretty punch gets its stunning color from fresh rhubarb and frozen pink lemonade. It's an easy way to upgrade pink lemonade and use up your rhubarb harvest!

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Prosecco-Peach Punch

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We don't know about you, but we'll never turn down a punch recipe with Prosecco in the summertime (or anytime, honestly). This light peach punch is excellent for sipping on a warm day. To make this punch kid-friendly, substitute unsweetened pineapple juice for the Prosecco.

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Raspberry Mojito Punch

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This ultra-refreshing mojito punch recipe should be mandatory at any summer party. Like all of the best party punch drink recipes, this one makes it easy to hydrate a crowd (no individual stirring required). Try floating fresh raspberries and mint leaves alongside ice cubes in your punch bowl to step up the presentation.

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Apple Cider Punch

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Who says hot apple cider should have all the attention at fall parties? This popular punch recipe calls for cold cider—fresh if you can get it—citrus or cranberry juice and a bottle of sparkling wine or sparkling grape juice (you pick). It's a festive alternative to hot holiday beverages and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much punch do I need?

    The amount of punch you will need for a party depends on your guests and how many other options will be available at the party. In general, you'll want to plan for 1 gallon of punch per party guest.

  • How do I keep my punch from diluting too much?

    The moment your punch concoction mixes with ice, it will begin to dilute—unless you take preventative measures. If you have time, make a batch of your punch a day in advance and freeze it into ice cubes or an ice mold. Add it to your finished punch on the day of the party and not only will your drinks stay flavorful, you'll also have more punch! You could also use frozen fruit to keep your punch cold (instead of ice) or build an ice ring, which will melt slower and preserve the integrity of the mix.

  • What's the best way to serve hot punch?

    Hot punches (like mulled wine or our Good Morning Mulled Punch above) are best served in a slow cooker or multicooker set to a low simmer or "keep warm" setting. If you don't have that option, you could serve your hot punch from a stovetop Dutch oven or stockpot. Just be sure to keep the temperature low and check the pot frequently to make sure it doesn't boil or run dry.

  • What can I serve my punch in if I don't have a punchbowl?

    A pretty glass pitcher or beverage dispenser is a good go-to option for cold punch recipes, but you can use just about anything that is food-safe and water-tight. If you don't have one of those, a large bowl, stock pot, or soup tureen would also make a good vessel. Or, if your party has a theme, consider using something related. You could, for example, serve Halloween punches in a cauldron. Try ladling beach-themed co*cktails from a large beach pail. Fall punch recipes look stunning when served in hollowed-out pumpkins or gourds and hollowed-out watermelons are perfect for summer beverages (like our Watermelon Cooler above).

15 Flavorful Party Punch Drink Recipes That Will Bowl Over Your Guests (2024)

FAQs

How much punch do I need for 50 guests? ›

The general rule is to provide one gallon of punch for every 10 guests. A conservative estimate assumes each guest will drink about three four-ounce servings.

What is the most popular party drink? ›

1. Margarita. The classic Margarita co*cktail has been one of the most popular co*cktails in America for years and still remains on top. While there are many variations, the traditional recipe consists of tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice.

What are the ingredients of punch drinks? ›

Despite the name, most brands contain only a small fraction of actual fruit juice; the major constituents are typically sugar or corn syrup, citric acid, and artificial flavors. They may also be carbonated or nonalcoholic co*cktail mixers.

What is a good signature drink for a party? ›

Bourbon: Martha's Manhattan

Made with bourbon or rye (your call) plus sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and a Maraschino cherry for garnish, this classic co*cktail always gets the party off on the right foot.

How much punch do I need for 100 guests? ›

Consider the guest count, party duration, and food type. Note punch cup size (usually 4-6 ounces). Estimate 1-2 glasses per guest in the first hour, and 1 glass per hour after. Multiply guests by drinks per hour by ounces per drink for total punch needed.

How much punch to serve 30 people? ›

You can also take the recipe for a single drink and multiply it by the number of guests. A serving of punch is 150–200 ml per person. Depending on the duration of the event and what other drinks are being served, it's good to prepare 2–3 servings per guest.

What are the 10 most popular drinks? ›

The 10 Most Popular co*cktails In The U.S.—According To NielsenIQ...
  • Margarita. Alcoholic Lime Margarita with Tequila and Sea Salt. ...
  • Martini. Simple and classic, the Martini continues to be [+] ...
  • Moscow Mule. The Moscow Mule continues to be a favorite with [+] ...
  • Espresso Martini. ...
  • Old Fashioned. ...
  • Mojito. ...
  • Long Island Iced Tea. ...
  • Spritz.
Apr 3, 2024

What is the most trending drink right now? ›

Meet the drinks you should be serving at any party this season.
  • 1Frosé co*cktail. ...
  • 2Charred chilli and orange aperol spritz. ...
  • 3Dark and stormy. ...
  • 4Creamy Baileys iced coffee. ...
  • 5Passionfruit and lime cooler. ...
  • 6Mai Tai punch. ...
  • 7Gin martini. ...
  • 8Champagne co*cktail (French 75)

What is the number 1 drink? ›

Water. Water is the world's most consumed drink, however, 97% of water on Earth is non-drinkable salt water.

How do you make your own punch? ›

The punch recipe can be increased or decreased as needed using this simple formula: TWO parts cran-raspberry juice to TWO parts fruit punch to ONE part pineapple-orange juice. For every gallon of juice mixed, add 1 to 1 1/2 liters ginger ale, if desired.

What is a punch bowl party? ›

A punch party is basically a co*cktail party where the drinks are pre-mixed. Guests gather to mingle and enjoy drinks, hearty snacks and appetizers. But the centerpiece is a big, beautiful bowl of punch. Or two bowls of punch, if you wish.

What can I use instead of a punch bowl? ›

Colorful Dutch ovens, surrounded by fruit or flowers could look cheery and pretty. (And Dutch ovens are obviously lots more multitasking than a punch bowl!)

What is the most classy drink? ›

Classy co*cktail recipes
  • The Good Food Country Breeze. ...
  • Lemon & elderflower fizz. ...
  • Bellini. ...
  • Margarita recipe. A star rating of 3.2 out of 5. ...
  • Old fashioned. A star rating of 3.8 out of 5. ...
  • Cosmopolitan. A star rating of 4 out of 5. ...
  • Rhubarb & custard co*cktail. A star rating of 4.4 out of 5. ...
  • Sloe royales. A star rating of 0 out of 5.

What drinks to offer guests? ›

Party drinks recipes
  • Mojito pitcher. A star rating of 5 out of 5. ...
  • Frozen margarita. A star rating of 4.8 out of 5. ...
  • Coconut & pineapple cooler. A star rating of 5 out of 5. ...
  • Raspberry mojito. A star rating of 3 out of 5. ...
  • Easy sangria. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. ...
  • Blue lagoon. ...
  • Tropical coconut rum punch. ...
  • Pimm's.

How many people does 5 gallons of punch serve? ›

If you are looking for a great party punch that can be made in a large 5 gallon jug, will serve a grand amount of folks (80, 8 ounce servings, here) and tastes wonderful…well then this post is for you!

How to calculate drinks for 50 people? ›

For a 4 hour party with 50 guests, you will need approximately 200 drinks: 80 beers, 72 glasses of wine (15 bottles) and enough for 48 individual co*cktails (amounts will depend upon what type of co*cktail you serve). If you aren't serving wine, plan on 120 co*cktails.

How many people will 2 gallons of punch serve? ›

2 gallons will serve 5 people. 30 gallons will serve 75 people. if 2 gallons serve 5 people, then the number of people served per gallon is 5/2 = 2.5. if 30 gallons serve 75 people, then the number of people served per gallon is 75/30 = 2.5.

How many servings are in 3 gallons of punch? ›

Answer. Answer: 96 servings. Therefore, 3 gallons of punch would provide 96 servings, assuming each serving size is 1/2 cup.

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