How to make punch with or without alcohol. A guide to perfect homemade fruit punch to impress during summer gatherings, holidays, and parties - with endless flavor variations, top tips, and FAQs!
In a large bowl or pitcher, add ice (if using, check the FAQs) and all the juices.If you’re adding sparkling ingredients, add them just before serving to keep the carbonation for as long as possible.
Wash and chop your fruits of choice and add them to the bowl.
Give everything a mix, taste, and adjust any ingredient to your liking, and voila!
Storage Instructions
I highly recommend preparing the fruit juice portion of the punch a few hours (or even overnight) ahead to allow the flavors to meld. You can also freeze some of the fruit punch into ice cubes (for up to 4 months) to add to the drink and avoid diluting the whole mix.The flavored ice cubes also make for a great subtle "infusion" for those drinking water.If you're using freshly squeezed juices, it's best to consume the drink within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. Carton juices will last a couple of days extra. Note that you should consume the fruit pieces within a few hours, as they'll become weirdly soggy when left too long.
Notes
Experiment with fruits: There are an almost endless amount of flavor variations.
Tweak to preference: While there are plenty of fruit punch recipes, they are all adjustable to your liking. I often start with an identical ratio of every juice, to begin, and then play around with the ratios until I'm happy.
Prepare the punch in advance: This gives the various juices time to mingle and meld for better flavor. However, only add any fizzy element and the fresh fruits just before serving.
When serving a party: I love to make one alcoholic punch and one non-alcoholic version so everyone is catered to (it's not just the kids that will appreciate the non-alcoholic fruit punch).
To make punch cocktails: Add a shot of alcohol (1.5oz) to the glass and top off with the fruit punch. Stir, and enjoy! If you want to spike the entire batch, increase the amount of alcohol according to servings. i.e., 15oz for 10 servings.
Check the blog post for different juice blends, optional add-ins, and answers to top FAQs about how to prepare the perfect punch every time!