5 Festive (and Budget-Friendly) Punch Recipes for Your Holiday Party
As a former bartender who gets a hankering to shake up fancy adult beverages again from time to time, it really pays to have a mixology-obsessed brother. Not only does he mix up a crazy obscure cocktail every time I’m in town, but he does things like gift homemade triple sec, amaro, and bitters for my birthday. With the holidays right around the corner, I’m inspired to dive into these spirits with a festive punch, one of my favorite ways to stay on budget when throwing a party.
Conveniently, big bowls of punch have made a comeback in recent years. I am always thrilled to see punches on menus at cocktail bars, as it’s a fun way to share a drink with friends. And as they are both budget friendly and festive, homemade punches are perfect for a crowd at any gathering. If you’re on a super tight budget, it’s the perfect way to create one signature drink for the party that complements a small selection of alternatives or whatever guests bring.
In doing a little research of my own for an upcoming holiday potluck with friends, I’ve stumbled upon a few inventive, delicious recipes. Throw away your conceptions about grandma’s frozen fruit ring or that strange sherbet/7 Up float served at your high school graduation party, because these punch recipes will take your gathering to the next level:
- Apple Cider, Cranberry, and Ginger Punch – Martha Stewart
- Sherry Season Punch – Saveur
- Cosmo Blanc Punch – New York Magazine
- Poor Girl Champagne Punch – The Kitchn
- Desert Snow Tequila Punch (an eggnog alternative with horchata!) – Saveur
Bonus: Feeling like a show? Set your punch on fire, with the Charles Dickens’ Punch featured on PUNCH.
What is your favorite easy cocktail to serve at parties?