There’s nothing more festive than a big bowl of boozy punch just waiting for your guests to take a dip. It also happens to be the easiest way to quench the thirst of a big crowd. This season, consider one of these colorful, spiked punches for your holiday celebrations. Whether you like your drinks dry, fruity, creamy, or sparkling, we have something for you. Bonus: All of these punches can be made in advance. Now, that is something worth celebrating.
Christmosas
Ideal for parties, late-night wrapping sessions, and Christmas-morning brunches, the Christmosa from Delish is merry and bright. Red cranberries and pomegranate seeds mixed with green apples and grapes give this drink a festive look, and the sparkling grape juice and Champagne give it a festive taste!
Earl Grey–Bourbon Punch
This bright and herbaceous bourbon-tea punch from Bon Appétit stays extra cool with the help of a homemade ice ring. It’s easier than you think: Arrange lemon slices and herbs in the bottom of a bundt pan, then top it with a few inches of water. Freeze then unmold and pop in your punch bowl before serving. The larger piece of ice melts slower so your punch doesn’t get watered down.
Sticky Toffee Pudding Eggnog
This eggnog from Food & Wine is thick and creamy, just how it was originally intended. To infuse the caramely flavor of a sticky toffee pudding, chef Eben Freeman soaks a store-bought sticky toffee pudding in heavy cream in the fridge for two days. The cream is then strained and used to make this decadent cognac- and rum-spiked eggnog. This is a bit of a process, but it is well worth the effort. Plus, you can make it advance so when your guests arrive all you have to do is pour it into chilled glasses.
Retro Rum Punch
How fun is this old-school rum punch from Southern Living? We can just imagine Bing Crosby sipping on one of these at the Holiday Inn. The twist to this punch is a touch of ginger beer for some effervescence and a peppery kick. The higher-quality ginger beer, the better. If you’re mixing this up in advance, wait to add the ginger beer until your guests arrive so it doesn’t fall flat.
Sparkling Mediterranean Rosé Punch
This gorgeous sparkling rosé punch from cookbook author Julia Charles can be made all year round. While it’s thirst-quenching in the summer, it’s also the perfect party cocktail in the winter, when citrus is at its peak. The Aperol adds a pleasant bitterness and a lovely rosy hue. When making in advance, wait to add the sparkling wine until your guests arrive. It is also best to leave ice out for guests to help themselves instead of plopping the cubes in the punch bowl.
Raspberry and Thyme Hot Toddy Punch
What could be more warming after a day of sledding and pond hockey than this Chambord-spiked hot toddy from Epicurious? Simmer the tea bags, water, aromatics, and citrus slices earlier in the day and then reheat gently when it’s time to enjoy. Be careful not to let the punch simmer or boil after adding the whiskey and raspberry liqueur or you’ll cook off all of the alcohol!
Boyd Kobe says
Well, now I have plenty of ideas what to bring to a party I’m attending! These look great, thank you.