As a bartender, I've seen it all. From the classic martinis to the trendy espresso martinis, I've mixed up a storm. But nothing quite compares to the joy of creating a punch bowl cocktail.
There's something about the communal aspect of the drink that makes it special. It's the perfect cocktail for a party, a gathering, or a night in with friends.
The punch bowl cocktail has a rich history dating back to the 1600s. It was a popular drink among sailors and pirates who mixed up a concoction of rum, citrus, and spices.
Over the years, the recipe has evolved, but the concept remains the same. A large bowl filled with a mixture of spirits, fruit juices, and other ingredients that can be shared among a group of people.
One of the best things about a punch bowl cocktail is its versatility. You can create a punch bowl cocktail for any occasion, whether it's a summer BBQ or a winter holiday party.
You can make it sweet, sour, or spicy. You can use rum, vodka, gin, or even tequila. The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes it so exciting.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of the best punch bowl cocktail recipes that I've come across in my years as a bartender.
These recipes are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So, whether you're hosting a party or just looking for a new cocktail to try, I've got you covered. Let's get mixing!
1. Shark Bowl Punch
Looking for a fun and nostalgic cocktail that will take you back to your college days? Look no further than the Shark Bowl Punch! This blue-hued rum punch is perfect for a crowd, and can easily be made kid-friendly by omitting the rum. With just five simple ingredients, this punch is easy to make and dangerously easy to drink.
The combination of rum, pineapple juice, and blue raspberry lemonade is sure to bring back memories of sitting around a fishbowl filled with punch and 20 straws. Serve it up in a fun fishbowl or drinking jar, and don't forget to add a plastic shark for extra flair. Whether you're sipping it poolside or at a party, the Shark Bowl Punch is sure to make a splash.
2. Sparkling Thanksgiving Punch
The Sparkling Thanksgiving Punch is a perfect addition to your holiday party. This seasonal drink is a delightful blend of pumpkin puree, apple cider, ginger ale, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and citrus slices. It's a refreshing and light cocktail that can be made as spiced or as sweet as you prefer.
This punch is great for serving a crowd and can be made in advance so that you can enjoy your guests' company. The garnish options are endless, but we love the idea of adding a mini candy pumpkin to the rim of the glass. The Sparkling Thanksgiving Punch is a crowd favorite and will be a hit at any holiday gathering.
3. Rhubarb and Strawberry Spring Punch
The Rhubarb and Strawberry Spring Punch is a must-try for those who love experimenting with unique flavors. The combination of rhubarb and cardamom creates a sweet and slightly tangy syrup that pairs perfectly with gin, sweet vermouth, fresh oranges, and bitters.
This punch is perfect for sharing with friends and family during a sunny weekend. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that will leave you wanting more. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful punch bowl cocktail, the Rhubarb and Strawberry Spring Punch is definitely worth a try.
4. Spiked Cider Holiday Punch
Looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering? Look no further than the Spiked Cider Holiday Punch. This delicious cocktail combines the warm and cozy flavors of apple cider with the bold kick of whiskey, making it the perfect drink for a chilly winter evening.
Plus, with the option to serve it hot or cold, it's a versatile choice that can be enjoyed in any setting. The added touch of cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and orange rounds make it a visually appealing addition to any punch bowl. Whether you're hosting a large party or a small gathering, the Spiked Cider Holiday Punch is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
5. Sparkling Rosé Punch With Persimmon & Cranberries
"Sparkling Rosé Punch With Persimmon & Cranberries" is a delightful cocktail that combines the best of fruity flavors with the effervescence of pink wine. The addition of ginger and elderflower liqueur gives it a unique twist that sets it apart from other punch bowl cocktails.
This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, but it's especially great for New Year's Eve celebrations. The combination of flavors is refreshing and not too strong, making it easy to drink glass after glass. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your next party, give this one a try.
6. Holly Jolly Christmas Punch
The Holly Jolly Christmas Punch is a festive and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for holiday entertaining. Made with tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ginger ale, this punch is a surprising twist on traditional Christmas cocktails. The large ice cubes filled with cranberries, pomegranate arils, and lime slices make for a beautiful presentation.
This punch is great for a holiday dinner or a Christmas party where you’re looking to relax and spend some good time with the ones you love. If you're looking for a delicious and easy Christmas punch recipe that will impress your guests, the Holly Jolly Christmas Punch is definitely worth trying.
7. Christmas Punch
Looking for a festive and delicious punch bowl cocktail to serve at your next holiday party? Look no further than the Christmas Punch! This cocktail is a mix of sweet pomegranate juice, fresh orange juice, cranberry, lime, orange liquor, and vodka mixed with rosemary, ginger beer, and bubbly champagne.
It's the perfect mix of everything we love most about wintertime and the holidays. Plus, it's not loaded with added sugars like most punch recipes. Whether you're hosting a big party or just enjoying a small gathering with family and friends, this Christmas Punch is sure to bring plenty of holiday cheer to your festive night!
8. Prickly Pear Champagne Punch
The Prickly Pear Champagne Punch is a visually stunning and easy-to-prepare cocktail that is perfect for any party. With only four ingredients, including prickly pear syrup and champagne, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
The unique flavor of prickly pear adds a twist to the traditional champagne cocktail, making it a great conversation starter. So why not give it a try at your next party and impress your guests with this delicious and elegant drink?
9. Holly Jolly Spiced Christmas Punch
Looking for a festive and crowd-pleasing cocktail for your holiday party? Look no further than the Holly Jolly Spiced Christmas Punch! This delicious punch is made with a homemade spiced simple syrup, cranberry juice, apple juice, and freshly squeezed orange juice. And the best part? Right before serving, each glass is topped with champagne for an extra special touch.
The spiced syrup adds a warm and cozy flavor to the fruity punch, making it the perfect drink to sip on while celebrating the holiday season. Plus, it can easily be made into a non-alcoholic version for guests who prefer to skip the champagne. Give this Holly Jolly Spiced Christmas Punch a try and impress your guests with your bartending skills!
10. Fruit Punch
Fruit Punch is a sweet and fruity cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Unlike other tropical party drinks, this recipe is alcohol-free, making it a great option for guests of all ages. The colorful and delicious punch is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
To make it even more visually appealing, you can add a fruit-studded ice ring to keep the punch cool and refreshing. If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing cocktail that's easy to make and customize, Fruit Punch is definitely worth a try.
11. Mediterranean Christmas Punch
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful punch bowl cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the Mediterranean Christmas Punch is definitely worth considering. Inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, this cocktail features Gin Mare, Cocchi Americano, cardamom bitters, David's Tea Sleigh Tea, and ginger beer.
The result is a delicately spiced and nutty beverage that is sure to impress your guests. This cocktail was even featured on CTV's The Social as one of the four holiday punches, so you know it's a winner. If you're looking to add some international flair to your holiday festivities, give the Mediterranean Christmas Punch a try.
12. Clarified Holiday Eggnog Punch
The Clarified Holiday Eggnog Punch is a unique and festive twist on the classic eggnog cocktail. This cocktail combines the rich and creamy flavor of eggnog with the sharpness of rye whiskey, fresh pineapple, and citrus. What sets this cocktail apart is its unique method of clarification, which dates back to the 1700s and 1800s.
The technique involves using milk to clarify the cocktail, resulting in a colorless, smooth, and silky texture. This technique also acts as a preservation method, allowing the cocktail to be stored in the fridge for months. If you're looking for a holiday cocktail that will impress your guests and leave a lasting impression, the Clarified Holiday Eggnog Punch is a must-try.
13. Shamrock Punch
If you're looking for a fun and festive cocktail to serve at your St. Patrick's Day party, look no further than the Shamrock Punch. This bright green punch is made with Midori liqueur, pineapple juice, vodka, and seltzer, resulting in a sweet and fizzy drink that's perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Garnish with lemon slices and maraschino cherries for an extra pop of color. And if you're not a vodka fan, you can easily substitute white rum or Malibu. This punch is sure to be a hit with your guests and will add a fun and festive touch to your party.
14. Garden Tonic Punch
The Garden Tonic Punch is a refreshing gin cocktail that is perfect for summer gatherings. The cocktail features a cold-pressed tomato simple syrup and an herb syrup made from fresh herbs found in the backyard. The combination of these two syrups creates a slightly sweet and fizzy punch with hints of herbs and tomatoes.
The tomato simple syrup adds a beautiful pink hue and a subtle acidic bite that will leave your guests wanting more. This cocktail is great for big batches and can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. If you're looking for a unique and refreshing punch bowl cocktail for your next summer party, the Garden Tonic Punch is definitely worth a try.
15. Japanese Christmas Punch
If you're looking for a unique and easy-to-make holiday punch, the Japanese Christmas Punch is definitely worth trying. Made with Barley Shochu, Japanese Ume Plum Sake, holiday tea, and white cranberry juice, this punch is light and easy on the palate, making it a great option for those who don't typically enjoy strong cocktails.
The use of David's Tea Sleigh Ride adds a sweet and tart herbal flavor, while the white cranberry juice lends a delicate touch without overwhelming the other flavors. The Aromatic Blend bitters by Potion House adds a traditional touch to this holiday punch. Overall, the Japanese Christmas Punch is a refreshing and cost-effective option for a group holiday punch.
16. Pink Vodka Lemonade Cocktail
If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail to serve at your next party, look no further than the Pink Vodka Lemonade Cocktail. This cocktail combines the classic flavors of vodka and lemonade with a splash of Malibu and lime juice to create a delicious and visually stunning drink that is sure to impress your guests.
What's more, it requires only four ingredients and can be made in a pitcher, making it perfect for serving in a punch bowl. Whether you're a fan of Sprite or prefer a less sweet drink with club soda, this cocktail can be easily customized to suit your taste. So why not add a touch of pink to your next party with the Pink Vodka Lemonade Cocktail?
17. Reindeer Cocktail
The Reindeer Cocktail is a festive and fizzy holiday drink that is perfect for any Christmas party or gathering. Made with vodka, cranberry simple syrup, and tonic water, this bright red cocktail is sure to catch the eye and taste buds of your guests. The cranberry simple syrup adds a sweet and tart flavor to the drink, while the tonic water gives it a refreshing fizz.
The cocktail can also be easily turned into a mocktail for non-drinkers or kids by omitting the vodka and replacing it with tonic water or lemon-lime soda. Whether served in a pitcher or a punch bowl, the Reindeer Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add some holiday cheer to their drink menu.
18. Lemoncello + Lavender Cocktail
The Limoncello Lavender Cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any summer party. The combination of tangy lemon and floral lavender creates a unique and delicious taste that is sure to impress your guests. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot day, whether you're lounging on the beach or hanging out on your deck.
The addition of tonic water adds a slight fizz that makes this drink even more refreshing. If you're a fan of lemon, you'll love the citrusy flavor of Caravella Limoncello, which is the star of this cocktail. Overall, the Limoncello Lavender Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious punch bowl cocktail.
