Fresh Punch Recipes for Any Occassion

“[Punch] … here is one grand secret in its concoction that must be mastered with patience and care. It is just this, that the various subtle ingredients be thoroughly mixed in such a way that neither the bitter, the sweet, the spirit, nor any liquor be perceptible the one over the other.”

—Harry Craddock, The Savoy Cocktail 

Citrus trees and winter fruits are colorfully bursting onto the scene, fresh herbs are flourishing and friends are eager to gather. It’s time to dust off the punch bowl and get out your party glassware! Join the punch revival by making a fun, festive concoction sure to get people talking as they sip with pleasure.

Classic Old World punch recipes and proportions are remembered by some in the rhyme: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong and four of weak”—blending juices, sugar, water, spirits and spices. A recipe of sorts, with proportions not spelled out in cups, shots or splashes to ensure the right mix, and often mixing in artificially flavored, sugar-filled, commercial beverage ingredients that lack fresh fruit or even fruit juice.

Edible Test Kitchen took a fresh approach to punch up the local flavor by using local, seasonal fruits and ingredients with invitingly eye-catching results. Think about combining in-season flavors, a palette of colorful fruits and juices, sparkling ingredients, then adding punch pizazz with beautiful edible flowers and fruit slices to float atop the mix.

To balance your brew, use these six “S” elements: sour, sweet, seasonal, sparkle, spice and (optional) spirits. For the most part, we skipped added “sugars,” instead relying on fruit juices to do the sweetening. And we incorporated tea, sparkling water or ginger ale to pep up the classic category called “weak” liquids. Our recipes are crafted to allow you to spike the punch with spirits for an alcoholic libation or serve it as a tasty nonalcoholic beverage with the same ease.