How to Make Champagne Punch for Weddings, Receptions or Holiday Parties

The holidays are upon us, parties and gatherings likely fill our weekends from now until the end of the year. What easier way to serve a crowd than with a holiday champagne punch?

Champagne and eggnog punches are traditional staples at most holiday parties and family gatherings this time of year. Whether throwing a corporate holiday party, a gathering for close friends or the annual family gathering a champagne punch is simple to put together and easily serves a few friends or a crowd.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 6 cups orange juice, chilled
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 pound seedless grapes
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, halved
• 1 bottle (48 ounces) pineapple juice, chilled
• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry champagne, chilled
• Fresh mint

1. Day before serving: In pitcher, combine 2 cups orange juice with the water.

2. Pour 2 cups orange juice mixture into a 3 - cup ring mold, metal bowl or bundt pan, freeze until hard (approx. 3-4 hours). Reserve remaining orange juice mixture.

3. Arrange grapes, orange slices and strawberries around top of mold. Fill with reserved orange juice mixture; freeze overnight.

4. In a 6 - quart punch bowl, combine remaining 4 cups orange juice and the pineapple juice.

5. Just before serving, stir in champagne and place ice ring in the punch bowl; float fruit side up on punch. Garnish with mint.

Tips & Warnings

• Makes (24) four ounce servings.
• Avoid using ice cubes in a punch bowl-they'll melt quickly, leaving your drink watery and weak.
• Set out a pair of punch bowls, one without alcohol.
• Remember to have bottled water, lemon wedges and soft drinks for non-drinkers and designated drivers.
• Don't drink and drive.
• Be a good friend and hostess, don't let friends drink and drive. Make sure everyone has a designated driver, stays the night or calls a cab.

Resources

• 101 Champagne Cocktails
• Tiny Bubbles: Fizzy Cocktails for Every Occasion, Using Champagne, Prosecco, and Other Sparkling Wines
• The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Calendars, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

[mizzshady]

on 1/1/2010 Make a Fruity Holiday Champagne Punch sounds so good.. I'll have to try it.. I recommended you and gave you a five.

[konakai]

on 12/18/2009 I've been looking for a Holiday Punch recipe and this sounds terrific. Thanks! 5* and rec'd.

[smartguy386]

on 12/15/2009 This recipe sounds tasty. 5*

[smartguy386]

on 12/15/2009 This recipe sounds tasty. 5*

[drenee]

on 12/11/2009 The holiday punch sounds very easy going to have to try this one.