Party Punch
This Party Punch is my go-to for fall parties, holidays, and casual get-togethers with friends. Black cherry juice and mashed blackberries give it a deep fruity flavor, while blood orange, basil, and sparkling water keep it fresh. I’m always happy to pour a glass.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 138kcal
Ingredients
- 32 oz black cherry Juice
- 6 oz blackberries
- 2 blood oranges sliced into thin rings (reserve a few 1/4 inch wedges for glasses)
- 18 leaves basil reserve 8 for garnish
- 4 oz sparkling water
- 8 oz gin or vodka, optional
Instructions
- In a large cup or shaker, mash 1/2 container of blackberries (just enough to get the juice) and mix with basil leaves. Add into a pitcher or another type of serving container. Repeat until all berries and mashed.
- Add in the sliced blood oranges and 16 oz black cherry juice, then stir. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour into wine goblet or your choice of glasses or cups. Add half of mixture, then ice and top off with sparkling water.
- Garnish with 1 basil sprig per glass along with blood orange quarters or extra blackberries or all of them.
- If adding alcohol, I would suggest doing 1/2 juice, 1 shot of your favorite alcohol (vodka or gin are my favorite and even champagne works too), then top it off with sparkling water.
- Sip and enjoy.
Notes
- Muddle gently. Crush the blackberries just enough to release their juice, and avoid overworking the basil so it stays fresh and aromatic.
- Give it time. Let the fruit, basil, and black cherry juice sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.
- Chill the ingredients. Starting with cold juice and sparkling water keeps the punch refreshing without relying on too much ice.
- Add bubbles last. Pour in the sparkling water just before serving each glass so it stays crisp and fizzy.
- Avoid watering it down. Add ice to individual glasses instead of the pitcher, especially if the punch will be sitting out during a party.
- Keep the base alcohol-free. Let guests add gin or vodka to their own glasses so the same batch works as both a cocktail and a mocktail.
- Prep it ahead. Combine the juice, berries, blood oranges, and basil a few hours in advance and keep the pitcher refrigerated until serving.
- Make it easy to serve. Set out the punch with ice, sparkling water, and optional alcohol so guests can build their own drinks.
- Save garnishes first. Set aside your prettiest blackberries, basil sprigs, and blood orange wedges before mixing the punch.
- Store leftovers without ice. Refrigerate leftover punch in a covered container for up to 2 days, then add fresh sparkling water when serving again.
Nutrition
Serving: 0g | Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 112IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg