A true party favorite, punch is one of those beverages that can be modified with a variety of ingredients and still taste great. There are few standard punch recipes that you’ll find at almost any party, however, it’s well worth trying out a more unique recipe or two that’ll add a twist to your refreshment selection. At Columbia Distributing, we’ve found some unusual ingredient combinations that make for a stellar drink.
Pineapple Sweet Tea Punch
When you think of sweet tea, you probably imagine that sweet Southern favorite. But this take on that refreshment involves pineapple, which gives the drink gives a bold, new flavor profile that’s sure to be refreshing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 c unsweetened iced tea
- 1 c pineapple juice
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Pineapple wedges to garnish
- Optional: 3/4 c vodka
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice and sugar. Let the mixture boil for roughly 15 minutes or until it’s reduced by half. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. In a pitcher, combine unsweetened iced tea, lime juice, and pineapple mixture, as well as vodka if desired. Garnish with pineapple wedges and enjoy.
Cran-Raspberry-Vanilla Punch
This beverage combines the sharpness of berries with the mellow sweetness of vanilla. The acidity of the berries does a great job of cutting through the sweetness of the punch. To make this beverage, stock up on the following ingredients:
- 6 c cran-raspberry juice
- 6 c carbonated cranberry beverage
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 pt raspberry sorbet
- Frozen cranberries to garnish
In a large punch bowl, combine cran-raspberry juice, carbonated cranberry beverage, and vanilla extract. Add scoops of sorbet and garnish with frozen cranberries. Serve directly from the bowl and enjoy. If you want to add a little alcohol into the mix, reduce the vanilla extract to 1/2 tbsp and add 1/2 to 3/4 c of spiced vanilla rum.
Pink Ginger Lemonade and Champagne Slush Punch
Toast to a special occasion with Pink Ginger Lemonade and Champagne Slush Punch. While this drink requires a bit of preliminary work, the result is well worth the effort. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 64 oz pink lemonade
- 2 L ginger ale
- 1 c triple sec
- 3 (750 mL) bottles of pink champagne
- Fresh mint to garnish
A day ahead of time, prepare the slush. In a large, freezer-safe container, combine lemonade, ginger ale, and triple sec. Freeze the mixture overnight. Then, 20 minutes before serving, remove the slush mixture from the freezer. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before breaking it up with a wooden utensil.
At the time of your event, prepare the punch. Pour the slush mixture and champagne into a large punch bowl. Stir the punch until the slush is evenly distributed throughout. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.
For more unusual and out-there party punch ideas, contact Columbia Distributing today. If you’re a business in the Pacific Northwest, ask us for information about the brands we supply that will keep your customers well-stocked on ingredients for their favorite beverages.