Hop Into Spring! Hop Into Spring!

Perfect Party Punches That’ll Put a Spring in Your Step

Spring has sprung, huzzah! The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and heavy winter drinks are finally in the rearview mirror (looking at you, pumpkin spice.) Who’s ready for some fruit-flavored libations? We are!

To kick off the fun, we’ve put together a collection of springtime punch recipes that are perfect for any get-together. Each one has just four main ingredients (yep, only four!) and can easily be made with or without alcohol.

Springtime in a Glass

Refreshing and simple, strawberry lemonade is always a crowd pleaser. You can find countless variations of this classic favorite, but we like this one for its lemony zip.

Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry Lemonade

Get the goods

  • 1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 4 cups cold water

Tip:
Don't have a cocktail shaker? A spill-proof travel mug or a lidded glass jar works just fine.

Make the magic

In a blender, combine the strawberries and 1/4 cup of water and blend until smooth. If tiny seeds aren’t your thing, strain the strawberry purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove them (but it's totally optional). Then, in a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the strawberry purée to the pitcher and stir well. Pour in the remaining water and stir one more time until fully combined. Serve over ice, and garnish with lemon slices or extra strawberries.

Mix it up

Boozy
Boozy

Add a shot of vodka, white or coconut rum, or tequila.

Minty
Minty

Muddle ¼ cup of fresh mint leaves to release the flavor and add them to the pitcher with the lemon juice and sugar.

Fizzy
Fizzy

Replace half the water with sparkling wine, sparkling water, or club soda.

Strawberry Lemonade

Blooming Berries

Looking for something a little classier that’s perfect for brunch? This berry punch has the fruity sparkle and light sweetness of a Bellini or mimosa but with the added freshness of seasonal berries.

Berry Blossom Punch

Get the goods

  • 1 bottle of chilled sparkling water or sparkling apple cider
  • 1 ½ cups mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, chopped strawberries)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp honey or agave syrup

Make the magic

In a blender, combine ½ cup of the mixed berries and a splash of water and blend until you’ve got a smooth purée. Add the berry purée to a large pitcher with lemon juice and honey, and then stir well. Gently fold in the remaining berries, pour in the sparkling water, and stir again. Serve over ice, and garnish with extra berries.

Mix it up

Boozy
Boozy

Replace the sparkling water with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.

Flowery
Flowery

For a light floral touch, add 1-2 tsp of rose water or ¼ cup of elderflower liqueur with the sparkling water or wine.

Spicy
Spicy

Muddle a few thin slices of jalapeño in the bottom of the pitcher before adding any of the ingredients.

Peppy Punch

Not everybody loves a berry, of course. How about a zingy punch that’s easy to make, super refreshing, and suitable for everyone? The ginger ale in this punch adds a surprising spicy note that will please people who prefer bright, bold flavors.

Citrus & Ginger Punch
Citrus & Ginger Punch

Get the goods

  • 2 cups fresh orange juice
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup ginger ale
  • 1 cup lemon-lime soda

Make the magic

In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the orange and lime juices, and then add the ginger ale and lemon-lime soda. Stir to combine. Serve over ice, and garnish with lime or orange slices, fresh mint leaves, fresh basil, or candied ginger.

Mix it up

Boozy
Boozy

Before stirring, add 1 to 1.5 cups of rum, vodka, gin, or tequila.

Flowery
Kicky

Replace the ginger ale with ginger beer (with or without alcohol).

Spicy
Spritzy

Replace the ginger ale with sparkling water.

Marshmallow Peep Marshmallow Peep

Put a Peep on it!

Finally, how could we write about springtime without a nod to the indomitable Marshmallow Peep? This sugary springtime staple makes a whimsical drink topper that everyone will love. (That’s right, Peeps float!) So, top your beverage with a chick or bunny, raise your glass, and give a cheer for a sweet spring!