Life

11 Boozy Punch Recipes For National Punch Day

by Emily Kelley

The last vestiges of summer are beginning to fade, and fall seems to already be knocking on our doors laden with pumpkin beverages and sweater weather jokes. But before it gets too chilly, and before we start to prep ourselves for the hearty comfort foods of the season, say goodbye to summer fare with a few boozy punch recipes on National Punch Day.

I’m a big fan of food and drink holidays — National Lemonade Day, National Doughnut Day, and National Beer Day, for instance — because they’re an excuse to indulge in some delicious favorites, as well as find some new obsessions. And National Punch Day on Sept. 20 is actually perfectly poised as a way to give one last toast to summer before fully welcoming the first day of fall on Sept. 23. Summer food and drinks are all about fresh, vibrant fruits and refreshing, booze-filled cocktails — two things punch can combine. You can still add a few fall flavors to your punch recipes (cranberry and pomegranate are great examples), but you might as well take advantage of the last of the summer harvest while you can.

So mix up, kick back, and enjoy some boozy punch recipes before fall fully takes hold!

1. Blood Orange Negroni Sbagliato Punch

It's not every day that you get to use blood orange in a recipe — thanks A Happier Better St. Sebastian! Obviously, this is a punch for adults only.

2. Cranberry Punch

This recipe from Damn Delicious is perfect for the holidays, especially if you're not a fan of actually eating cranberries. And of course, you can splash some vodka in there for a jolly good time.

3. Tropical Strawberry Lemonade Party Punch

Packed with fruit and bursting with flavor, this tropical punch/lemonade combo from Averie Cooks is both refreshing and nutritious. But you could always pour in some tequila to add to the tropical flavors.

4. “Preggy Punch” Mocktail

If you're looking for a fun baby shower drink, this could be your ticket. It's fun and festive for mom, but doesn't include any booze — though the non-preggers party goers could add rum to it. You can get the recipe from A Spicy Perspective.

5. Peach Prosecco Punch

Enjoy the last of your summer peaches in a delicious prosecco punch. Damn Delicious breaks down how to make this crowd pleasing drink.

6. Strawberry Rosemary Sangria

I mean, sangria is the ultimate grownup punch, right? Mix up a batch to say goodbye to summer fruit and hello to fall herbs. A Cozy Kitchen has the recipe.

7. Raspberry Party Punch

This punch is relatively simple, but still yummy! As per usual, you could add alcohol — might I suggest raspberry schnapps? — to this recipe from The Merry Thought.

8. Summer Fields Punch

Created by Shel Bourdon, U.S. East Coast Brand Ambassador for Plymouth and Beefeater Gins, this drink calls for 1.5 parts gin, one part strawberry-infused Dolin Blanc Vermouth, half part Velvet Falernum, and a half part lemon juice. Top it all off with club soda for one ultra-refreshing drink.

9. Champagne Punch

OK, so this might technically be a recipe geared toward New Year's Eve, but it's never too early to start celebrating — especially when there's delicious punch to be had! Get the recipe from A Spicy Perspective.

10. Lightened-Up Raspberry Coconut Punch

This recipe from Averie Cooks calls for not one but two types of booze. Treat yo self!

11. POG Punch

I just learned about POG (which is made up of passionfruit, orange, and guava juices) on my recent trip to Hawaii. You can buy pre-mixed juice on the islands, but A Spicy Perspective shows you how to mix up your own, as well. I suggest rum for this tropical mix.

Image: A Happier Better St. Sebastian ; Damn Delicious ; Averie Cooks ; A Spicy Perspective ; Damn Delicious ; A Cozy Kitchen ; The Merry Thought ; A Spicy Perspective ; Averie Cooks ; A Spicy Perspective