And please note that celebrations from the couch in sweatpants are also festive and absolutely deserve a batch of Champagne Punch too! I have long loved any excuse for a party. (What’s that? You got a promotion/haircut/made all the green lights on your way to work today? Let’s celebrate!) Combine that ardor with the fact that I now own a punch bowl (a worthy investment made last year for the sake of this Christmas Punch), and this Champagne Punch practically poured itself. You absolutely do not need a punch bowl to make this recipe. Because the punch calls for two full bottles of champagne, it’s easy to divide the recipe in half. Conveniently, a half batch fits easily into a more standard pitcher like this one. If you are making champagne punch for a crowd, you still don’t need a punch bowl (though it’s a good excuse to buy one if you are in the market.) Simply use two pitchers OR refill the same single pitcher once the punch supply is depleted. Heads up: this Champagne Punch is light, easy drinking, and refreshing. It sips away more quickly than you think (just like this festive Rum Punch did)!
How to Make Champagne Punch
The Ingredients
Champagne or any sparkling wine labeled BRUT, which is the driest variety. Confusingly enough, sparkling wines labeled “dry” and even “extra dry” are not as dry as you want or need for this recipe.
TIP: Think “Brutally Dry” when you see “Brut.” That’s how I always remember and avoid the temptation of bottles labeled “extra dry.”
Grand Marnier. A delicious orange liqueur that adds subtle sweetness and a lovely citrus flavor. Triple sec works in a pinch, but it’s simply not as good (hence the lower price tag). If you can swing Grand Marnier, you’ll love it in this punch and for many cocktails to come.Vodka. I opted to make this Champagne Punch with vodka because its neutral flavor allows the other ingredients to shine. Also, vodka generally is liked (or at least tolerated) on the whole, so if you’re serving a crowd, chances are most of your guests will enjoy it.Pomegranate Juice. Fruity, not too sweet, and festive!Ginger Ale. Ginger ale is my fave in big-batch cocktail recipes like sangria punch. Its mild spice cuts the sweetness of the fruit and makes this drink extra fizzy. You won’t taste it on its own, but it will help make the punch more balanced.Citrus Slices. Lemon and orange slices are gorgeous, play up the flavor of the Grand Marnier, and ensure that this punch is not overly sweet (my biggest punch complaint).Fresh Raspberries. These, along with pomegranate seeds I sprinkled in as a nod to the pomegranate juice, make this a total looker. If you like, you can swap frozen raspberries for the fresh.
The Directions
More Ways to Enjoy Champagne Punch
Champagne Punch with Sherbet. For a dessert twist, try this delicious Raspberry Champagne Float recipe.Strawberry Champagne Punch. Swap the raspberries for sliced strawberries.Summer Champagne Punch. Omit the oranges. Add a pint of fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries.Fall Champagne Punch. Omit the lemons and raspberries. Swap the ginger ale for apple cider.Non Alcoholic Champagne Punch. Replace the champagne with lemon-lime soda or additional ginger ale. Omit the Grand Marnier and vodka. Add a splash of orange juice.
Other Easy Cocktails
Cranberry St. Germain CocktailApple Cider Champagne CocktailMulled Wine
Cheers ahead!