Grandma's 12 Favorite Southern Holiday Punch Recipes

It's punch bowl season.

Southern Living Rainbow Sherbet Punch in a punch bowl with a couple of glasses beside
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When it comes to the holidays, Grandma knows no menu is complete without at least one glass bowl filled with a classic punch recipe. The best thing about punch recipes is that they're made in big batches so they'll serve a crowd, plus they usually come together with just a little bit of stirring. There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic recipes on this list of Grandma-approved punches so guests of all ages can sip on a delicious holiday drink. Read on for Grandma's official list of holiday punch recipes you can serve year-round.

01 of 12

Orange Sherbet Punch

Southern Living Orange Sherbet Punch

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck

Grandma knows that retro-inspired sherbet punch is a welcome addition to any holiday party. Ginger ale and fruit juices combine with frozen sherbet for a fun, fizzy punch that will please any crowd.

02 of 12

Ambrosia Party Punch

Southern Living Ambrosia Party Punch in the punch bowl to serve

Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch

The flavors of classic Southern ambrosia are delicious in any form, including punch. It can be made with or without alcohol.

03 of 12

Coffee Punch

Southern Living Coffee Punch ready to serve in a punch bowl with a few glasses beside

Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This punch was made for the dessert table. Grandma knows Bundt pans are ideal for making the ice ring for punch recipes.

04 of 12

Blood Orange Holiday Punch

Blood Orange Holiday Punch

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Winter citrus shines in this prosecco-based punch. You can use whatever variety of cut citrus you like, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.

05 of 12

Triple B Milk Punch

Triple B Milk Punch

Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

As the name implies, this classic holiday milk punch is made with three Bs: bourbon, brandy, and buttermilk. Just mix all the ingredients together and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

06 of 12

Retro Rum Punch

Retro Rum Punch
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

If rum is your (and Grandma's!) spirit of choice, this retro punch is just the one to serve at the holiday party. You'll find not just one, but two types of rum in the recipe.

07 of 12

Cranberry Sangría Punch

cranberry sangria punch - southern living

HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PROP STYLING: KARIN OLSEN; FOOD STYLING: WILLIAM SMITH

Sangria gets a holiday makeover with the addition of cranberries and champagne. Just make sure to reserve the champagne to add just before serving.

08 of 12

Nana's Lime Sherbet Punch

Lime Sherbet Punch
Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

From the recipe box of country music star Kane Brown's Nana, this single-serve punch comes together with just two ingredients: sherbet and ginger ale. A lime garnish is festive but optional.

09 of 12

Sparkling Punch

Sparkling Punch
Jennifer Davick

Whether you're serving this pretty in pink punch at a shower or at a summer night shindig, we promise the fizzy pink lemonade drink will be a hit. You'll simply mix together pink lemonade concentrate, club soda, and white cranberry juice cocktail to make a pitcher of this refreshing beverage. Feel free to make it alcoholic with sparkling wine and orange liqueur.

10 of 12

Harvest Punch

Harvest Punch
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Filled with the warm spices you desire during the holidays and lots of apple slices, this seasonal punch will surely delight your party guests. You'll start by mixing the orange and apple slices, apple cider, brandy, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks and letting them chill for a couple of hours to let all the flavors meld together. Once you're ready to serve, pour in the sparkling hard cider, apple cider, and ginger beer.

11 of 12

Party Punch

Southern Living Party Punch in a bowl to serve

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

This party punch can be made a week in advance for your convenience. Simply add in the ginger ale and fruit just before serving. Spike the mix with vodka or white rum if you desire.

12 of 12

Rainbow Sherbet Punch

Southern Living Rainbow Sherbet Punch in a punch bowl with a couple of glasses beside

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The colors of Christmas shine in this colorful punch thanks to rainbow sherbet and fresh fruit. It comes together quickly and should be served immediately.

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