A baby shower without a yummy party punch? Not possible! In fact, serving punch at a baby shower may even be a law or something...
Every event for mommy-to-be and baby needs a tasty drink served in a festive way. For a unique beverage everyone will enjoy, this slushy cool make-ahead punch is a great choice.
Make-Ahead Frosty Fruit Punch
In this delicious recipe, fruit flavored gelatin mix is combined with sugar, water, pineapple and lemon juices, and frozen solid. On the next day, the ice blocks are crushed. The punch is completed by pouring ginger ale over the crushed frozen juice.
One of the best things about this slushy iced punch is that it is made mainly in advance and is fairly simple to prepare right before serving.
A large punch bowl or container will be needed for this party beverage. See ideas following the recipe.
This recipe makes about 25 eight-ounce servings.
Ingredients:
- 2 (3 ounce) packages fruit flavored powdered gelatin mix (such as Jell-O in a box)
- 2 1/4 cups white sugar
- 8 cups boiling water
- 7 cups pineapple juice
- 1 1/4 cups liquid lemon juice concentrate
- 10 1/2 cups ginger ale, chilled
Directions:
- In a large heat resistant bowl, combine gelatin mix and sugar.
- Pour boiling water into gelatin combination and stir at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Add and stir in pineapple juice and lemon juice concentrate.
- Let cool to room temperature.
- Divide into 2 or more freezable containers and freeze until solid (6 hours to overnight).
- To prepare to serve, remove from freezer and crush ice (the final punch will be like a slushy iced drink).
- Pour cold ginger ale over crushed ice mix right before serving.
Variations:
- Have fun experimenting with slightly different amounts of juice and ginger ale. Reducing the sugar also works fine.
- Try out various various fruity-flavor gelatin. Besides changing the flavor, using different flavors makes it possible to change the color of the punch.
Punch Flavoring Ideas
Some gelatin flavors to try include: Jell-O Brand's lime (green for baby showers where the sex of the baby is a surprise), Mixed Fruit (pink for a girl), Berry Blue (for a boy, although it will end up more aqua due to the pineapple juice) or something cheery like pineapple or orange. Check out colors and flavors at this fun Jello-O Flavor Finder from Kraft Brands online.
Feeling creative? How about mixing 2 flavors of gelatin? Some interesting combination ideas include:
- Strawberry - raspberry
- Lemon - lime
- Strawberry - banana
- Cranberry - raspberry
- Watermelon - strawberry
- Strawberry - kiwi
Pretty Baby Shower Punch Presentation
The most traditional way to serve punch is from a punch bowl, of course. To add some beauty to the traditional, consider garnishing with lemons, strawberries, or another fruit to compliment your color theme.
Alternatives to the classic punch bowl include:
- A baby bathtub (probably not inflatable!)
- Pretty pitchers (mix and match for a fun look)
- A new plastic toy bucket or container
- A brand new smallish diaper pail (if you're feel brave)
As a bonus, the new mom gets to take home whatever you choose. Provide baby wipes for cleaning up spills and give everyone a good laugh.
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
