The New Year’s Eve Punches
Every January 1, I find myself at the home of my friends Anne and Keith. Each year, a familiar group gathers in their kitchen, den, dining room, basement, and living room to indulge in abundant food, drinks, and the joy of welcoming the New Year together. Our shared connection is that we are all friends and colleagues of Anne and Keith. This gathering has transformed into a cherished "same time, next year” tradition, where even those we rarely see throughout the year bring warmth to the occasion.
The large kitchen island is filled with countless dishes—each lovingly labeled—that we thoroughly enjoy. Among them, three standout dishes delight my taste buds. Unsurprisingly, two are desserts, and the third is punch. But not just any punch; it's the most extraordinary punch in the universe! The allure of this punch recipe is further enhanced by its compelling backstory.
In the early 80s, as they embarked on their engagement journey, Anne and Keith received a charming punch bowl, a gift Anne thought would most likely never get used. They decided to return the gift and get the money back and into Anne’s wallet went the $50 credit, where it comfortably resided for a year.
While browsing Tiffany’s sales the following year, Anne and Keith were determined to find something worthy to match their credit's value. The only gift they could find was the same punch bowl they had received a year ago! They decided they would give the punch bowl another chance, and now it's part of their New Year's Eve tradition.
Keith’s Punch
To make this delicious punch, here’s everything you need to create a truly delightful drink: one quart of raspberry sherbet, two liters of Diet Ginger Ale, and one bottle of champagne, all nicely chilled. Pour the liquids over the block of sherbet, and you’ll be all set to impress your guests with this festive New Year’s Eve punch (check out more recipes below).
Debbie’s Desserts
To prepare my favorite of Debbie's desserts, combine two small (or one large) boxes of lemon Jell-O with 24 ounces of Diet Sprite, one cup of hot water, and half a tablespoon of lemon juice to make a delightful, guilt-free lemon mousse. After mixing, refrigerate for two hours. Once chilled, fold in Cool Whip and return it to the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s light, delicious, and pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or other sliced fruits.
My second favorite is a delightful chocolate pomegranate treat that’s beneficial for your heart! Begin by gently melting dark chocolate using a double boiler or the microwave set at 50% power. Once melted, mix in pomegranate seeds to add a beautiful burst of flavor. Drop spoonfuls onto aluminum foil placed on a baking sheet. Refrigerate, and get ready to impress your guests with this sweet-tart combination.
Wishing you a happy and delicious new year!
Bunches of New Year’s Eve Punches
Alcohol-free beverages and alcohol-mixed punches are also delicious options for New Year's Eve!
Tequila Punch Surprise
32 ounces of fruit punch drink, 32 ounces of orange juice, 8 ounces of Tequila, 8 ounces of light rumThin slices of orange for eye and taste appeal
Sweet Pineapple Punch
32 ounces of Pineapple juice2 (2) liter bottles of ginger ale3 quarts of raspberry or orange sherbet12 ounces of light rum
Quick Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Punch
1 can (6 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed1 bottle (32 ounces) cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Punch
1 can (6oz) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed1 bottle (32 oz) cranberry juice cocktail2 cans (12 oz each) Ginger Ale, chilled
Strawberry Champagne Punch
1 (750 milliliters) bottle champagne1 (2 liters) bottle ginger ale, chilled2 (10 ounces) packages of frozen strawberries, partially thawed
Champagne Orange Punch
In this order:1-quart orange sherbet2 quarts fresh orange juice1 (2 liters) bottle ginger ale2 (750 milliliter) bottles champagne
Champagne Peach Punch
3 (11.5 ounces) cans of peach nectar1 (6 ounces) can of frozen orange juice concentrate1/4 cup lemon juice1/2 cup peach brandy1/4 cup grenadine syrup1 (32 fluid ounces) bottle carbonated water3 (750 milliliters) bottles champagne
Juicy Fruit Punch with Champagne
4 fluid ounces fresh orange juice4 fluid ounces cranberry juice2 fluid ounces apple juice2 tablespoons pineapple juice2 fluid ounces lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage2 fluid ounces champagne1/4 cup sliced frozen strawberries