Vodka Punch
This Vodka Punch recipe is our version of the classic cocktail, party punch. Made with simple ingredients like vodka, tropical fruit punch, and coconut rum, this vodka party punch recipe is easy to make and even easier to customize. It’s the perfect cocktail for your next party, barbecue, or beach day get-together.
Best Summer Party Punch Recipe:
Vodka Punch, it’s a simple cocktail that’s been popular for decades.
Everyone has their own version, and I’m no different. I can’t take total credit for this one.
An old friend introduced me to this drink over 20 years ago.
While the drink is tasty, it’s a strong alcoholic punch. It’s actually one of my favorite vodka recipes, especially during the summer.
If you prefer something a little lighter, then check out our Malibu Sunset or our Bahama Mama.
Ingredients for Party Punch:
- Fruit Punch: Use your favorite brand and flavor of fruit punch. We like Hawaiian Punch!
- Vodka: We use a good quality mid-shelf vodka.
- Rum: Coconut rum is our pick for this punch.
- Garnishes: Orange slices and maraschino cherries work well as optional garnishes.
- Ice: You’ll need lots of ice to fill a pitcher and the serving glasses.
How to Make Tropical Vodka Punch:
Scroll to the recipe card below for full instructions and ingredient amounts!
- Fill a large pitcher or large punch bowl with ice. Add the orange slices and cherries.
- Pour in the fruit punch and equal parts vodka and rum. Stir, and pour into individual glasses over ice.
Tips and Variations:
- Add fresh fruit juices. Orange juice, grapefruit juice, and pineapple juice work well.
- Use some soda. Add some carbonation, sweetness, and flavor with lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, club soda, or ginger beer.
- Try flavored alcohol. There are several brands of flavored vodka and rum. Mango, pineapple, citrus, and even tropical punch are some popular flavors. Swap the coconut rum for another flavor if desired.
- Taste test. If you’re going to add extra ingredients or change ingredients, make a small batch of vodka punch first to taste test. Then, if you like it, make large batches.
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store vodka punch in the refrigerator (without ice) for several hours, up to overnight.
Freezer: Pour leftover party punch into ice cube trays and freeze. Use party punch ice cubes in your next batch of punch.
What other alcohol tastes good in vodka punch?
There are alcohol and liqueur options that taste good in vodka punch. If you’d like to add another flavor or swap out the rum, here are some options:
- Triple Sec.
- Blue Curaçao (will change the color of the punch).
- Peach Schnapps.
Is there a holiday version of party punch?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe into a holiday punch!
Instead of fruit punch, use cranberry juice. Add some orange juice, orange liqueur, spiced rum, vodka (citrus vodka tastes amazing!), fresh cranberries, and orange slices.
If the punch isn’t quite sweet enough, stir in some simple syrup or cranberry flavored simple syrup.
Serve cranberry vodka punch at all your holiday parties!
Can you add more alcohol to party punch?
Yes, you can add extra alcohol to party punch. Our recipe has the vodka and rum at ½ cup each or to taste.
This gives you the option to adjust the alcohol content to fit your personal tastes.
As written, the recipe is a smooth mix of fruit punch, vodka, and rum. It’s strong but not overly strong.
Ingredients
- ½ gallon tropical punch, 64 ounces
- ½ cup coconut rum
- ½ cup vodka
- Ice
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Place ice in a large pitcher. Pour in punch, rum, and vodka. Stir to combine.½ gallon tropical punch½ cup coconut rum½ cup vodka
- Garnish with orange slices and cherries if desired.
- Serve in individual glasses over ice.
- Scroll up, and see the post for tips, FAQs, and storage options.
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 8-ounces of the vodka punch. Actual calories will vary.
I made 2 different batches of this recipe. One batch with Mango Rum (1 cup) and Pineapple Vodka (1/2 cup) and one batch with Mango Rum (1 cup) and Watermelon Vodka (1/2 cup). Both batches were a hit. I will be making these again. Thank You John and Kim for the great recipe find!!