If you're throwing a party, you'll want to throw down some as well. It's the hassle-free way to keep a crowd topped up in style. Just quietly, it's also a cost-effective way to keep the drinks flowing. Think of punch as a giant, affordable cocktail that's not too heavy on the alcohol (or completely alcohol-free, if that's your style). This means a punch is just as great served at a midday barbecue as a late-night dance-a-thon.
The secret to a smashingly good party punch? Serve it in watermelon, of course. Especially if your punch recipe happens to actually feature watermelon - but a good look even if it doesn't. If your punch is melon-less, simply serve the fruit as a side dish and load the skin up with whatever punch you fancy.
Follow one of these recipes, but feel free to add or subtract a herb, add more or less fizz, juice or alcohol and generally freestyle your way to your signature punch. Happy party daze!
Cinnamon quills and rose petals make a beautiful garnish for a festive punch. Source: Brett Stevens
This is as non-fussy, easy-breezy, she'll-be-right to make as you'd expect from a beer punch. Source: Andy Baker
Add a couple of chillies to this recipe to really get things going. Source: SBS Food
See how happy punch is in a watermelon shell? Source: Benito Martin
Make your blueberry limonata with sparkling water (or even sparkling wine) for a divine party punch. Source: Alan Benson
Based on a Bermudan trademarked cocktail, this is a drink for sailors, made with ginger beer to help with sea-sickness and rum to keep you nice. Source: Benito Martin
Summer in a punch. Source: Michelle Crawford
This one is like the bubble tea of party punches. Source: Benito Martin
Pop a bowl of pineapple slivers and cherries next to the punch for guests to garnish their glasses. Source: Adam Liaw
This punch couldn't be easier as everything goes straight into the blender for a cherry-red blitz. Source: Alan Benson
A quick-to-make summery drink that is equal parts refreshing, tasty and pretty. Source: Donna Hay
This punch is a little richer than most, which can only be a good thing. Source: Brett Stevens
This is one smoooooth punch. Source: Brett Stevens
Hot tip: freeze your watermelon skin to keep this slushie icy cold. Source: Alan Benson
