Autumn punch cocktail perfect for entertaining large groups
This fall, whether you’re cuddling up next to a roaring fireplace or gathering around a punch bowl, the right drinks will set the mood for the season. These bulk cocktail recipes bring together some of our favorite fall flavors. From the warming punch of Irish whiskey to the spicy fizz of pear, tart cranberry and pomegranate mingle with baking spice and bright citrus. Low-alcohol and zero-proof punch options are included, along with large-format tequila, cognac, and whiskey recipes.
Each of these seven fall drinks is easy to scale up, brings visual drama, and suits any guest, taste, or occasion. Spice up the festivities with these seasonal sippers.
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gaelic punch
Bree Goldman / Food Styling: Lauren McAnnelly / Prop Styling: Sue Mitchell
This hot Irish punch from renowned cocktail historian David Wondrich puts Irish whiskey to the forefront. Rooted in the classic punch tradition, this festive warmer features traditional layers of spirits, sugar, citrus, and body-warming spices. Choose a young Irish whiskey to reduce tannins when heated, and pre-warm the serving bowl to maintain temperature.
Non-alcoholic cranberry pomegranate punch
Food & Wine / Frederick Hardy II / Food Styling: Emily Neighbors Hall / Prop Styling: Christina Daley
Developed by cocktail and spirits writer M. Carey Allan, this ruby-hued zero-proof punch is balanced with tart cranberry and pomegranate juices and cardamom-cinnamon tea-infused simple syrup and topped with non-alcoholic sparkling wine. For a spiked version, substitute a dry white sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava.
Sparkling cranberry ginger punch with toasted spices
This low-alcohol punch relies on tart cranberry juice and spicy ginger ale to deliver a big punch of flavor and put the booze behind you. Frozen cranberries replace the traditional punch rings and keep this soda cold. Have an extra bottle of chilled sparkling wine on hand so your guests can refill their cups.
sparkling pear punch
Frederick Hardy II / Food Styling: Emily Neighbors Hall / Prop Styling: Christina Daley
This effervescent punch from James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey celebrates pears in five forms: pear brandy, pear nectar, spiced pear liqueur, hard pear cider, and fresh fruit slices. With a lemon juice lift and bitters, it’s perfect for fall or winter entertaining. The base for this punch can be prepared the day before, and you can add sparkling cider when making it on the spot.
pomegranate tequila punch
Frederick Hardy II / Food Styling: Emily Neighbors Hall / Prop Styling: Richa Kearns
Bartender Caitlin Stewart created this punch by combining Blanco Tequila with pomegranate juice, ginger tea, maple syrup, and fresh lime juice. Slightly sweet and sour, this large, warming cocktail (thanks to the ginger tea) can be made in bulk up to three days in advance.
anjou punch
Chelsea Kyle / Food Styling by Drew Eichel
This festive punch from veteran bartender Leo Robichek includes cognac, pear liqueur, cinnamon, citrus, and champagne. The interplay of brandy, bubbly, orchard fruit notes and warming cinnamon makes this the perfect drink for fall/winter festive gatherings. This punch can accommodate up to 12 people.
Cranberry punch with sumac
Chris Simpson / Food Styling: Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling: Tom Driver
Chef Mashama Bailey also created this tangy non-alcoholic punch. This large-format soft drink is made around a combination of frozen cranberries, sugar, tart sumac oleosaccharum, and carbonated water. Essentially a no-cook sugar syrup, the oleosaccharum base preserves the bright seasonal fruit flavors.
2025-10-29 16:30:00
