Baptist Church Party Punch
My Southern Party Punch recipe with pineapple sherbet is a delightful non-alcoholic beverage everyone will love. This recipe is steeped in tradition and has been enjoyed for generations.
When it comes to a Southern gathering, nothing says ‘celebration’ quite like punch. There are literally hundreds of punch recipes in old church and community cookbooks, but this particular one holds a special place in my heart. I call this Baptist Church Party Punch because it was my Aunt Marjorie’s specialty and was served for any and all social occasions hosted at our local Baptist church.
Every sip of this pineapple sherbet punch brings up memories of joyous occasions filled with laughter and warmth. It has been a part of some of the most significant events in my life, from baby and bridal showers to wedding receptions.
It’s a breeze to make, requiring simple ingredients with just a bit of planning. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – just as nice for a large gathering as it is for a cozy family get-together.
Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just want to bring a bit of Southern charm to your day, this lovely non-alcoholic party punch recipe is a guaranteed way to put a smile on everyone’s face.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s a Family Heirloom: This recipe isn’t just a refreshing drink; it’s a cherished heirloom passed down through generations in my family.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a church gathering, a family reunion, or just a casual weekend brunch, this delicious punch will fit right in.
- Simple, Yet Delightful: With just a few ingredients, you create something really special.
🛒 Ingredient Notes
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- Pineapple Juice: The star of this recipe, canned pineapple juice adds an overall tropical flavor. I prefer using unsweetened juice to keep the punch’s flavors balanced.
- Frozen Lemonade Concentrate: Gives a tangy kick, perfectly contrasting the sweetness of the other ingredients. Thaw it just enough so it blends smoothly.
- Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: Complements the pineapple and lemonade flavors beautifully. Just like with the lemonade, allow it to thaw for easy mixing. For this recipe, I’d choose one with no pulp.
- Pineapple Sherbet: Melds into the punch, creating a velvety smoothness.
- Ginger Ale: Adds a lovely effervescence that lightens the punch. Add it last to keep the fizz alive.
🥘 Equipment Needed
- Large Freezer-Safe Container: For freezing the pineapple juice. It should be big enough to hold the juice and allow for easy stirring when partially frozen.
- Punch Bowl or Large Serving Vessel: Back in the day, everyone had a punch bowl with the accompanying punch cups. Today, not so much. If you have one, please get it out, dust it off, and use it. Otherwise, you can certainly mix the punch in a large pitcher.
You’ll also find this recipe in my cookbook!
You can see Baptist Church Party Punch on pages 28-29 in my cookbook, My Southern Table! Get your signed copy today.
🥄 How I Make Baptist Church Party Punch
- 24 hours before serving: Place the pineapple juice in the freezer.
- 2 hours before serving: Remove the pineapple juice from the freezer to thaw slightly. Reconstitute the lemonade and orange juice according to the directions on the package. Keep the lemonade and orange juice in the refrigerator until needed.
- At serving time: (1) In a punch bowl, large pitcher, or other serving vessel, roughly chop up the partially thawed pineapple juice and pineapple sherbet. (2) Pour in the juices and ginger ale. (3) Mix thoroughly, leaving some of the frozen juice and sherbet in small lumps.
- This punch may be extended to serve more by adding additional orange juice and ginger ale as needed.
⚠️ Troubleshooting Tips
- Balance a too sweet punch by adding a bit more ginger ale or a splash of club soda.
- If the sherbet and juices seem to be reluctant to mix, just let them thaw a little more before stirring again.
- Keep extra ginger ale and orange juice on hand so you can quickly mix more when it’s needed without disrupting the flow of your gathering.
🔀Recipe Variations
- For a little twist, mix in a splash of your favorite soda. Cream soda or an orange-flavored soda can add an interesting layer of flavor.
- Experiment with different sherbet flavors like orange or lime for a new taste profile.
- For an adult version, add a cup of rum or vodka to transform the punch into a cocktail.
- Toss in a handful of frozen berries or sliced fresh fruit, such as lemon and orange slices, for added color.
💡 Expert Tips
- Thaw the pineapple juice until it’s slushy but not liquid. This consistency helps maintain the punch’s cool temperature.
- When combining the ingredients, stir gently to preserve the ginger ale’s fizz.
- Have the juices and sherbet ready in the refrigerator. This makes the assembly quick and effortless, especially when guests are arriving.
🍽️ How I Serve
- Serve this delightful punch in a large, decorative bowl to make it the centerpiece of your gathering. A glass bowl showcases the vibrant colors and textures.
- Use cups that match the occasion – colorful for a party, elegant for a formal gathering. A long-handled ladle ensures easy serving.
- Add slices of lemon, lime, or orange on the rim of the punch bowl or the cups for a fresh, inviting look.
- This punch goes wonderfully with finger foods like tea sandwiches, cheese straws, or light pastries, complementing without overpowering.
🍚 How I Store Leftovers
To store leftover punch, pour it into a jug or an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you’re thinking ahead and want to save some for another occasion, you can freeze the punch. Store it in an airtight container, and it’ll be good for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. A quick stir will refresh its consistency, as it might separate slightly in the freezer.
❓ Questions about Party Punch
You can make it an hour or two ahead. Don’t mix it too far in advance to prevent the ginger ale from losing its fizz.
First, make sure that all the ingredients are very cold before combining them. If your event will last more than 1 to 2 hours, you may need to take other steps to keep the punch cold, such as setting the serving vessel inside a bowl of ice or planning ahead and making an ice ring to float in the punch bowl. To make an ice ring, simply fill a mold (any shape is fine, but a ring is traditional) with water and/or fruit and freeze it. You can also make extra punch ahead of time, freeze it, and use that to keep it cold without diluting it.
Feel free to personalize the recipe to your taste! For instance, you could swap ginger ale for a different type of soda. Just keep in mind that changing ingredients will alter the flavor.
Questions? I’m happy to help!
If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
📖 Recipe
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Baptist Church Party Punch
Ingredients
- 46 ounces pineapple juice
- 6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate
- 12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 quart pineapple sherbet
- 1 quart cold ginger ale
Instructions
- 24 hours before serving: Place the pineapple juice in the freezer.
- 2 hours before serving: Remove the pineapple juice from the freezer to thaw slightly. Reconstitute the lemonade and orange juice according to the directions on the package. Keep the lemonade and orange juice in the refrigerator until needed.
- At serving time: (1) In a punch bowl (or other serving vessel), rough chop up the partially thawed pineapple juice and pineapple sherbet. (2) Pour over the juices and ginger ale. (3) Mix thoroughly leaving some of the frozen juice and sherbet in small lumps.
- This punch may be extended to serve more by adding additional orange juice and ginger ale as needed.
Notes
- You can make the punch an hour or two ahead but not too far in advance to keep the ginger ale from losing its fizz.
- To store leftover punch, pour it into a jug or an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. May be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Stir well to remix the ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
