A good punch is one of those small things that makes a celebration feel like a celebration. We serve it at every cake and punch reception here, and people ask for the recipe constantly, so here it is. Two flavors, both simple, both pretty in a big glass bowl. No alcohol, so everyone from the flower girl to grandma can have a cup.
Over the years we have landed on two crowd favorites. One is bright and peachy, one is a little tart and rosy. Set out both and let your guests tell you which they love, it becomes its own little moment.
Pour the grape juice into your bowl, add the sparkling soda just before guests arrive so it stays fizzy, then float scoops of sorbet on top. Add the peach slices and mint last. That is it.
Same method. Juice first, bubbles just before serving, sorbet floated on top, berries last. The sorbet keeps it cold without watering it down like ice does.
Add the fizzy part last, right before guests come in, and use sorbet instead of ice. Warm soda goes flat and ice waters your punch down. Sorbet keeps it cold and a little creamy, and it looks beautiful floating on top.
A pretty bowl, a nice ladle, and a few fresh berries or flowers floating on top turn a simple punch into something people photograph. If you are doing a cake and punch wedding, this is exactly the kind of small, warm detail that makes the whole thing feel intentional rather than sparse.
Speaking of which, if the idea of a cake and punch celebration sounds like your kind of wedding, that is a real thing we do, and it is lovely. You can read all about our Cake & Punch weddings here.