Name: Champagne Punch With Brandy and Citrus
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1½ hr (includes chilling)
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: ½ cup sugar; ½ cup water; 1 cup white grape juice; 1½ cups fresh grapefruit juice (preferably pink or ruby red); ¼ cup fresh lime juice; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 1 cup dry white wine; ¼ cup Cognac or other brandy; ½ cup packed mint leaves; 1 navel orange, cut into ½-inch pieces; 1 lime, cut into ½-inch pieces; 1 lemon, cut into ½-inch pieces; 1 (750-ml) bottle Champagne or other sparkling white wine, chilled

Active Time
25 min
Total Time
1½ hr (includes chilling)

Eye-opening notes of lemon, lime, and grapefruit keep this festive punch from heading into ultra-sweet territory—and fresh mint seconds the motion. "Once the Champagne has been added," says Scott Peacock, "serve the drinks as soon as possible to experience the maximum tickle of bubbles."

Ingredients

8 servings

½ cup sugar

½ cup water

1 cup white grape juice

1½ cups fresh grapefruit juice (preferably pink or ruby red)

¼ cup fresh lime juice

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 cup dry white wine

¼ cup Cognac or other brandy

½ cup packed mint leaves

1 navel orange, cut into ½-inch pieces

1 lime, cut into ½-inch pieces

1 lemon, cut into ½-inch pieces

1 (750-ml) bottle Champagne or other sparkling white wine, chilled

Preparation

Step 1
Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then transfer to a bowl and cool syrup completely (or quick-chill by setting bowl in an ice bath and stirring occasionally until cool).
DO AHEAD: Syrup can be chilled up to 1 week.
Step 2
Stir together juices, wine, Cognac, mint, fruit, and cooled syrup in a large pitcher. Chill, covered, until cold, about 1 hour. Stir in Champagne.
DO AHEAD: Punch, without Champagne, can be made 3 hours ahead and chilled, covered. Add Champagne just before serving.

Leave a Review

Reviews (5)

My guests practically licked the punch bowl clean! Refreshing, bright, not too sweet or too strong. I used pink grapefruits so the color looked much different than the picture, but so tasty. Definitely printing out to make it again. I made a double batch and it does take a LOT of fruit to make that much fresh juice.
- Lizzy
- Durham, NC
- 12/18/2023
I just attended a very stylish baby shower in NYC and the host made and served this punch. The menu consisted of multiple small soft tacos, tortilla chips, and various salsas. The punch complimented the menu well and was also fabulous alone! I was so impressed that insisted on getting this recipe and will make this for a summer soiree! Very yummy!!!
- wdcnative
- Silver Spring, MD
- 4/18/2014
This was delicious. I didn't measure the alcohol I put in, (except for the cognac, which I added a tiny bit less of than was called for). I also didn't put in the lime pieces as I was afraid it would make the punch bitter. For the "champagne" I used an Asti sparkling white wine which made the whole thing even more delicious.
- ennaycats
- brooklyn, ny
- 6/13/2010
Have made this twice and everyone loves it! Constantly get requests to make it when we're hosting a party. Serving it again at a World Cup brunch - it works as a great midday or late afternoon drink.
- bromagem
- Ventura, CA
- 6/11/2010
Very light and refreshing! Might cut back on the cognac some since I don't personally care for it, but this is a great drink.
- julieunc1
- Charleston, SC
- 5/31/2010
This is a great punch. I made it for New Years and even though I tripled the recipe, it went fast. I can't wait to make it again.
- baumann15
- pittsburgh
- 1/5/2009