Food and Recipes Recipes 4th of July Punch Be the first to rate & review! Something to sip on while we salute the red, white, and blue. By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on July 5, 2022 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Jennifer Causey Active Time: 20 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Yield: Serves 8 (serving size: 1 cup) Jump to recipe If it's not steamy and hot with a slight chance of showers, it's not Fourth of July down South. Whether you're flying your flag lakeside, beachside, or next to the grill in your own backyard, nothing cools of a sweltering summer celebration like the perfect party punch or cocktail. With a blend of fresh watermelon and bright citrus juices, our Fourth of July punch is a delightful drink that does just that. The secret to this big-batch punch? Letting it sit. After blending and straining, let the ingredients get to know each other for at least two hours or up to two days. The result is a mingling of flavors that's sweet yet refreshing. Depending on your party crowd, you can create an alcoholic recipe with vodka, rum, or tequila, or you can omit for a kid-friendly refreshment. Instead of serving the same selection of beer from last year's barbecue, why not whip up a watermelon punch? Bring it along for a potluck picnic or pour a round while enjoying waterfront views on the dock. Pair it with a hotdog covered in relish, a burger straight off the grill, or a flag cake for a menu that's full of American pride. No matter how it's served, this big-batch patriotic punch is sure to be a hit. Ingredients 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon (3 lb.) 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 4 limes) 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger (from 1 [4-in.] piece ginger) 1 cup pineapple juice, chilled 1 (12-oz.) can club soda, chilled 2 cups (16 oz.) vodka, rum, or tequila (optional) Directions Process half of the watermelon in a blender until smooth, about 45 seconds. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher; discard solids. Repeat process with remaining watermelon. Whisk together sugar, lime juice, and ginger in a small bowl until sugar dissolves. Add mixture to strained watermelon in pitcher; stir in chilled pineapple juice. Chill mixture at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. Fill 8 highball glasses halfway with ice. Stir club soda and alcohol, if using, into watermelon mixture. Pour evenly into glasses. Rate it Print