4th of July Punch

Name: 4th of July Punch
Total time: 140 min
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)

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Something to sip on while we salute the red, white, and blue.

By Southern Living Editors

Updated on July 5, 2022

4th of July Punch — Photo: Jennifer Causey

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 20 mins

Yield:

Serves 8 (serving size: 1 cup)

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.