Caitlin Bensel
Nothing lets us know that Christmas in the South is wonderfully underway quite like when it’s finally time to break out the punch bowl. For some, it is a holiday tradition that only rivals things like whipping up batches of bourbon balls to give as food gifts and breaking out the holiday china pattern to prep for a Christmas feast. Every holiday party—whether a cookie swap, church potluck, or tacky sweater soireé—deserves to have a punchy pop of color, and this Christmas punch recipe is just that.
Inspired by the beloved holiday character, the Grinch, this punch lights up any room like a Christmas tree. Sweet, fizzy, and oh-so creamy, the recipe hits the Yuletide punch trifecta. Just a touch of green food coloring does its job to create the perfect Grinchy green, while dollops of vanilla ice cream satiates our holiday sugar hankerings. For a festive finishing touch, we’ve rimmed our punch glasses with green sanding sugar. Kids and adults alike will love this cheerful concoction, guaranteed. Try our Grinch Punch this Christmas, and your heart might just grow a few sizes, too.
How to Make It
Step 1
Cook granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in evaporated milk and vanilla. Transfer to a heatproof bowl; let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
Step 2
Place corn syrup in a rimmed small saucer. Place sanding sugar in a separate rimmed small saucer.
Step 3
Dip glass rim in syrup, then dip in sanding sugar to coat. Repeat process with remaining 17 glasses.
Step 4
Gently stir together chilled evaporated milk mixture, chilled soft drink, and desired amount of food coloring (start with 5 drops) in a punch bowl. Scoop ice cream into prepared punch glasses; ladle punch into glasses. Serve immediately.
