Warm days beg for something bright and icy. Last spring, just before the garden hit full bloom, we set out a big glass bowl filled with this breakfast punch. Within minutes, the table felt festive. And just like that, Sunday morning turned into something special.
Table of Contents
Breakfast Punch – The Perfect Brunch Drink
Breakfast Punch is the easiest way to turn an ordinary brunch into a sunny celebration. Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, holiday breakfast, or lazy weekend gathering, this colorful, fruit-forward punch fits right in. It’s refreshing, family-friendly, and quick to make.
Better still, it swings both ways. Want to keep it alcohol-free? Stick with the ginger ale. Feeling festive? A splash of bubbly transforms it into a brunch cocktail. It’s fast, flexible, and full of citrus flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
- Orange Juice Concentrate
Sweet and tangy, this is the flavor base. Thawed first so it blends smoothly. - Pineapple Juice
Adds tropical brightness and balances the citrus with natural sweetness. - Water
Used to mellow the concentrate. Start with three cups and adjust to taste. - Ice
Keeps the punch chilled. Use large cubes to slow down dilution. - Ginger Ale
For a fizzy, lightly spiced finish. Stir it in last so it stays bubbly.
Fresh Fruit Add-Ins
- Lemons
Thin slices add tartness and look beautiful floating in the bowl. - Tangerines (or Oranges)
Sweet, juicy, and cheerful. Use what’s in season or on hand. - Strawberries
A splash of red and a hint of berry sweetness. Slice or quarter them.
Optional Substitutions
- Alcoholic Swaps
Replace ginger ale with Champagne or Prosecco for a brunch cocktail. - Fresh Juice
Use fresh-squeezed orange juice instead of concentrate. Skip the water if you do. - Garnishes
Try cranberries in winter, mint in spring, or mixed berries anytime.
How to Make Breakfast Punch (Step-by-Step)
Mix the Juices
In a large punch bowl, combine the thawed orange juice concentrate and pineapple juice. Stir well to combine.
Adjust Water for Taste
Add 3 cups of cold water first. Taste it. If it’s too strong, add a fourth cup.
Add Fruit and Ice
Next, toss in your sliced lemons, tangerines, and strawberries. Then add the ice. Big cubes are best here.
Finish with Ginger Ale
Pour in the ginger ale gently and give it one light stir. You want to keep the bubbles.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle into cups or glasses. Add a few floating fruit slices to each glass for a special touch. You can even add colorful straws or skewered fruit if you’re feeling festive.
Flavor Variations to Try
Tropical Cooler
Add a splash of coconut water or coconut rum. It’s a beach vacation in a cup.
Citrus Spritzer
Use sparkling water instead of ginger ale for a lighter, less sweet version.
Mint Mojito Punch
Muddle fresh mint with citrus slices before mixing. Bright and herby.
Creamsicle Punch
Stir in a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream. It gets creamy and dreamy fast.
Sunrise Punch
Drizzle grenadine into the bowl and don’t stir. It’ll settle at the bottom and create a pretty sunrise look.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Punch
- Use large ice cubes so the punch stays cold without getting watery too fast.
- Slice your fruit the night before and store it in the fridge. It’ll save you time.
- Add the ginger ale last, just before serving, so it stays fizzy.
- Make it festive with floating berries or a sprig of rosemary during the holidays.
FAQs About Breakfast Punch
Can I make this punch alcoholic?
Yes! Swap the ginger ale for Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine. Or try a mix of half ginger ale, half bubbly.
Can I prep this punch the night before?
Sort of. You can mix the juices and prep the fruit in advance. But don’t add the ice or ginger ale until just before serving.
What can I use instead of orange juice concentrate?
Use 4 cups of fresh orange juice. Just skip the added water since fresh juice isn’t as concentrated.
Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Make-Ahead Tips: Slice your fruit the night before and store it in an airtight container. Mix your juices and water, then refrigerate. Just before serving, add ice and ginger ale.
- Leftovers: Store leftover punch in the fridge in a sealed container. It’ll keep up to 4 days. Add fresh ginger ale before re-serving for fizz.
- Avoid watering down: Use whole ice cubes. Shaved ice melts too quickly.
Breakfast Punch Recipe Card
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Breakfast Punch | Refreshing & Crowd-Pleasing Brunch Drink
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Breakfast Punch is a bright, refreshing citrus drink perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend mornings. Made with orange juice, pineapple juice, fresh fruit, and fizzy ginger ale, it’s quick to prep and easy to make alcohol-free or festive with bubbly.
Ingredients
1 (12 oz) can orange juice concentrate, thawed
4 cups pineapple juice
3–4 cups water (adjust to taste)
6 cups ice
2 large lemons, sliced thin
2 large tangerines or oranges, sliced thin
1/2 cup strawberries, sliced or quartered
4 cups ginger ale
Instructions
1. In a large punch bowl, mix the thawed orange juice concentrate and pineapple juice.
2. Add 3 cups of cold water and taste. Add an extra cup if needed.
3. Add the ice and all sliced fruit to the bowl.
4. Pour in the ginger ale and gently stir.
5. Serve immediately with optional garnishes like extra fruit or festive straws.
Notes
Use large ice cubes instead of crushed ice to keep the punch from watering down too quickly.
Swap ginger ale for Prosecco or Champagne to make an adult version.
You can prep the fruit and juice mix the night before and store it separately.
Add ginger ale just before serving for best fizz.
For festive occasions, try adding fresh cranberries or a mint garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 104
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 18mg
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.03g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
More Such Recipes
If you’re planning a brunch, try these alongside your punch:
- Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast for Quick Breakfasts
- Peach Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies to Serve with Morning Drinks
- Refreshing Whipped Pink Lemonade for Brunch Parties
- Shirley Temple Ice Cream Float – A Fun Drink Alternative
Final Thoughts
Breakfast Punch is a simple way to bring a little sparkle to your morning table. It’s bright, fresh, and endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it non-alcoholic or spike it for brunch, it’s sure to be a hit. Try a twist or make it just as written, and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your favorite version.
You can also find more ideas and community favorites over on Kai Recipes Pinterest and Facebook.