No matter what even your hardest partying friends tell you, no self-respecting college senior should ever have to drink watered-down jungle juice from a bathtub.
And yet, giant batches of punch brewed in everything from wash basins to trash cans are still something you might witness at your school's seediest fraternity house. Skip the sketchy mystery punch and brew your own crowd-pleasing cocktails at home.
For the 21-up college set, there's a whole world of upgraded punch recipes just waiting to be chugged. Because if you plan to drink your way to graduation day, you might as well enjoy the good stuff.
1. Budget "Champagne" Punch
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| Budget "Champagne" Punch |
We'll tell you now, there's no actual champagne in this punch. But according to the recipe's author, the delicate blend of cheap beer, vodka and raspberry lemonade concentrate tastes a whole lot like the real deal.
2. Watermelon Punch
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| Watermelon Punch |
This punch recipe suggests turning your watermelon into a drink bowl after it's been scooped out. Other key ingredients include frozen lemonade concentrate, hulled strawberries and, of course, plenty of vodka.
3. Gridiron Punch
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| Gridiron Punch |
If you've never considered a beer cocktail, stop what you're doing and head to the liquor store now. This particular punch calls for amber ale, pineapple juice and sweet Yellow Chartreuse liqueur.
4. Orange Pineapple Jungle Juice
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| Orange Pineapple Jungle Juice |
This budget recipe will serve a party full of people, no bathtub required. Key ingredients include fruit juices, cheap vodka and cheap white rum.
5. Pomegranate Punch
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| Pomegranate Punch |
This punch gets its flavor from fresh peeled pomegranate seeds, lemon slices and juice, and its kick from white rum and champagne.
6. Champagne Punch with Raspberry and Orange Liqueur
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| Champagne Punch with Raspberry and Orange Liqueur |
Fresh and ground ginger add a spicy element to this champagne punch, filled with raspberries and orange slices.
7. Strawberry Pimm's Cup
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| Strawberry Pimm's Cup |
This British classic is a crowd pleaser with its fresh strawberries, Pimm's liqueur and usual ingredients like lime leaves and balsamic vinegar.
8. Lime Vodka Punch
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| Lime Vodka Punch |
Perhaps the simplest recipe on the list, this punch calls for only three ingredients: lime vodka, lemon-lime soda and lime sherbet.
9. Traditional Sangria
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Traditional Sangria
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This red wine sangria recipe calls for chilled Rioja and brandy, and a slew of fresh fruits like apples, limes and lemons.
10. Peach Vodka Punch
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Peach Vodka Punch
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The secret ingredient in this peach punch is sweet elder flower liqueur.