With so many summer parties happening in the next couple of months, fun cocktail ideas are always welcomed. For those of you, like me, who don’t want to be making individual cocktails for your guests all night, punch bowls and large format drinks are the way to go! Let your guests self-serve and you can enjoy your gathering.

Here’s a delicious punch recipe idea made using watermelon juice that’s going to be a favorite at your next party.

Recipe and photo courtesy of award-winning mixologist Christopher James of Felina (http://felinarestaurant.com) in Ridgewood, NJ.

Follow Chris on Instagram at @kingjamescocktails

Ingredients:

• 1.5 parts tequila blanco, Chris recommends Tequila Espolon Blanco
• 1.0 part watermelon juice
• 0.5 part tangerine juice
• 0.5 part lime juice
• 0.5 part simple syrup (here’s a link to my easy recipe. Chris recommends doubling the sugar for a thicker simple syrup, known in the biz as 2:1)
• 1.0 part chilled spring water
• 1 bottle of Champagne, Chris recommends Perrier Jouet brut

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients (except Champagne) in a non-reactive container and briefly stir to integrate.
2. Pour the cocktail mixture over a large hunk of clear ice in a punch bowl.
3. Add ¼ of the bottle of Champagne to the mixture in the punch bowl, leaving the rest of the bubbly for guests to add to their cocktail to give it additional fizz.
4. Garnish the punch with mint sprigs and citrus thyme flowers.

Cheers,

Veronique