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This smooth, bubbly Easter Bunny Punch adds fun spring vibes to any Easter party. It's got just the right mix of fruity, creamy, and fizzy that both kids and grown-ups can't resist, plus it brings a happy pink color to your holiday spread.
I whipped this punch up at my niece's egg hunt when I wanted something special but was running short on time. The kids couldn't stop smiling when they saw those pink marshmallow bunnies bobbing in their drinks, and now we can't have a spring get-together without it.
What You'll Need
- Pink lemonade: nice and cold. It gives this party drink its eye-catching color and zingy taste. Grab a bottle from the store to save time or make your own if you're feeling fancy.
- Pineapple juice: well chilled. Brings a sweet tropical kick that works really well with the lemonade. Go for whole juice instead of concentrate for better taste.
- Vanilla ice cream: This adds that dreamy richness everyone loves. Splurge on good quality ice cream with real vanilla specs for extra flavor points.
- Lemon-lime soda: super cold. Gives the punch its bubbly personality and wakes up all the other flavors. Keep it in the fridge until the last minute for maximum bubbles.
- Whipped cream: if you want. Makes everything feel extra special and creates a fluffy cloud effect. Whip your own for a tastier result than the stuff from a can.
- Pink marshmallow bunnies or Peeps: The cute touch that screams Easter fun. Get the newest marshmallows you can find so they look and feel their best.
- Colorful sprinkles: Adds some party magic and pops of color. Look for spring shapes or soft pastel colors to match your Easter theme.
- Paper straws: Completes the look and makes drinking easier. Pick out some in soft colors or with bunny designs to play up the Easter vibe.
How To Make It
- Mix Your Juice Combo:
- Dump your cold pink lemonade and pineapple juice into a big punch bowl or blender and mix them up good. Using already cold juices helps keep everything the right thickness when you add stuff later. This bright mix hits the perfect sweet-sour balance that'll work great with the creamy ingredients coming next.
- Add The Creamy Part:
- Drop in vanilla ice cream a few scoops at a time, stirring gently between additions. Let each scoop start to melt into the juice before adding more. You'll see pretty swirls of creaminess as the ice cream slowly melts in. Keep going until all the ice cream is mixed in and you've got a smooth, slightly thick drink with a soft pink color.
- Make It Bubbly:
- Slowly pour your cold lemon-lime soda down the side of the bowl to keep as many bubbles as possible. Just stir it a couple times with a big spoon - you don't want to lose all those fizzy bubbles. Watch how the punch gets lighter and foamier as the soda mixes with your creamy juice base.
- Fill Your Glasses:
- Carefully scoop the punch into glasses, filling each about three-quarters full so there's room for the fun stuff on top. Your punch should look creamy with tiny bubbles all through it and a pretty pink color that just looks happy and festive. If you're having lots of people, keep extra ingredients cold and mix fresh batches as you need them.
- Make It Pretty:
- Add a big swirl of whipped cream on top of each glass if you're using it. Put a pink marshmallow bunny or Peep on top so it looks like it's floating. Scatter some colorful sprinkles over the whipped cream and around the edge of each glass. Stick in a cute paper straw at an angle - it looks good and makes sipping easier.
The vanilla ice cream really makes this punch special. My grandma always told me the trick to a great holiday drink was making something that feels fancy but tastes like comfort. The first time I brought this to our family Easter lunch, my serious grandpa not only asked for more but secretly took a picture of his cup to show off to his friends at bowling.
Do-Ahead Steps
You can totally break this punch prep into stages. Mix up the pink lemonade and pineapple juice as early as two days before your party and stick it in the fridge with a cover. Keep your ice cream and soda super cold until about 15 minutes before you want to serve. Just don't add the ice cream and soda until right before serving if you want that perfect creamy, bubbly texture that makes everyone smile.
Switch It Up
If you can't do dairy, try coconut milk ice cream instead of regular vanilla. The light coconut flavor actually works great with the pineapple juice's tropical taste. No pink lemonade around? Use strawberry lemonade or just mix regular lemonade with a splash of grenadine. Want a fancier grown-up version? Try adding some mashed strawberries or swap some of the soda for alcohol-free sparkling rosé.
What To Serve With It
This Easter Bunny Punch tastes amazing with typical Easter brunch foods like hot cross buns, stuffed eggs or ham and cheese pastries. Put it in a see-through punch bowl with matching cups to really wow everyone at a buffet table. For single servings, try using mason jars with pastel lids or clear plastic cups wrapped with Easter-themed tape. The punch is filling enough to almost count as a dessert drink, especially with whipped cream on top.
Saving Extras
Got leftover punch? Pour it into a pitcher and keep it in the fridge for up to a day, but know it'll lose its bubbles and the ice cream will completely melt in. For best results, drink it fresh within a few hours after making it. If you think you'll have extras, maybe just keep some ingredients separate instead of mixing everything at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the drink creamier?
For richer texture, stir the vanilla ice cream until it blends smoothly with the juice and soda. This gives the drink an extra indulgent feel.
- → What can I swap for the lemon-lime soda?
You can try ginger ale, sparkling water, or any fizzy drink that pairs well with the fruity mix. Experiment for a unique twist!
- → What can I use instead of Peeps for toppings?
If you don’t have Peeps, feel free to use fun marshmallows, candy, or fresh fruit slices like strawberries or lemons to spice up the look.
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Mix the lemonade and pineapple juice in advance and refrigerate. Wait to add the ice cream, soda, and toppings until you’re ready to serve so it stays fresh.
- → How can I make a lighter version of this drink?
Swap the ice cream for a splash of coconut cream or almond milk, and use low-sugar soda or sparkling water for a healthier option.