Festive Bunny Punch

This rich, bubbly Easter Bunny Punch adds springy fun to any Easter party. It's got the right mix of fruit, creaminess, and fizz that both grownups and kids can't resist, plus it brings a happy pink color to your holiday setup.

I whipped this punch up at my niece's egg hunt when I wanted something eye-catching but was running late. The kids' excited screams when they spotted those pink marshmallow bunnies bobbing in their drinks turned this into a must-have at all our springtime get-togethers.

Ingredients

• Pink lemonade: cold. Its bright shade and zingy citrus taste make the perfect foundation. Grab some from the store to save time or whip up your own for a custom touch.
• Pineapple juice: cold. Brings sweet island flavor that works great with the lemonade. Go for pure juice instead of concentrate for tastier results.
• Vanilla ice cream: Adds that smooth, rich feel that makes this punch stand out. Splurge on fancy ice cream with real vanilla specks for extra yumminess.
• Lemon-lime soda: cold. Gives just enough bubbles and lifts all the flavors. Make sure it's super cold for lots of fizz.
• Whipped cream: if you want. Gives an extra touch of luxury and creates fluffy clouds on top. Whip it yourself for better taste than the stuff in cans.
• Pink marshmallow bunnies or Peeps: The cute topper that screams Easter. Get the newest marshmallows for the best look and feel.
• Colorful sprinkles: Adds fun flair and looks pretty. Pick spring shapes or soft colors to match Easter vibes.
• Paper straws: Finishes the look and helps with drinking. Go for soft-colored ones or bunny designs to boost the Easter theme.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Your Juice Base:

Dump the cold pink lemonade and pineapple juice into a big punch bowl or blender. Mix them up really well. Using cold juices helps keep everything the right thickness when you add stuff later. This bright mix hits that sweet-sour balance that works great with the creamy parts coming up.

Add Your Ice Cream:

Drop in vanilla ice cream bit by bit while softly stirring. Let each scoop start melting before adding more. You'll see pretty swirls of creaminess as it slowly melts into the punch. Keep going until all ice cream is mixed in and you've got a smooth, slightly thick drink with a soft pink look.

Pour In The Fizzy Stuff:

Slowly pour cold lemon-lime soda down the bowl's side to keep as many bubbles as possible. Just stir a few times gently with a big spoon to mix the soda without losing all the fizz. You'll watch the punch get lighter and foamier as the soda blends with the creamy juice mix.

Dish It Out Nicely:

Carefully scoop punch into glasses, filling each about three-quarters full so there's room for toppings. The punch should look creamy with tiny bubbles and a gentle pink color that looks welcoming and festive. For bigger parties, keep extra ingredients cold and make fresh batches as you need them.

Add Pretty Toppings:

Put a big swirl of whipped cream on each glass if you're using it. Set 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 glass rim. Stick a fancy paper straw in at an angle to make it look good and work better.

Vanilla ice cream really makes this punch special. My grandma always told me the trick to a good holiday drink was making something that feels fancy but tastes like comfort. The first time I brought this to our family Easter, my serious grandpa not only asked for more but sneakily took a picture of his cup to show off to his bowling buddies.

Make-Ahead Options

You can totally prep this punch in stages. Mix the pink lemonade and pineapple juice up to two days early and keep it covered in your fridge. Make sure your ice cream and soda stay super cold until about 15 minutes before serving. Only do the final mixing with ice cream and soda right before you serve it to keep that perfect creamy, bubbly texture that makes everyone love this punch.

Substitution Ideas

If you can't do dairy, try coconut milk ice cream instead of regular vanilla. The light coconut taste actually works really well with the pineapple juice. No pink lemonade around? Use strawberry lemonade or mix regular lemonade with a splash of grenadine. Want something fancier for the grown-ups? Try adding a bit of strawberry puree or swap some of the soda for non-alcoholic sparkling rosé.

Serving Suggestions

This Easter Bunny Punch goes great with typical Easter brunch foods like hot cross buns, deviled eggs, or ham and cheese croissants. Put it in a see-through punch bowl with matching cups to wow everyone at a buffet table. For single servings, try mason jars with pastel lids or clear plastic cups wrapped with Easter-themed washi tape. The punch is filling enough to almost count as dessert, especially with whipped cream on top.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any extra punch in a pitcher in your fridge for about 24 hours, but it'll lose its bubbles and the ice cream will totally melt in. It's really best when fresh, within a few hours of making it. If you think you'll have leftovers, maybe keep some ingredients separate instead of mixing everything at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s a tip for creamier punch?

For an extra-rich consistency, stir the vanilla ice cream into the juice and soda until it blends smoothly. This adds a luscious texture.

→ Can I swap out the soda flavor?

Absolutely! Try switching to ginger ale or sparkling water for a new twist. Just ensure the flavors keep that fruity vibe intact.

→ What else can I use to garnish it?

No Peeps? No problem! Add fun marshmallows, candy, or fresh fruit like strawbs or lemon slices for a cute touch.

→ Can I prepare it in advance?

You sure can! Chill the pineapple juice and lemonade ahead, then mix in soda, ice cream, and garnishes right before serving for the best freshness.

→ How can I make this less sugary?

Go lighter by subbing vanilla ice cream with coconut cream or almond milk and choosing low-sugar soda or sparkling water.