Paul Kushner
The Haunted Harvest Punch is a festive sangria-style drink that brings rich flavors and a spooky touch to any autumn celebration. This punch begins with a base of deep red wine, giving it warmth and body, while pomegranate juice adds tangy brightness and a jewel-like color. A splash of orange liqueur ties the flavors together with citrus sweetness, making the drink both bold and refreshing. To enhance its seasonal appeal, fresh pomegranate arils and orange slices are added, creating a vibrant look that makes the punch as beautiful as it is tasty. Perfect for Halloween parties or cozy fall gatherings.
Tasting Notes
The Haunted Harvest Punch is a refreshing, fruit-forward cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of autumn gatherings. The red wine lends a rich, velvety base with notes of dark fruit, while pomegranate juice adds tartness and depth. Orange liqueur brings a bright, citrusy sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. Sparkling water lightens the mix with a soft effervescence, making each sip crisp and balanced. The fresh orange slices and pomegranate arils add bursts of flavor and festive color, creating a drink that’s both elegant and lively. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for fall celebrations or Halloween festivities.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare the Haunted Harvest Punch, you’ll need a large pitcher or punch bowl for mixing and serving. A long-handled spoon or ladle is ideal for stirring the ingredients gently without losing the bubbles from the sparkling water. A citrus knife or mandoline will help you achieve thin, even orange slices for garnish. Use a fine-mesh strainer if you prefer a smoother punch without pulp. Serve the drink in stemless wine glasses, goblets, or clear tumblers to showcase the vibrant red color and floating fruit. For parties, pre-chill your pitcher and glasses to keep the punch crisp and cold.
Ingredients
- 25 oz red wine
- 16 oz pomegranate juice
- 2 oz orange liqueur
- 16 oz sparkling water
- 2 cups pomegranate arils
- 2 medium oranges sliced
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, pour the red wine, pomegranate juice, and orange liqueur. Stir thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Place the pitcher in the fridge and allow the mixture to chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors fully develop.
- When ready to serve, remove the pitcher from the fridge and gently stir in the sparkling water.
- Add ice to the glasses if desired, then pour the punch into each glass.
- Garnish with a handful of pomegranate arils and a few orange slices for a festive finish.
- Serve with a smile and enjoy the spooky season with this refreshing Haunted Harvest Punch!
Pro Tips
- For the best flavor, use a fruit-forward red wine like Merlot, Zinfandel, or Shiraz.
- Chill all ingredients before mixing to keep the punch cold without excess ice.
- Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain its fizz.
- Use a large clear pitcher or bowl for a beautiful presentation.
- For a sweeter version, add a splash of simple syrup or honey.
- Freeze some pomegranate arils in ice cubes for decorative, flavorful ice.
- Add a few cinnamon sticks or star anise for a cozy, spiced twist.
When to Serve
Haunted Harvest Punch is perfect for Halloween parties, fall dinners, or any seasonal gathering where you want a signature cocktail that’s easy to serve and sure to impress. Its deep crimson color and sparkling finish make it both eye-catching and festive. Serve it as a welcome drink at autumn celebrations, Thanksgiving feasts, or cozy evenings with friends. It pairs wonderfully with appetizers, cheeses, and seasonal desserts like apple crisp or pumpkin pie. Light, flavorful, and festive this punch is the embodiment of the harvest season in a glass.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Red Wine: Apothic Red, Yellow Tail Shiraz, or Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon for rich, fruity depth.
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec for balanced citrus sweetness.
- Pomegranate Juice: POM Wonderful or Lakewood Organic for pure, tart flavor.
- Sparkling Water: Perrier or San Pellegrino for fine bubbles and crisp texture.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 25 oz red wine
- 16 oz pomegranate juice
- 2 oz orange liqueur
- 16 oz sparkling water
- 2 cups pomegranate arils
- 2 medium oranges sliced
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, pour the red wine, pomegranate juice, and orange liqueur. Stir thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Place the pitcher in the fridge and allow the mixture to chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors fully develop.
- When ready to serve, remove the pitcher from the fridge and gently stir in the sparkling water.
- Add ice to the glasses if desired, then pour the punch into each glass.
- Garnish with a handful of pomegranate arils and a few orange slices for a festive finish.
- Serve with a smile and enjoy the spooky season with this refreshing Haunted Harvest Punch!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a sweeter punch, use a semi-sweet or sweet red wine, such as a Zinfandel or Merlot.
- Letting the punch chill overnight enhances the flavors, so try to prepare it in advance for the best taste.
- For a decorative touch, freeze some pomegranate arils in ice cubes and use them when serving the punch.
