If you must use ice as a cooling agent, only use a small amount and during the party keep an eye on the punch bowl. When you see the ice beginning to melt and diminish in size, remove with a slotted spoon and replace with a fresh cube. This will help limit the dilution of the punch.
Tip: Chill punch in gallon pitchers for 24 hours before serving.
If the punch is already cold, it will not take as much ice to keep it cool. Float about a half dozen cubes in the punch and provide additional ice in an ice bucket set next to the punch bowl.
Tip: Set your punch bowl in an ice bath.
Caterers and buffet professionals use this trick with great success. Create an ice bath to keep your punch “refrigerated” while on the serving table. Select a bowl or tray with at least a two inch depth that is slightly larger than your punch bowl. Center your punch bowl in the larger bowl or tray and surround it with ice. Keep an eye on the ice and replace when it gets melty.
Tip: Freeze fruit or punch into cubes as an ice alternative.
Depending on the flavor of punch, you can freeze fresh fruit and float the pieces in the punch to help keep it cool. Frozen fruit not only looks pretty but will also add flavor. Berries work well as do slices of lemons, limes, or oranges. Slice the citrus fruits into thin wedges and freeze on cookie trays.
After you have mixed the punch, pour into ice cube trays or novelty trays that match the theme of your party. Freeze for twenty-four hours and then add to your punch. These punch cubes will not dilute the flavor of your punch like regular ice, because they are your punch. You can also freeze punch into shaped molds, rings or blocks for a larger cooling agent. Larger molds, rings, and blocks may take longer than twenty-four hours to freeze.
Tip: Try novelty ice cubes for a fun way to cool punch.
Novelty ice cubes contain a non-toxic refreezable gel and can be purchased at any party supply store or online. They are available in a rainbow of colors and even light up for a festive, twinkling effect. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for preparation and freezing and then pop several into your punch for a real “wow” factor. Take note that these cubes work best in conjunction with another cooling technique like the ice bath or punch cubes.
Party punch makes a great addition to any get together. Keep your punch cool and your guests will be happy and you will be able to enjoy a stress-free party.
