Hola Arepa | Latin American's Piñata Punch Recipe

Method

1
Slice fruit and chill
Wash and thinly slice the oranges and limes. Core and cut fresh pineapple into bite-size chunks if not using canned. Place the fruit in the refrigerator to chill while you assemble the punch.
2
If serving from a punch bowl, chill the bowl or pitcher in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes beforehand to keep the punch colder longer.
3
Optional: If rimming glasses, pour 2 tablespoons of sugar onto a shallow plate. Rub a lime wedge around each glass rim and dip into the sugar to coat lightly.

4
Combine base liquids
In a large (at least 3–4 quart) punch bowl or pitcher, pour in 2 cups light rum, 1 cup spiced rum, 1 cup vodka, and 1/2 cup orange liqueur. Stir gently to combine.
5
Add 4 cups pineapple juice, 3 cups orange juice and 2 cups cranberry juice to the spirits. Stir until well mixed.
6
Pour in 1/2 cup fresh lime juice and add 6 tablespoons grenadine. Stir to incorporate—the grenadine will sink slightly and create a layered color effect if you don’t over-stir.

7
Add fruit and chill
Add the sliced oranges, sliced limes, pineapple chunks, and 1/2 cup maraschino cherries to the punch bowl. Gently push some fruit down into the liquid so it infuses the punch.
8
Add 6–8 cups of ice to keep the punch cold. For slower dilution, use a large ice block or an ice ring in the center and reserve some cubes for individual servings.
9
Just before serving, top the punch with 3 cups ginger ale or club soda to add effervescence. Stir very gently once or twice to distribute the bubbles without flattening them.

10
Ladle the punch into sugar-rimmed or chilled glasses, making sure each serving gets some fruit pieces. Offer lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs on the side for guests to garnish.
11
If you want a nonalcoholic version, reserve a portion of the juice mixture (omit spirits and orange liqueur) and top with the same amount of ginger ale or club soda; add extra pineapple or orange juice to taste.
12
Keep leftover punch refrigerated and covered. If it wasn’t topped with ginger ale, add the soda just before serving leftovers to maintain fizz. Consume within 24–48 hours for best flavor.