Montgomery Punch
Montgomery Punch is the kind of holiday drink that instantly sets the tone for a magical Christmas Eve. Made with a warming blend of brandy, bright lemon juice, bubbly prosecco, and a touch of Riesling for sweetness, it strikes the perfect balance of sparkle and comfort. A hint of sugar rounds out the flavors, making every sip smooth and celebratory. But the true showpiece is the gorgeous ice ring that is studded with slices of oranges, lemons, and cranberries that floats in the punch bowl like a shimmery wreath. It’s festive, elegant, and guaranteed to draw guests in the moment they walk through the door. Serve in pretty punch cups.
This recipe comes from a cookbook by the Junior League of Montgomery, Alabama. It’s a hit with everyone and gets requested every season!
Servings: 14 cups
Prep: 15 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours, 45 minutes, including ice ring
Ingredients
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ( I reduce this to 3/4 cup and it’s still delish!)
- 1 cup brandy
- Ice Ring
- 2 bottles chilled sparkling wine
- 1 bottle chilled dessert wine such as Sauternes
- Garnishes: orange slices, lemon slices, cranberries
Instructions
Stir together first 2 ingredients until sugar dissolves. Stir in brandy. Pour over ice ring in a punch bowl. Stir in sparkling and dessert wines.
Ice Ring
- Freeze 3 cups water in a tube pan, bundt pan, or ice ring pan (that will fit into a punch bowl) 4 hours or until set.
- Slice and place fruit such as lemons & oranges in a single layer over ice, and freeze 1 hour.
- Remove from freezer & let stand for 10 minutes.
- Add 5 cups ice-cold water, freeze 4 hours or until set.
- Let stand 10 minutes before unmolding.
- If using a smaller ice ring mold, complete steps 1-3 and completely freeze before unmolding (this also allows for a shorter amount of freeze time).
Montgomery Punch is one of those drinks that looks & feels festive the moment it’s made. With its bright citrus flavor and bubbly appeal, it’s the kind of cocktail that invites people to gather around the punch bowl, refill their glasses, and linger a little longer in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday celebration, a dinner party, or simply a relaxed evening with friends, this classic punch is always a crowd-pleaser.
