Hunch Punch Recipe

This Hunch Punch recipe is the perfect refreshing summer treat. This sweet mixed drink is packed with fruit juice, sweet Hawaiian Punch, and vodka!

Hunch Punch originated from a wartime drink called ”Jungle Juice”. During WWII, United States soldiers were discouraged from drinking, so they resorted to making their own alcoholic beverages.

This is part of the reason why Hunch Punch today is so sweet. And as an ode to the soldiers of war, Hunch Punch is often served from a large cooler or jug!

And what better way to serve alcohol at a tailgate than out of a cooler? Simply mix the alcohol and fruit juices together and you have a ready-to-go cocktail.

This Hunch Punch recipe is simple to make and only takes a few minutes. With its irresistible sweet and fruity flavor, it’s guaranteed to be a party hit!

All About The Hunch Punch Ingredients

Vodka

Vodka is made from distilling fermented potatoes or grains. Popular crops used to make vodka include rye, corn, and wheat.

It’s the perfect alcohol to use in fruity drinks because it has a neutral flavor and a clear color. You can also buy vodka with added flavors like lime, raspberry, and even birthday cake.

Hawaiian Punch

This is a key ingredient in the Hunch Punch recipe and is what makes it so irresistibly sweet! Hawaiian Punch is flavored with pineapple, orange, guava, passion fruit, and papaya.

Originally, Hawaiian Punch was developed as a syrup for ice cream. It was called “Leo’s Hawaiian Punch” in reference to one of the creators, A.W. Leo.

Hawaiian Punch is now owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper and sold as a fruit juice. Because of its intense fruity flavor and sweetness, it’s the perfect juice to blend with alcohol!

Sprite

Sprite is a citrusy soda flavored with lemon and lime. It’s a distinctly American brand owned by the Coca-Cola Company.

Sprite adds a refreshing element to Hunch Punch with its acidic flavor and bright fizziness. Sprite also tastes less sweet than many other sodas so it doesn’t overpower the drink.

Sprite is available in plenty of flavors like cranberry, ginger, and vanilla. I recommend using the original lemon-lime version to get that perfect tartness to complement the sweet Hawaiian Punch.

Fruit Juice

100% fruit juice is necessary to keep this drink tasting fresh and not too sugary. This recipe uses both fresh orange juice and pineapple juice.

Try to avoid using fruit cocktails or sweetened beverages like Kool Aid because they’ll turn your Hunch Punch sickly sweet. If you want something a little less sweet, use cranberry juice or any other of your favorite fruit juices.

You can also omit the juice altogether and just use ginger ale to add even more refreshing fizz.

Method

1. Mix Juices and Vodka Together
   

   Combine Hawaiian Punch, orange juice, pineapple juice, and vodka in a large punch bowl.
   

2. Add Ice
   

   Add enough ice to chill the mixture and stir.
   

3. Garnish with Lemon and Orange Slices
   

   Garnish the top of the Hunch Punch with slices of lemon and orange. Feel free to add whatever other fruits you like, such as sliced strawberries or cherries.

   Ladle into punch cups to serve.
   

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe uses vodka because of its neutral flavor and affordability. But, you can make Hunch Punch from whatever clear alcohol you prefer.

Popular substitutes include white rum or Everclear. If you’re feeling fancy, some variations of Hunch Punch even use champagne!

Malibu rum is another great choice since the coconut flavor compliments the tropical fruit punch.

If you’re not a fan of clear alcohol, you can use light rum as well. Just be aware that this will affect the flavor quite a bit.

If you don’t have Sprite on hand, any variety of lemon lime soda will do, such as 7Up. You can also use ginger ale or flavored sparkling water if you want to cut down on the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Another alternative is to use lemonade or pure lemon juice instead of soda. This will give your punch a strong tart flavor, so be careful not to add too much!

Storage

Cocktails like Hunch Punch always taste best when they’re made fresh. You can store this drink, but the fizziness from the soda will fade and the flavors will become diluted.

For best results, store pre-made Hunch Punch in the refrigerator for up to 12 days. Keep it in an airtight plastic juice jug for maximum freshness.

If you do decide to prepare this drink in advance, don’t add the ice or sliced fruit until just before serving. Add the ice too soon and it will water down the drink and you’ll lose that vibrant punchy flavor!

Before the party, big game, or whatever event you’re attending, pour your Hunch Punch into a cooler. Then, guests can serve themselves and the Hunch Punch will stay cold all evening long!