A glass of Halloween Punch becomes strangely inviting when lychee “eyes” peek through the deep purple drink, a spooky surprise for both little ghouls and grown-ups.
I still remember my first Halloween in Australia. Back in Italy, we never really celebrated it, so I didn’t grow up trick-or-treating or making themed treats.
Here, however, my girls were instantly drawn to the costumes, the sweets, and the excitement of the season. It didn’t take long before I started making a few little spooky recipes each year to surprise them, and over time, I even began sharing some of those Halloween treats on the blog. Drinks like this Halloween punch have now become a tradition in our house, and the children look forward to it as much as the sweets they collect.
What Is Halloween Punch?
Halloween punch is a playful drink made for sharing at autumn parties. It usually combines a fruit juice base with something fizzy and a garnish that makes it stand out. In this recipe, the lychee and blueberry “eyeballs” float in the glass and create a wonderfully spooky look.
What makes it so fun is how flexible it is. You can keep it non-alcoholic for the children, or give it a grown-up twist with a splash of rum. Unlike a single cocktail, it’s made in a jug or punch bowl, ready for everyone to enjoy together.
Things I Enjoy About This Halloween Punch Recipe
- The ingredients for this easy Halloween drink are simple and usually already in the cupboard or fridge.
- Leftovers taste good the next day, which is handy after a busy evening.
- The fruity flavour makes it refreshing after a night of chocolate and sweets.
Key Ingredients for Halloween Punch
Lychees and Blueberries
Lychees are pale and tender, and when a blueberry is placed in the centre, they turn into playful little eyeballs. My girls always laugh when they see them floating across their glass.
Blackcurrant Drink
I love how blackcurrant juice gives the punch a rich purple colour. It suits Halloween perfectly and makes the bowl look festive before anyone even tastes it.
Sparkling Water
A splash of sparkling water adds a gentle fizz and keeps the drink light.
You can find the full list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Halloween Punch
Step 1: To make the “eyeballs,” stick 1 to 2 blueberries, depending on their size, into the cavity of each lychee and freeze them for about 1 hour.
Step 2: Stir together 5 tablespoons of the lychee syrup, blueberry juice, and lemon juice in a bowl or pitcher. Stir in the sparkling water. Mix well, and add the eyeballs.
Step 3: Serve in tall glasses over ice, spooning 2 lychee eyeballs into each glass.
Optional (For Grown-Ups)
Step 1: For a grown-up twist, stir in the rum before adding the sparkling water. Enjoy, and Happy Halloween!
Helpful Tips for Making Halloween Punch
- Add carbonated ingredients such as sparkling water or soda just before serving so the fizz doesn’t fade.
- Freeze the eyeball garnishes ahead of time and keep them ready in the freezer so you are not rushing at the last minute.
- Use ice cubes made from the punch base or from juice rather than plain ice to avoid watering down the flavour.
- Taste the mixture before chilling and adjust with more lemon or syrup if needed, since flavours mellow when cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Mix the juices, lemon, and syrup a few hours before and keep chilled. Add the sparkling water, ice, and eyeballs only at serving time so the fizz and look stay fresh.
Place a blueberry inside the centre of a canned lychee and freeze until firm. They float on top of the punch and look spooky. Peeled grapes work as a simple alternative.
It is safe when made without alcohol. The fruit eyeballs are fun, but remind little ones to chew lychees carefully. For very young children, peeled grapes are easier to eat.
It is best enjoyed the same day while fizzy. Leftovers keep for up to two days in the fridge, though the bubbles fade and the eyeballs soften once thawed.
Variations and Twists
Use Ginger Ale Instead of Sparkling Water – Ginger ale keeps the fizz in the drink. It also adds a gentle spice and sweetness that makes the punch feel more festive.
Add Pineapple Juice for a Tropical Twist – Pineapple juice adds a brighter fruit note. It blends with darker berry flavours and makes the punch taste lively.
Try Grapes in Place of Blueberries – Peeled grapes can be placed inside lychees to create spooky eyeballs. The flavour is slightly different, but the look is still fun.
Storage and Shelf Life
Halloween Punch tastes best on the day it is made, while the fizz is still lively and the eyeballs are firm.
If you have leftovers, keep them in a covered jug in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavour will still be pleasant, though the bubbles fade and the fruit softens once thawed. To save it for longer, store it without ice so the drink doesn’t dilute overnight.
Serving Suggestions
I love bringing this punch to the table in a big, clear bowl so everyone can see the eyeballs floating on top. A simple ladle makes it easy for children to serve themselves, and they always enjoy scooping out the fruit.
For smaller gatherings, tall glasses or jars with paper straws give it a playful touch. You can decorate the table with a few Halloween details, such as mini pumpkins, spider napkins, or glow-in-the-dark cups to set the mood. For adults, keep a separate jug with the rum already mixed in, so everyone has a version they can enjoy.
More Halloween Treats to Try
Halloween Punch
A glass of Halloween Punch becomes strangely inviting when lychee “eyes” peek through the deep purple drink, a spooky surprise for both little ghouls and grown-ups.
Ingredients
- 8 to 16 fresh blueberries
- 8 canned lychees in syrup drained
- 5 tbsp syrup from the can of lychees
- 2 cups Blackcurrant drink
- ½ lemon juiced
- ½ cup sparkling water
- Ice
- ½ cup rum optional
Instructions
-
To make the “eyeballs,” stick 1 to 2 blueberries, depending on their size, into the cavity of each lychee and freeze them for about 1 hour.
-
Stir together 5 tablespoons of the lychee syrup, blueberry juice, and lemon juice in a bowl or pitcher. Stir in the sparkling water. Mix well, and add the eyeballs.
-
Serve in tall glasses over ice, spooning 2 lychee eyeballs into each glass.
Optional (For Grown-Ups)
-
For a grown-up twist, stir in the rum before adding the sparkling water. Enjoy, and Happy Halloween!
Recipe Notes
Wait until the “eyeballs” thaw a little before eating them so you don’t choke.
omg thats so creative..
i loveee ribena.. especially when i was young!
Ciao Manuela ho trovato il tuo indirizzo sulla rivista mensile Alice e siccome sei italiana dicono di origini da parte genitori siciliani ma nata a Milano ho pensato di venire a curiosare. Diciamo che comprendo abbastanza bene l’inglese anche se l’australiano almeno il parlato è moooolto diverso ricordo un insegnante australiano che ha rinunciato a fare supplenza perchè nessuno lo capiva ehehhehe forse parlava in dialetto boh!
Buona domenica almeno oggi è cosi. ciaoooo
Ciao Edvige! Ma che bella sorpresa! Non avevo idea che il mio blog fosse stato menzionato su Alice Cucina! Mi sai dire se e’ sul mese di ottobre o novembre? I miei genitori vivono ancora in Italia e mi piacerebbe farglielo sapere! Grazie mille! Lo so… l’accento australiano e’ pazzesco. Io, pur conoscendo gia’ bene l’inglese, ci ho messo un bel po’ per capirlo bene! 🙂 Benvenuta su Manu’s Menu e buona domenica anche a te!
La rivista è quella uscita ora Novembre il tuo indirizzo è a pag. 57 non è grande ma insomma si vede bene. Ho visto che sei su Face e anche su Twitter. Io lo sono su entrambi la l’uccellinolo seguo poco.
Ad ogni modo sia su Face che su Twitter sono come Gisella in quanto questo profilo l’ha creato mio nipote….per convincermi ad andarci per il gioco di Farmville che entrambi abbiamo lasciato. Ora vedo di agganciarmi. Ciaoooo
questa è la copertina dove se tu
http://www.alice.tv/mondo-alice/periodici/alice-cucina-novembre-2012
So cute!! The perfect Halloween beverage. Love the lychee eyeballs 🙂
Spooky and gorgeous! Love the eyeballs.
Awesome Idea Manu, I’m going to use this for our office halloween party on 31st…I’v seen the Lychee Eyeball stuff before, but a yummy punch with eerie eyeballs…Love the idea!! 🙂