If you are dreaming of a festive drink that warmly combines the holiday spirit with creamy indulgence, then this Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful punch balances the rich, velvety flavors of classic eggnog with the refreshing zing of peppermint schnapps and crushed candies, creating a party-perfect beverage that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully festive, and guaranteed to become a favorite at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that each play a key role in delivering its signature taste and texture. From the creamy eggnog base to the cool peppermint accents, every item brings something special to this festive concoction.
- 4 cups store-bought eggnog: Provides a rich and creamy foundation with classic holiday flavors, saving you prep time.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the texture slightly, making the punch smooth and easy to sip.
- 1 cup peppermint schnapps: Adds a minty kick and a little boozy warmth that lifts the entire drink.
- 1 cup whipped cream: Creates a luscious, airy texture when folded in, enriching the punch beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor, enhancing the sweetness and complementing the mint perfectly.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: Infuses the punch with a refreshing crunch and festive flair.
- Ice cubes: Essential to keep this creamy punch chilled without watering down its flavor.
- Fresh peppermint leaves for garnish: Adds a vibrant, aromatic touch that looks stunning in glasses.
- Ground nutmeg for garnish: Sprinkled on top for a warm spice note and classic holiday finish.
How to Make Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base
Start by whisking together the store-bought eggnog and whole milk in a large mixing bowl. This mixture forms the smooth and luscious base of your punch, ensuring every sip feels rich and balanced between creamy and light.
Step 2: Add the Peppermint Flavor
Next, stir in the peppermint schnapps and vanilla extract. These two ingredients inject the punch with its refreshing minty flavor and a hint of warmth, making it a truly festive treat that stands out at any celebration.
Step 3: Fold in the Crushed Candies
Sprinkle in the crushed peppermint candies and stir gently to distribute them throughout. These candies not only heighten the mint flavor but also add a playful texture that surprises in every glass.
Step 4: Incorporate the Whipped Cream
Whip the cream until soft peaks form in a separate bowl, then delicately fold it into the eggnog mixture. This step transforms the punch into a fluffy, creamy delight that feels indulgent and light at the same time.
Step 5: Chill with Ice
Fill a punch bowl or large serving pitcher with ice cubes to keep the beverage perfectly cold while you prepare to serve. The ice prevents dilution and maintains that cool, refreshing quality so vital to the punch’s appeal.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Pour the creamy eggnog mixture over the ice cubes carefully, making sure it stays chilled. The punch is now ready for its festive garnishes and to be ladled into glasses for your guests to enjoy.
Step 7: Garnish for Extra Holiday Cheer
Sprinkle ground nutmeg and additional crushed peppermint candies on top of each serving for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Step 8: Add the Final Festive Touch
A fresh peppermint leaf on each glass adds a gorgeous pop of green and a burst of aromatic freshness, elevating your Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe experience to another level.
How to Serve Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe
Garnishes
To bring your Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe to life, garnishing with crushed peppermint candies, ground nutmeg, and fresh peppermint leaves works wonders. These little embellishments aren’t just decorative; they add crunch, aroma, and that unmistakable holiday feeling with every sip.
Side Dishes
This punch pairs beautifully with classic holiday treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or spiced nuts. These snacks contrast the creamy punch perfectly, offering a delightful balance for your taste buds and keeping guests coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your punch in a clear glass punch bowl so the layers of crushed peppermint and creamy eggnog shine through. For individual servings, consider festive holiday-themed glasses or mugs. You can also rim glasses with crushed peppermint candies for an extra special touch that instantly sets the mood for celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover punch, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Because of the whipped cream, it is best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor without separation.
Freezing
Freezing this Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe is not recommended because the whipped cream and milk can separate upon thawing, which affects flavor and texture negatively.
Reheating
This punch is meant to be served cold and refreshing, so reheating is not applicable. Instead, simply stir well and add fresh ice cubes for subsequent servings to maintain that delectable chill.
FAQs
Can I make this punch without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peppermint schnapps, and you can add a little extra crushed peppermint or peppermint extract to keep the festive mint flavor alive.
What if I don’t have whipped cream on hand?
You can still make the punch without whipped cream, but it will be less airy and creamy. Alternatively, lightly whisk some heavy cream until soft peaks form as a quick substitute.
Can I use homemade eggnog instead of store-bought?
Definitely! Homemade eggnog will add a personal touch and potentially richer flavor, but ensure it’s chilled well before using it in this punch for the best results.
How long does the peppermint flavor last in the punch?
The crushed peppermint candies and schnapps infuse the punch with mint flavor, which remains vibrant when served fresh. Over time, the intensity may mellow, so it’s best consumed within the same day it’s made.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This method gives you control over how fine or chunky the pieces become.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe is a celebration in every sip, easily becoming the star of your holiday festivities. It’s creamy, minty, and effortlessly impressive, making your gatherings cozier and more joyful. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever hosted the holidays without it!
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Peppermint Eggnog Punch Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peppermint Eggnog Punch is a festive, creamy holiday beverage perfect for gatherings. Combining store-bought eggnog with whole milk, peppermint schnapps, and crushed peppermint candies, this punch is both refreshing and indulgent. Topped with whipped cream, ground nutmeg, and fresh peppermint leaves, it offers a delightful blend of minty and creamy flavors that capture the spirit of the season.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups store-bought eggnog
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup peppermint schnapps
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Ice cubes
- Fresh peppermint leaves for garnish
- Ground nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Eggnog and Milk: In a large mixing bowl, combine the store-bought eggnog and whole milk. Whisk together until fully blended and smooth.
- Add Peppermint Schnapps and Vanilla: Add in the peppermint schnapps and vanilla extract. Continue to whisk gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate Crushed Peppermint Candies: Stir in the crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the whipped cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the eggnog mixture until just combined, creating a light and creamy texture.
- Prepare Punch Bowl: Fill a punch bowl or large serving pitcher with ice cubes to chill the punch.
- Pour the Eggnog Mixture: Carefully pour the eggnog mixture over the ice cubes in the punch bowl or pitcher, making sure it stays cold and refreshing.
- Serve with Garnishes: To serve, ladle the punch into glasses and top each serving with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and additional crushed peppermint candies for garnish.
- Add Fresh Peppermint Leaves: For an extra festive touch, add a fresh peppermint leaf to each glass.
Notes
- This recipe contains alcohol; for a non-alcoholic version, omit peppermint schnapps and increase milk or eggnog accordingly.
- Be careful not to overmix the whipped cream to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Crushed peppermint candies may dissolve slightly, adding extra minty flavor — adjust quantity based on your preferred intensity.
- Ensure the punch is served cold for the best refreshing taste.
- Use fresh peppermint leaves as a natural garnish to enhance aroma and presentation.
