Easter Bunny Punch

I stumbled across this ridiculously cute strawberry punch recipe last Easter when scrambling for something special to serve the kids before our egg hunt. The combination of creamy ice cream, tart lemonade, and fizzy soda creates this magical pink concoction that tastes like spring in a glass. The Peeps perched on the rim make it instantly festive, and watching the kids' faces light up when they saw those bunny-topped drinks made all the sugar worth it.

Last Easter, my sister brought her twins over for our family celebration. They're usually pretty picky, but when I served these punches with the little bunnies perched on top, they actually squealed with delight. My nephew insisted on taking pictures for his mother to "show his friends at school." Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest impression, especially when they're this cute and tasty.

Star Ingredients

• Strawberry ice cream: The good stuff with actual strawberry chunks works best here. It slowly melts into the drink, creating creamy swirls that make every sip different and interesting.
• Strawberry lemonade: That perfect balance of sweet and tart cuts through the richness of the ice cream. Pink lemonade works too, but the strawberry adds another layer of berry goodness.
• Lemon-lime soda: Brings the fizz factor that makes this drink special. The citrus notes complement the lemonade perfectly while adding that celebratory bubble effect.
• Bunny Peeps: Let's be honest, we all wonder what to do with these sugar-coated marshmallow creatures. Here, they transform from random candy to adorable drink markers that make everyone smile.
• Mini marshmallows: These little guys float and gradually absorb the flavors, becoming like tiny strawberry flavor bombs when you reach the bottom of your glass.
• Sprinkles: Choose pastel spring colors to match the Easter theme. They add a festive touch and a tiny bit of texture contrast to each sip.

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Simple Assembly

Gather your glassware:

Choose clear glasses to showcase the pretty layers and colors. Mason jars, sundae glasses, or even plastic cups work great - just make sure they're large enough to hold everything comfortably.

Add the foundation:

Scoop strawberry ice cream into the bottom of each glass. Don't be stingy here - those melting swirls are what makes this drink special. Two large scoops make for the perfect ratio.

Create the base layer:

Slowly pour strawberry lemonade over the ice cream. Pour it gently against the side of the glass to prevent too much fizzing and splashing. Fill to about 2/3 of the glass to leave room for soda.

Add the fizz:

Carefully pour lemon-lime soda on top, again pouring against the side of the glass to preserve as much carbonation as possible. The soda will create a beautiful reaction with the ice cream, causing it to rise and create frothy pink peaks.

Decorate with joy:

Perch a Bunny Peep on the rim of each glass. Scatter mini marshmallows on top so they float like little clouds. Finish with a generous sprinkle of pastel sprinkles right before serving for maximum visual impact.

Serve immediately:

Hand these out right away while the soda is still fizzy and the ice cream is creating those perfect melty swirls. Provide both spoons and straws for the full experience.

First time I made these, I used regular lemonade instead of strawberry, and while still good, it didn't have that perfect pink color that makes it so Easter-appropriate. Another year, I tried making a big punch bowl version for our neighborhood egg hunt, but the magic really happens in individual glasses where the layers stay distinct longer. I've found that adding the soda right before serving keeps the maximum fizz - nobody wants a flat Easter punch!

Serving Inspiration

Present these magical concoctions on a tray decorated with artificial Easter grass and scattered jelly beans for maximum impact. The contrast between the green grass and pink drinks creates the perfect spring vibe. For brunch gatherings, set each glass at place settings before guests arrive, paired with pastel napkins and a chocolate egg on the side. These make a wonderful "welcome drink" for family arriving for Easter celebrations - so much more memorable than just offering coffee or water. For evening gatherings, consider serving in clear plastic cups with glow sticks underneath for a fun, festive effect that kids and adults alike will love.

Playful Variations

Try using different ice cream flavors like vanilla with a drop of pink food coloring for a lighter taste or chocolate for a completely different twist that resembles chocolate-covered strawberries in drink form. Berry lemonade or raspberry lemonade can substitute for strawberry when needed, each bringing their own unique flavor profile to the punch. For extra fruity goodness, add fresh strawberry slices or raspberries that gradually infuse more berry flavor as they soak. Adults might appreciate a splash of strawberry vodka or champagne instead of some of the soda for an elevated grown-up version after the egg hunts are done and the kids are occupied with their baskets.

Keep It Perfect

These drinks are truly best enjoyed immediately after preparation when everything is at its proper temperature and consistency. If you must prepare slightly ahead, keep the ice cream separate and add it last minute to prevent premature melting. Store strawberry lemonade well-chilled for at least 4 hours before use for the perfect temperature contrast with the ice cream. Opened soda can be recapped and stored in the refrigerator, but try to use within 24 hours before it loses its effervescence. Peeps and marshmallows should be kept in their sealed packages until right before use to prevent them from becoming stale or sticky in humid environments.

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I've served this Easter punch at family gatherings, neighborhood egg hunts, and even a spring baby shower (with some champagne added for the adults). There's something about that combination of creamy strawberry, tangy lemonade, and fizzy soda that just works, especially when topped with those iconic Easter bunnies. My friend's daughter now asks for her "bunny drink" year-round, which I take as the highest compliment. It's those little touches that turn ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions - and when it only takes five minutes but looks like you spent hours, that's a win in my book!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this punch ahead of time?

It's best to assemble this drink right before serving to maintain the fizz and prevent the ice cream from melting completely. However, you can prep all ingredients and set up a DIY punch station for guests.

→ What can I substitute for strawberry ice cream?

Vanilla, raspberry, or even cotton candy ice cream work wonderfully. You can also use strawberry sorbet or frozen yogurt for lighter options.

→ Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Use dairy-free strawberry ice cream or sorbet, and confirm your Peeps and other garnishes are dairy-free. The soda and lemonade are typically already dairy-free.

→ What other garnishes work well for Easter?

Try pastel-colored rock candy sticks, jelly beans around the rim, Easter-themed drink stirrers, or even a small chocolate bunny perched on the edge of the glass.

→ Can I make this for a large group?

For a crowd, create a punch bowl version by multiplying ingredients. Use a large punch bowl with 1-2 quarts of strawberry lemonade, 1-2 quarts of lemon-lime soda, and add scoops of ice cream right before serving.

→ What's a good adult version of this drink?

For an adult twist, add 1 oz of strawberry vodka, pink gin, or champagne instead of some of the soda. Keep the festive garnishes for a grown-up Easter treat!