Description

Dark Magic Punch is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail featuring the rich flavors of black cherry juice, fresh blackberries, aromatic basil, and zesty blood oranges. This delightful punch offers a balanced combination of fruitiness and herbal notes, perfect for summer gatherings or casual sipping. It can be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic beverage or elevated with gin, vodka, or even champagne for a spirited twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Herbs

6 oz blackberries
2 blood oranges, sliced into thin rings (reserve a few 1/4 inch wedges for glasses)
18 leaves basil (reserve 8 leaves for garnish)

Liquids

32 oz black cherry juice
4 oz sparkling water
8 oz gin or vodka (optional)

Instructions

Mash Blackberries and Basil: In a large cup or shaker, gently mash half of the blackberries just enough to release their juice. Add 10 basil leaves to the mixture and lightly muddle them together to infuse the basil aroma. Transfer this mixture into a pitcher or serving container. Repeat this process with the remaining blackberries and basil leaves until all are mashed and combined in the pitcher.
Add Blood Oranges and Black Cherry Juice: Add the thinly sliced blood orange rings and 16 oz of black cherry juice to the pitcher. Stir well to mix all the flavors. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to enable the flavors to meld beautifully.
Assemble the Drink: Pour half of the punch mixture into a wine goblet or your preferred glass. Add ice cubes to chill.
Top with Sparkling Water: After adding ice, top off the glass with sparkling water to add a refreshing fizz to the punch.
Garnish: Add a sprig of basil per glass along with reserved blood orange wedges and extra blackberries for an attractive presentation and enhanced aroma.
Optional Alcohol Addition: If desired, add 1 shot (about 1.5 oz) of your favorite alcohol such as gin, vodka, or champagne. Adjust the amount of juice and sparkling water accordingly to maintain balance — generally using half juice and then the alcohol before topping with sparkling water.
Serve and Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the refreshing, fruity, and herbal notes of this Dark Magic Punch, perfect for any occasion.

Notes

Allowing the punch to sit for at least 30 minutes enhances the infusion of flavors for a more complex taste.
You can omit the alcohol to enjoy this punch as a delicious non-alcoholic beverage.
Use fresh blackberries and basil for the best flavor impact.
Adjust sweetness by adding a touch of simple syrup if desired.
The punch can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, but add sparkling water and ice just before serving to keep the fizz crisp.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Dark Magic Punch, black cherry juice cocktail, blood orange punch, blackberry basil drink, summer punch, refreshing cocktail