Mock Champagne Punch

Mock champagne punch is a perfectly festive drink that makes a splash without requiring a sommelier. Simply combine chilled white grape juice with bubbly ginger ale, then finish it with fresh berries. The result looks like a sparkling glass of champagne, but everyone—from kids to grandparents—can join the toast.

Serve this simple punch recipe at baby showers and holiday brunches, even as a midnight sipper for New Year’s Eve, and it never fails to impress. The beauty of this white grape juice and ginger ale punch is that it takes two minutes to pull together, yet it feels celebratory enough to deserve its own clink of glasses. Plus, it’s an endlessly customizable nonalcoholic drink, so you can dress it up with frozen fruit, citrus slices or even a berry-filled ice ring to keep it chilled and extra pretty.

Mock Champagne Punch Ingredients

• White grape juice: This is the “champagne” base of the punch, with a light golden color and just the right balance of sweet and tart. Make sure it’s well chilled so the punch stays crisp and refreshing. The higher the quality of juice, the better the grapes in the mix and the more robust the flavor of your punch, so keep an eye out for wineries that sell nonalcoholic juice for a really classy touch.
• Ginger ale: Ginger ale brings bubbles that mimic champagne’s effervescence. Our favorite ginger ales offer subtle spice and keep the drink from being overly sweet. Want a little more kick? Try a craft ginger beer for a spicier flavor.
• Strawberries or raspberries: These fruity garnishes float on top, adding color and a fresh pop of flavor. Want a clever hack? Frozen berries can double as ice cubes to keep the punch cold without diluting it.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the base

Combine the chilled white grape juice and ginger ale in a large punch bowl or pitcher.

Editor’s Tip: If you have one, a clear glass punch bowl or drink dispenser shows off the golden color and floating fruit, making this drink its own centerpiece.

Step 2: Garnish with berries

Add strawberries or raspberries on top right before serving.

Mock Champagne Punch Variations

• Give it a citrus twist: Swap in lemon-lime soda for the ginger ale and float sliced orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit on top to give the punch a more tart, citrusy kick.
• Make frozen fruit cubes: Freeze white grape juice into ice cubes and use them instead of regular ice to keep the drink from getting watered down.
• Try sparkling apple punch: Substitute sparkling apple cider for half the grape juice for a fall-inspired take.
• Bring on the booze: For a non-mock version, substitute chilled champagne for some or all the ginger ale. The bubbles stay festive, but you’ll get true champagne’s unmistakable dry, crisp flavor.

How to Store Mock Champagne Punch

Transfer any leftover punch into a tightly sealed pitcher or jar and store it in the refrigerator. The fizz won’t last long, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you know you’ll have extra, store the juice and ginger ale separately and mix just before serving.

How far in advance can you make mock champagne punch?

You can prep this white grape juice and ginger ale punch a few hours before your event by chilling the ingredients and slicing the fruit. Wait to combine the liquids until right before serving so the bubbles don’t go flat.

Mock Champagne Punch Tips

What’s the best type of glass for mock champagne punch?

The best part of mock champagne punch is that it works in various settings. For the most festive presentation, serve mock champagne in your finest stemmed glasses, like champagne flutes or coupes. If you have matching glasses for your punch bowl, that will impress your friends. If serving a crowd, everything from Solo cups to clear plastic wine glasses work just as well.

What can you serve with mock champagne punch?

This light, fizzy punch pairs beautifully with brunch fare like quiches, muffins and fruit salad. It’s also a refreshing sip alongside tea sandwiches, cookies or even a holiday charcuterie board.