Beam Me Up, Punchy! – The Ultimate Jim Beam Party Powerhouse Recipe

Thank you so much for being here. If you’re reading this, you might be planning a backyard barbecue, prepping for a summer get-together, or simply in the mood to mix up something bold and refreshing. Whatever the occasion, you’re in for a treat. This punch recipe is one of those effortless, flavor-packed drinks that practically guarantees a good time.

Beam Me Up, Punchy! is a bourbon-based party punch that’s fruity, boozy, and blessed with a hint of Southern charm. Whether you prefer the mellow sweetness of iced tea or the citrus snap of lemonade, this recipe is designed to adapt to your taste—and your guest list. It’s meant for sunshine, conversation, and more than one refill.

What Is Beam Me Up, Punchy?

Beam Me Up, Punchy! is a party punch with serious flavor credentials. Built on a base of Jim Beam bourbon and peach schnapps, it’s bolstered with tropical fruit juices, sweet tea or lemonade, and fizzy soda for a playful finish. Thin slices of orange and lemon, plus a handful of berries, turn it into a visually stunning, fruit-laden centerpiece.

Unlike many cocktail recipes that require precise measurements and specialized tools, this one is practically foolproof. It’s meant to be scaled up, shared, and enjoyed with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of punch that invites guests to pour their own glass, linger a little longer, and maybe ask you for the recipe before they leave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a true crowd-pleaser: With familiar flavors like peach, citrus, and pineapple, this punch appeals to a wide range of palates.
• Make-ahead magic: You can mix the base up to a day in advance, letting the fruit infuse into the liquid for even more depth of flavor.
• Customizable for any crowd: Dial up the bourbon, swap in sparkling lemonade, or turn it into a frozen drink with just a blender and some ice.
• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find here—just classic, well-loved ingredients.
• Bright, juicy, and beautiful: The fruit floats to the top, the punch takes on a glowing color, and every glass is an Instagram moment waiting to happen.

How It Tastes

This punch strikes a beautiful balance between sweetness, tanginess, and warmth. The bourbon lays a mellow, slightly smoky foundation. The peach schnapps adds a syrupy, almost floral quality, while the fruit punch and pineapple juice offer bursts of tropical brightness. If you choose sweet tea as your base, you’ll get a smoother, rounder flavor. Opt for lemonade and it zings with citrusy energy. The final optional splash of soda gives the whole drink a gentle fizz, making it lighter and even more refreshing.

Each sip is like summer in a glass. It’s sweet without being cloying, boozy without being overpowering, and complex enough to make it interesting. It invites you to go back for just one more glass.

Ingredients (Serves 10–12 Cups)

• 1½ cups Jim Beam bourbon
• 1 cup peach schnapps
• 2 cups sweet tea (or lemonade for a tangier profile)
• 1½ cups pineapple juice
• 1½ cups fruit punch (such as Hawaiian Punch)
• 1 cup club soda or lemon-lime soda (optional for fizz)
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 cup strawberries or mixed berries
• Crushed ice for serving
• Fresh mint and additional fruit slices for garnish

These amounts yield approximately 10 to 12 cups of punch. Feel free to scale up for larger parties or halve the recipe for a smaller crowd.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pitcher or punch bowl
• Long-handled spoon or ladle
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Citrus juicer (if using fresh lemons)
• Measuring cups
• Glasses or mason jars for serving

If you’re blending a frozen version, you’ll also need a high-powered blender.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this punch is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand.

• Swap sweet tea for lemonade to make it brighter and more citrus-forward.
• Use apricot brandy or orange liqueur in place of peach schnapps for a different fruit profile.
• Try sparkling water or tonic instead of soda if you prefer something less sweet.
• Add tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, or pineapple chunks for even more visual appeal and flavor.
• Turn it into a slush by blending in batches with ice. It becomes a boozy, fruity frozen cocktail.

If you’re interested in more frozen options for your summer menu, check out this delicious 3-Flavor Homemade Ice Cream Recipe—perfect for serving alongside a round of punch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Build the Base

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the Jim Beam bourbon, peach schnapps, sweet tea or lemonade, pineapple juice, and fruit punch. Stir thoroughly to mix all the liquids together.

Step 2: Add the Fruit and Chill

Thinly slice the lemon and orange. Rinse the berries and remove stems if needed. Add the sliced citrus and berries directly to the punch bowl. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 3: Serve Over Ice

When ready to serve, fill glasses with crushed ice. Ladle or pour in the chilled punch. If desired, top off each glass with a splash of soda for a bubbly finish.

Step 4: Garnish

Add a slice of lemon or orange to each glass, a couple of berries, and a fresh mint sprig. Not only does it look beautiful, but the mint adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the sweetness of the punch.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Beam Me Up, Punchy!

This punch pairs wonderfully with a variety of summer and Southern-style dishes. Consider adding it to a menu that includes:

• Grilled barbecue chicken or pulled pork sliders
• Macaroni salad or potato salad
• Crispy fried chicken tenders
• Pimento cheese with crackers
• Corn on the cob
• Fresh fruit skewers

It also complements light, fruity desserts and snacks. For a tropical pairing, try the refreshing Caribbean Sunset Cocktail—it’s another vibrant drink that can help you round out a cocktail bar for guests.

Tips for Making the Best Bourbon Punch

• Let it rest: Give the fruit time to release its juices and mingle with the alcohol and juices.
• Serve cold: This punch is best served ice-cold. Use crushed ice for faster chilling and a more slushy texture.
• Skip the soda until serving: If you’re making this ahead, don’t add the soda until just before serving to preserve the fizz.
• Use fresh fruit: The fresher the better. Avoid pre-sliced or frozen citrus for the best appearance and flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you end up with leftover punch (it happens!), strain out the fruit to keep it from getting soggy. Store the remaining liquid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze the leftover punch into ice cubes. These fruity ice cubes are great for chilling future cocktails without watering them down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this punch non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can easily turn this into a mocktail. Replace the Jim Beam and peach schnapps with peach nectar or peach iced tea. Use additional fruit punch and pineapple juice to compensate for the liquid volume. The end result will be just as festive and flavorful, with zero proof.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This punch scales beautifully. Just make sure you have a large enough container—like a drink dispenser or punch bowl—to handle the volume.

Is it better with sweet tea or lemonade?

It’s honestly great with both. Sweet tea gives it a richer, smoother flavor with a true Southern feel. Lemonade brings a bright, tart edge that balances the sweetness of the schnapps and punch. If you’re serving a mixed crowd, consider making two batches—one of each.

Can I use a different bourbon?

You can. Jim Beam is smooth, affordable, and well-suited to large-format cocktails like this. But if you have another favorite bourbon, feel free to use it. Just avoid heavily smoky or peaty options that might overwhelm the fruity elements.

What other cocktails go well with this?

If you’re looking to build out a party cocktail menu, pair this punch with the Pink Pirate Cocktail for a tropical rum-based alternative. Both drinks are colorful, festive, and built for social sipping.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Make This Again and Again

Beam Me Up, Punchy! is everything a party punch should be: colorful, casual, and completely delicious. It doesn’t require expensive ingredients, elaborate technique, or even a reason beyond “it’s sunny outside.” It’s the kind of drink that keeps people coming back to the table—and asking for the recipe.

You’ll love how adaptable it is. Serve it over ice, top it with soda, make it frozen, tweak the juices—it’s all fair game. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll find endless ways to make it your own. And every version is a guaranteed hit.

Want More Recipes Like This?

If this punch got your creativity flowing, here are a few more recipes you’ll enjoy:

• 3-Flavor Homemade Ice Cream Recipe – Creamy, customizable, and perfect alongside any fruity cocktail.
• Caribbean Sunset Cocktail Recipe – Another fruit-forward drink with a rum base and tropical flair.
• Pink Pirate Cocktail Recipe – A vibrant, punchy cocktail with pineapple, cranberry, and a splash of coconut rum.

Leave a Review and Share Your Creations

Did you try Beam Me Up, Punchy!? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a review below, and if you snapped a photo, share it on Pinterest or your favorite social media platform. Seeing your variations is one of the best parts of sharing these recipes.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per 1-Cup Serving)

• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 20g
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): ~10%
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Print