Step 2: Prepare the Lychee “Eyeballs”
Drain a can of lychees. Take each lychee and place a single dried blueberry or a chocolate chip (point-side in) into the center hole. The lychee will resemble a grotesque, staring eyeball. Set these aside on a plate.
Step 3: Mix the Potion Base
In a large punch bowl (at least 5-gallon capacity), combine the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and the thawed pink lemonade concentrate. Add the maple syrup and fresh lime juice. Whisk vigorously until everything is well combined. This is your “blood” base. At this stage, taste it. If you desire a more opaque, vivid blood red, whisk in a small amount of red food coloring gel.
Step 5: Final Assembly & Theatrics
Just before your guests arrive, it’s showtime. Remove the chilled punch base from the refrigerator. Gently place the frozen ice hand in the center of the bowl. Scatter in the frozen mixed berries, the prepared lychee eyeballs, and the gummy worms.
Step 6: Add the Fizz & Serve
As the final act, slowly pour the chilled ginger ale or lemon-lime soda down the side of the bowl to preserve its carbonation. This will create a spooky, frothy head on the punch. Ladle the punch into individual glasses, ensuring each guest gets a few gruesome garnishes in their cup.
Tips for Success:
Chill Everything: Ensure all your liquid ingredients are pre-chilled. This is the most effective way to keep the punch cold without excessive dilution from melting ice.
The Frozen Berry Trick: Using frozen berries instead of plain ice cubes is a pro-move. They chill the punch without watering it down and, as they thaw, they release more flavor into the brew.
Add Soda Last: To maintain the all-important fizz and bubbles, never add the carbonated soda until you are absolutely ready to serve.
Taste as You Go: The sweetness of juices can vary. Always taste your base and adjust the tartness with more lime juice or the sweetness with more maple syrup to your liking.
Presentation is Everything: Use a dark-colored punch bowl if possible. Drape fake cobwebs around the base, and place the bowl under a green or purple light for an extra-eerie effect.
Equipment Needed:
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