This easy coffee punch is a shortcut version of the classic Southern punch recipe! It comes together in less than 10 minutes with cold brew coffee and ice cream. It's a showstopper and a crowd pleaser!
If you love coffee like me, you need this in your life—and at your special celebrations like Easter, Christmas, New Year's Eve and brunch (any time of the year)! Coffee punch is a Southern party favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
This retro party punch is similar to my shortcut mocha punch that I served at my son's wedding. Both are easy punch recipes - creamy like cappuccino, made in minutes with a store-bought coffee base, and can be served in a punch bowl or in a coffee cup or mug.
The difference? This coffee punch recipe features a more bold coffee flavor made with cold brew coffee and ice cream, while the mocha one goes all in on chocolate flavor and whipped cream.
Don't skimp on the ice cream! You can use vanilla or coffee flavor... or a combination of any of them. Try chocolate ice cream for a coffee mocha punch.
If you're planning a wedding, birthday or another big celebration, serve coffee punch alongside finger-food party favorites like cheese wafers and strawberry fudge for the ultimate spread!
I'm serving it here in my Grandma's punch bowl but you can also serve it in coffee cups, tea cups, clear plastic punch cups or even great big mugs!
Shortcuts
Use store-bought cold brew coffee – No need to brew and chill coffee from scratch. Just remember to check the expiration dates when grocery shopping. Cold brew has a long shelf life, but it should still be checked, especially if you're buying in bulk for an event.
Pre-scoop ice cream for easy serving – Freeze scoops ahead of time on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then serve straight from there or transfer them to a container once firm, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tip: As a Christmas punch recipe, you can serve it with chocolate-dipped candy canes or cinnamon sticks as fun stirrers. It’s the best punch for the holidays, but of course, you can enjoy it all year round, from potlucks to game nights.
Ingredients
You only need four simple ingredients to make this easy coffee punch.
Scroll down to printable recipe for exact ingredient quantities.
- Cold brew coffee - Store-bought cold brew is the fastest option, but if you're making your own, choosing the right coffee beans makes a difference. Dark roast has chocolatey or nutty notes, making it a good choice if you want a bold coffee flavor that stands out against the ice cream. You'll need 8 cups of strong brewed coffee.
- Sugar - White granulated sugar is the best choice here. It blends smoothly and keeps the coffee punch light and sweet without altering the flavor.
- Half and half - This ingredient gives your coffee punch a velvety texture without making it too heavy. It's just what it sound like- half cream, half milk.
- Coffee or vanilla ice cream – Or why not mix them for the best of both worlds or try chocolate ice cream for a mocha flavor.
How to Make Coffee Punch
A small batch punch recipe that easily doubles and triples for a crowd.
Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe with detailed instructions.
- Stir together cold brew coffee and sugar in a large bowl. Make sure the sugar dissolves fully for the best flavor—scroll down for a simple trick!
- Combine the chilled coffee and half and half into a punch bowl just before serving.
- Add scoops of ice cream on top, then serve with a ladle and enjoy.
Fix it Faster
Skip the half and half cream and sugar and just use store-bought cold brew that has the cream (vanilla latte) already in it. Top with ice cream and done! Coffee Punch in 2 minutes.
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Pro Tips
Sugar doesn’t always dissolve easily in cold liquid. Speed up the process by mixing it with ¼ cup of hot water before adding it to the cold brew.
If you make coffee punch often, prepare a larger batch of strong brewed coffee and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just pour when ready whether it's for a party or for yourself.
Substitutions & Variations
- Plant-based milk – Make a dairy-free version of the best coffee punch! Swap half-and-half with oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk. Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly thinner, and the flavor will change a bit.
- Mix whipping cream and whole milk – If you're making your own iced coffee latte, you can substitute half whipping cream and half whole milk for half and half cream. Since cream is thicker than milk, give it a good stir to blend evenly before adding it to the punch.
- Coffee punch milkshake – Want a thicker, milkshake-style coffee punch? Blend ice cream and cold brew together before adding it to the punch bowl or mugs for an extra creamy texture.
- Store-bought sweet cream – You can use "sweet cream" (found in the refrigerated coffee creamer section) instead of sugar and half-and-half.
Helpful information
Replace it with sweetened whipped cream, Cool Whip, or squeeze Redi Wip on top. You can also purchased caramel-flavored cafe latte coffee in a container or bottle.
For an adult punch recipe version, stir in a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, bourbon, spiced rum, or any other drink that complements coffee flavors. Start with ¼ to ½ cup per batch and adjust to taste.
It doubles as dessert but has just the right amount of sweetness. And it’s a non alcoholic punch recipe, so it's perfect for baby showers, church events, and gender-reveal parties.
Ice cream coffee punch is a flavor you can serve for all seasons: spring, summer, fall (autumn) and winter.
What to Serve with the Best Coffee Punch
- Coffee Punch pairs well with more than just desserts. Aside from cookies and cream shortbread cookies, you can also enjoy it with tomato and mozzarella skewers and mini chicken and waffles for brunch.
- Serve it with your favorite sweet and savory appetizers, and you’re all set.
Don't forget Valentines Day coffee recipes! Make this coffee drink one at a time to serve for breakfast in bed. Who said you can't have ice cream for breakfast!
How to store
- Place the coffee punch in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once you're ready to enjoy it again, give it a quick stir before serving. Top with ice cream right before serving.
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Easy Coffee Punch
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 48-ounce container cold brew coffee (or 6 cups strong brewed cold coffee)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups half and half (half whipping cream/half whole milk)
- 3 cups coffee or vanilla ice cream (or combination of both) (Chocolate ice cream for a mocha flavor)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cold brew coffee and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. (See Notes for tip to dissolve sugar faster.) Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, slowly pour the chilled coffee into a punch bowl or large glass pitcher.
- Scoop the ice cream into ½-cup portions and carefully place them on top of the punch.
- Serve immediately with a ladle. The ice cream will melt into the punch as you serve it, so expect your drink to be rich and creamy.
- Tip: If you are making your own strong brewed coffee, add the sugar while it's still hot, then chill it. This will easily dissolve the sugar.
- The punch can also be served in coffee cups, tea cups or mugs if serving for brunch or small gathering.
Notes
- Make your coffee punch ahead up to 2 days—partially. Mix the cold brew, sugar, and half-and-half in advance and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the ice cream until right before serving.
- If you like it less sweet, start with ¼ cup of sugar and adjust as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- If you make your own strong brewed coffee, be sure to plan ahead so you have time to completely chill the coffee. Warm coffee melts the ice faster and who wants lukewarm punch?!
Nutrition
Nutrition analysis on GritsAndGouda.com recipes are mostly calculated on an online nutrition calculator. I am not a dietitian and nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on products used.
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