Bunny Punch Drink

I found this adorable strawberry punch idea by accident last Easter when I needed a fun drink for the kids before we hunted eggs. The mix of smooth ice cream, tangy lemonade, and bubbly soda makes a magical pink drink that feels like springtime in your cup. Putting those Peeps on the edge makes it instantly festive, and seeing the kids' excited faces when they spotted those bunny-topped drinks made me forget all about the sugar rush that followed.

During our family Easter get-together last year, my sister brought her twins over. They're usually so fussy with food, but when these drinks came out with little bunnies sitting on top, they both started squealing excitedly. My nephew even wanted pictures to "show his friends at school." It's funny how the simplest things can make the biggest impact, especially when they look this cute and taste so good.

Key Ingredients

• Strawberry ice cream: Go for the fancy kind with real strawberry pieces for best results. It slowly turns into creamy ribbons throughout your drink, making every gulp a bit different.
• Strawberry lemonade: Gives you that sweet-sour combo that balances the rich ice cream. Regular pink lemonade works too, but strawberry adds extra berry flavor.
• Lemon-lime soda: Adds the bubbles that make this drink stand out. The citrus notes work well with the lemonade while creating that fun fizzy effect.
• Bunny Peeps: We all wonder what to actually do with these sugary marshmallow creatures. Here, they turn from random candy into cute drink decorations that make everyone grin.
• Mini marshmallows: These tiny things float around and soak up all the flavors, becoming like small strawberry taste bombs by the time you reach the bottom.
• Sprinkles: Pick soft spring colors to match Easter. They add a fun touch and a tiny bit of crunch with each sip.

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Quick Assembly

Pick your glasses:

Use clear cups to show off the pretty layers. Mason jars, sundae glasses, or even plastic cups all work fine - just make sure they're big enough for everything.

Build the bottom:

Drop strawberry ice cream into each glass. Don't skimp here - those melty swirls really make the drink special. About two big scoops hits the right balance.

Pour the first liquid:

Slowly add strawberry lemonade over the ice cream. Pour it against the side of the glass to avoid splashing. Fill about 2/3 full, leaving room for soda.

Top with bubbles:

Carefully pour in lemon-lime soda, again going down the side of the glass to keep the fizz. The soda will react with the ice cream, making frothy pink peaks.

Add the fun stuff:

Sit a Bunny Peep on each glass rim. Toss mini marshmallows on top so they bob around. Finish with a handful of pastel sprinkles right before you serve for maximum wow factor.

Enjoy right away:

Hand these out immediately while the soda's still fizzy and the ice cream's making those perfect melty streaks. Give everyone spoons and straws for the full experience.

The first batch I made used plain lemonade instead of strawberry, and while it tasted fine, it didn't have that perfect pink shade that makes it so Easter-appropriate. Another time, I tried making one big punch bowl for our neighborhood egg hunt, but it really works better in separate glasses where the layers stay distinct. I've learned that adding soda just before serving keeps the bubbles going - nobody wants a flat Easter drink!

Display Ideas

Set these fun drinks on a tray with fake Easter grass and scattered jelly beans for total spring vibes. The green grass against the pink drinks looks amazing together. For morning get-togethers, place a glass at each seat before guests arrive, with matching pastel napkins and maybe a chocolate egg alongside. They make a great welcome drink when family shows up for Easter celebrations - way more memorable than just offering coffee or water. For evening parties, try using clear plastic cups with glow sticks underneath for a cool effect that both kids and grown-ups will talk about.

Fun Twists

Switch things up with different ice creams like vanilla plus a drop of pink food coloring for a milder taste, or try chocolate for a totally different flavor that reminds you of chocolate-covered strawberries in drink form. Berry lemonade or raspberry lemonade can work if you can't find strawberry, each bringing their own fruity kick to the mix. To amp up the fruit flavor, throw in some fresh strawberry slices or raspberries that will slowly add more berry taste as they soak. Adults might like a splash of strawberry vodka or some bubbly instead of soda for a grown-up version after the kids are busy checking out their Easter baskets.

Freshness Tips

These drinks taste best right after you make them when everything's the right temperature. If you need to get ready ahead of time, keep the ice cream separate and add it at the last minute so it doesn't melt too soon. Make sure your strawberry lemonade sits in the fridge for at least 4 hours before using it so you get that nice cold contrast with the ice cream. You can put the cap back on opened soda and keep it in the fridge, but try to use it within a day before it goes flat. Keep your Peeps and marshmallows in their packages until you're ready to use them so they don't get stale or sticky if your kitchen's humid.

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I've made this Easter punch for family parties, neighborhood egg hunts, and even a spring baby shower (where we added champagne for the grown-ups). Something about that mix of creamy strawberry, zingy lemonade, and fizzy soda just works perfectly, especially with those classic Easter bunnies on top. My friend's little girl now asks for her "bunny drink" all year long, which I think means it's definitely a hit. It's these small touches that turn regular gatherings into events people remember - and when it only takes five minutes but looks like you spent all day, that's what I call winning!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this drink early?

Mix it fresh for the best fizz and creamy texture, as ice cream melts quickly. You can set up a self-serve station with all ingredients ready to go.

→ What if I don't want strawberry ice cream?

Swap it for vanilla, raspberry, or cotton candy flavors. Strawberry sorbet or frozen yogurt also works if you want something lighter.

→ How do I make it dairy-free?

Go for dairy-free strawberry sorbet or any non-dairy ice cream. Make sure toppings like Peeps are also free of dairy, and you're good to go.

→ What else can I use for decoration?

Try pastel rock candy, jelly beans on the rim, fun Easter drink stirrers, or a chocolate bunny sitting on the edge of the glass.

→ How can I serve this for many people?

Make a bowl version by scaling up the amounts. Combine 1-2 quarts of pink lemonade and lemon-lime soda, then add big scoops of ice cream right before guests arrive.

→ Can I make an alcoholic version?

Absolutely! Add a splash of pink gin, strawberry vodka, or a bit of champagne. Keep the colorful toppings to make it look just as fun!