This Southern Coffee Punch recipe features a rich, creamy blend of coffee, ice cream, and whipped cream that feels right at home for any party or holiday. Whether it’s a baby shower, bridal or wedding shower, or even a laid-back family gathering, it’s a sweet tradition worth keeping.
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If you’ve never had Southern Coffee Punch, this might become your new favorite thing to make for a crowd. It’s one of those nostalgic Southern recipes that feels a little fancy in the best way—coffee, ice cream, and whipped cream all in one big, frothy bowl. It’s part dessert, part beverage, and always the thing people talk about and beg me for the recipe.
Can You Make Creamy Coffee Punch Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the coffee, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt mixture a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just hold off on adding the ice cream and whipped cream until right before serving to keep the texture and temperature just right.
Does This Southern Party Drink Have Alcohol In It?
Traditionally, no—it’s a non-alcoholic drink that anyone can enjoy, especially at brunches, showers, and family gatherings. But if you want to spike it, a splash of Kahlúa, bourbon, or Irish cream blends in beautifully with the coffee and cream flavors.
Coffee Punch Ingredients
- Strong brewed coffee – I like to make fresh coffee for this and chill it or grab my favorite store-bought cold brew.
- Granulated sugar – Just a little goes a long way for the whipping cream.
- Heavy whipping cream – A must for the best coffee punch! Some get mixed into the punch, while the rest get whipped into fresh cream.
- Vanilla extract and salt – These just help the coffee and sweetness really shine.
- Ice cream – Grab both chocolate and vanilla ice cream for the best flavor punch!
- Chocolate shavings – These are pretty and add a mocha touch to the drink.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
- Mocha Coffee Punch: Use a shot of chocolate syrup or swap some of the cream for chocolate milk.
- Coffee Ice Cream Punch: For a bold boost of flavor, try it with coffee ice cream instead of chocolate or vanilla.
- Dairy-Free: You can use vegan whipping cream instead of heavy whipping cream if needed.
- Flavored Creamers: Use a flavored creamer (hazelnut, caramel) in place of some cream. My Creme Brulee Coffee Creamer works great here!
How To Make Old Fashioned Coffee Punch
- Whip the Cream: In a bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and chill until you’re ready to serve. In a large punch bowl(a large bowl will also work,) combine strong brewed coffee, sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Make the Punch Base: Carefully slice the ice cream into rounds.
- Add the Ice Cream: Scoop into pretty mounds and gently add to the punch.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Dollop or swirl the whipped cream on top.
Serve It Right Away
This coffee punch is best served right after assembling! You can make the base and whip the cream ahead, but it’s go time once the ice cream goes in. Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consumed within a day, but the texture will change as the ice cream melts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use decaf coffee?
Absolutely! If you want to enjoy a late-night cup without the caffeine buzz, decaf works perfectly here.
Go for strong brewed coffee—something rich and bold, like French roast or espresso-strength drip. You can also use cold brew coffee or make instant coffee in a pinch.
Sure! Coconut milk whipped cream and plant-based ice creams will work, though the consistency may vary a bit.
Of course! This can easily be made with decaf coffee (although we know that it still has some caffeine, so give it at your discretion).
What To Serve With Coffee Punch
Serve your coffee punch with ice cream like a pro by ladling it into vintage punch cups or small mugs. For brunch, I serve it with Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole, Fruit Salad, Air Fryer Baby Potatoes and Vanilla Scones. It’s perfect for parties, along with Party Cheese Ball, Strawberry Cheese Crostini, and Roasted Nuts.
More Drink Recipes You’ll Love
If you tried this Coffee Punch Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 6 cups strong brewed coffee
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 pint good chocolate ice cream
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the whipping cream and sugar until stiff peaks. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Whisk together coffee, sugar, cream, vanilla and salt in a large punch bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
- Slice the ice cream into rounds and place it in the bowl – or you can make “pretty scoops”
- Gently place the whipped cream in the punch bowl and top with the sprinkles.
Notes
- Mocha: Add chocolate syrup or use chocolate milk in place of some cream.
- Coffee Ice Cream: Swap in coffee ice cream for a bolder flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan whipped topping and plant-based creamer.
- Flavored Creamers: Try hazelnut, caramel, or my Crème Brûlée Coffee Creamer for a fun twist.
You can mix the coffee base and whip the cream a few hours in advance—just keep both chilled until you’re ready to serve. Leftovers:
Best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge and drink within a day. The texture will change as the ice cream melts, but the flavor still holds up!
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