Bunny Punch Easter

I ran into this adorably sweet strawberry punch idea right before Easter when I needed something fun to give the kids ahead of our Easter egg hunt. The mix of smooth ice cream, tangy lemonade, and bubbly soda comes together in this wonderful pink drink that tastes just like springtime. Popping those Peeps on the edge makes it look extra festive, and seeing the kids' excitement when they spotted those bunny-topped drinks made me forget about all the sugar they were getting.

During our family Easter party last year, my sister brought her twins over. They usually turn their noses up at most foods, but when they saw these drinks with tiny bunnies sitting on the edge, they actually jumped up and down with excitement. My nephew even wanted to snap pictures to "show all his buddies at school." It's funny how the easiest things can make the biggest splash, especially when they look this cute and taste this good.

Essential Elements

• Strawberry ice cream: Go for the fancy kind with real strawberry pieces inside. As it slowly dissolves, it creates these yummy swirls that make every gulp a bit different.
• Strawberry lemonade: This gives you that perfect sweet-sour kick that balances out the rich ice cream. You can use pink lemonade in a pinch, but strawberry adds an extra layer of berry flavor.
• Lemon-lime soda: This is what gives your drink its sparkle factor. The citrus taste works really well with the lemonade while adding those fun bubbles everyone loves.
• Bunny Peeps: Let's face it, we're always wondering what to do with these sugar-covered marshmallow animals. Here, they turn from random candy into cute drink decorations that make everyone grin.
• Mini marshmallows: These guys bob around on top and soak up the flavors, turning into tiny strawberry-flavored treats by the time you reach the bottom.
• Sprinkles: Grab some light spring colors to match Easter. They add a fun touch and give a tiny bit of crunch to each sip.

Pin it

Quick Preparation

Pick your glasses:

Use see-through glasses to show off all the pretty colors and layers. Mason jars, ice cream glasses, or even plastic cups do the job - just make sure they're big enough to fit everything nicely.

Start with ice cream:

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

Pour the first liquid:

Slowly add strawberry lemonade over the ice cream. Pour it carefully along the side of the glass so it doesn't splash too much. Fill about two-thirds of the way up, leaving room for soda.

Top with bubbles:

Gently pour lemon-lime soda on top, again using the side of the glass to keep as many bubbles as possible. The soda will mix with the ice cream and create fluffy pink peaks.

Add the fun stuff:

Sit a Bunny Peep on the edge of each glass. Toss some mini marshmallows on top to float around. Finish with a good shake of pastel sprinkles right as you're about to serve.

Hand them out quickly:

Give these to everyone right away while the soda is still bubbly and the ice cream is making those cool melty patterns. Put out spoons and straws so folks can enjoy it both ways.

The first time I whipped these up, I used plain lemonade instead of strawberry, and while it tasted fine, it just didn't have that perfect pink shade that matches Easter so well. Another time, I tried making one big batch in a punch bowl for our block party egg hunt, but I found out the magic really happens in single glasses where everything stays properly layered longer. I've learned that adding the soda at the very last minute keeps the bubbles going strong - after all, nobody wants a flat Easter drink!

Display Ideas

Show off these fun drinks on a tray lined with fake Easter grass and some scattered jelly beans for a real wow moment. The green grass next to the pink drinks creates the best spring look ever. For Easter breakfast get-togethers, place a glass at each seat before company arrives, along with light-colored napkins and maybe a chocolate egg on the side. They work great as a welcome drink when family shows up for Easter celebrations - way more memorable than offering plain coffee or water. If you're hosting an evening party, try serving in clear plastic cups with glow sticks underneath for a cool effect that both kids and adults will get a kick out of.

Fun Twists

You can swap in different ice creams like vanilla with a tiny bit of pink food coloring for a lighter taste or chocolate for something totally different that tastes like chocolate-covered strawberries in drink form. Other lemonades work too - berry lemonade or raspberry lemonade can jump in for strawberry when needed, each bringing their own special taste to the mix. For extra fruit flavor, toss in some fresh strawberry slices or raspberries that slowly release more berry taste as they soak. Grown-ups might enjoy a splash of strawberry vodka or some bubbly instead of part of the soda for a fancy adult version after the kids are busy checking out their Easter goodies.

Freshness Matters

These drinks taste best right after you make them when everything's the right temperature and texture. If you need to get ready a bit ahead, keep the ice cream separate and add it at the last minute so it doesn't melt too soon. Make sure your strawberry lemonade has been in the fridge for at least 4 hours so it's good and cold next to the ice cream. You can put the cap back on soda and store it in the fridge, but try to use it within a day before it loses its bubbles. Keep your Peeps and marshmallows in their packages until you're ready to use them so they don't get stale or sticky if it's humid.

Pin it

I've made this Easter punch for family parties, neighborhood egg hunts, and even a spring baby shower (with some champagne mixed in for the grown-ups). There's just something about that mix of creamy strawberry, zingy lemonade, and fizzy soda that really works, 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 is the best compliment ever. It's these small touches that turn regular get-togethers into special memories - and when it only takes five minutes but looks like you spent ages on it, that's definitely winning!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Make it fresh to keep it bubbly and cold. You can still set up blending stations for guests to create their own!

→ Any swaps for strawberry ice cream?

Vanilla, berry sorbet, or a fun option like cotton candy ice cream work great. Frozen yogurt is another lighter sub.

→ Can I make it dairy-free?

Sure! Dairy-free strawberry ice cream or fruity sorbet works well. Just check your toppings for dairy too.

→ What other toppings could I use?

Candy eggs, jelly beans, pastel edible glitter, or even mini chocolates can bring more Easter vibes to the glass.

→ How do I scale this for more people?

Make a big batch in a punch bowl — mix lemonade and soda, then add scoops of ice cream just before serving.

→ What’s a fun grown-up version?

Mix in strawberry vodka, pink gin, or a splash of prosecco for adults. Keep the cute toppings for a playful touch!