We’re coming up on the 4 of July holiday. If you’re having a cookout or party, you probably need a signature drink – adults only, that is.
My dad is the “punch” guy in our family. He makes punch for all of our holiday gatherings (not all are alcoholic). He came up with this recipe for Infantry Punch in 1974 when we lived in Heidelberg, Germany, because, he said he was tired of drinking artillery punch (it’s an army thing). I should warn you. We usually serve Infantry Punch in 16 ounce red solo cups, but I suggest you start with a smaller serving. The combination of fruit, sparkling wine, champagne, and soda makes you feel like you’re drinking, well, fruit punch. It goes down smooth and easy, and before you know it, you’ll be on your second or third cup. I probably don’t need to explain what happens next, but you’ll definitely feel the punch.
Check out more Army recipes on Amazon.com: The G.I. Cook Book: Authentic Army Recipes Just Like Grandpa Used To Loathe.

Infantry Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries washed, hulled, and sliced
- 4 cups peaches washed and sliced
- 24 ounces Southern Comfort
- 2 bottles 7.50 liters each sparkling red wine
- 2 bottles 7.50 liters each dry champagne
- 4 ounces cognac
- 1 liter ginger ale
- 1 liter 7-up or lemon-lime drink
- 59 ounces of orange juice frozen in container
Instructions
- Soak fruit in Southern Comfort overnight in refrigerator.
- In a large stockpot, add wine, champagne, cognac, and soda. Add infused fruit. Cut open frozen orange juice container and add frozen juice block last.
Notes
I shared this recipe at some of these amazing parties.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and buy the product, I will receive a very small commission of the sales price. This helps me keep Olives-n-Okra alive. I use all of the products listed in this post routinely, and I trust the companies that make them.
Wow this punch sounds terrific. I don’t normally gravitate toward the punch bowl but I would for this one!
My grandmother was from Heidelberg, Germany. Her maiden name was Heidelberg. While that punch looks good, I avoid alcoholic beverages. Thanks for sharing though as I know many people do serve alcoholic punch over the holidays.
I went to high school in Heidelberg. In fact, the DoD just closed it down last year. I loved Heidelberg. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Looks tasty! Perfect for a birthday party with some friends, thanks for the idea!
You’re welcome! Thanks for dropping by.
Looks like a perfect drink to hang out with adult friends by the pool side. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I hope I could try this.
It is a great adult drink. Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like a delicious party drink. I love the colors of this drink.
Glad you stopped by.
I have not had punch in a long time.This looks very good need to try it.
The upcoming holiday is a good time to try. Thanks for stopping by.
I love the idea of soaking the fruit overnight. This sounds really good.
It’s good, and the fruit is edible but filled with alcohol. Thanks for stopping by.
This looks delicious! I’m going to make this for my hubby next week 🙂
Oh, I’m sure he’ll like it! Thanks for stopping by.
We don’t drink but I would love to make this non-alcoholic and think it would be easy to modify. Thanks for the recipe.
It is a great recipe for the 4 of july! im saving this
This sounds like it might go down a little too easily 😉
I’m totally going to make this minus the strawberries! Looks so good!
This punch will pack a punch to be sure. It sounds soooo good and fun for the 4th!
Yum! This punch sounds terrific! I will have to try to make some 🙂
This looks so delicious and easy to make! Noting the recipe for this weekend.
Thanks for the warning! If I do make this, I will be sure to make it in smaller patches. Don’t want everyone getting wasted on fruit punch! LOL
How pretty! I have to send this link to a friend of mine who would LOVE it.
Thanks for stopping by!
we had something similar when hubby was still active service – party punch! and you threw in any kind of fruit and booze you could find or buy. Fond memories and great recipe Sherry. Thanks!