Honestly, there’s nothing like a fruity cocktail that’s easy to whip up and packed with flavor. The Forbidden Fruit Punch Cocktail is just right if you’re after something refreshing and a little out of the ordinary for your next gathering. It’s a colorful, lively mix of sweet juices and bold spirits—honestly, it’s a blast to share.
Every time I make this cocktail, someone ends up asking for the recipe. The steps are straightforward, and you can find the ingredients at just about any grocery store.
If you want to wow your guests or just treat yourself on a hot afternoon, this punch totally fits the bill.
Forbidden Fruit Punch Cocktail Recipe
I keep coming back to the Forbidden Fruit Punch Cocktail because it’s got that perfect combo of fresh juice, gin, and a splash of soda. It’s sweet, balanced, and honestly, it goes down a little too easy.
With the right tools and ingredients, you can get a tasty punch every single time.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill everything together.
- Strainer: Helps me pour without letting fruit bits or ice slip through.
- Jigger or measuring cup: So the punch isn’t too strong or too weak.
- Long spoon: Handy if you’re making a big batch and need to stir.
- Pitcher (for large batch): Makes life easier when friends come over.
- Glasses: I usually grab short, wide ones, but honestly, anything works.
- Ice: Fresh ice is a must for chilling both the punch and the glasses.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz gin: Brings out that herbal base and pairs well with all the fruit.
- 1 oz forbidden fruit liqueur: Adds a unique, tart citrus edge.
- 1 oz pineapple juice: For that sweet, tropical note.
- ½ oz lemon juice: Fresh is key—brightens everything up.
- ½ oz orange juice: Rounds out the fruitiness.
- ½ oz apple brandy or apple whiskey: Gives a little depth and apple flavor.
- ½ oz triple sec: More orange, more sweetness.
- ½ oz peach schnapps (optional): Only if I’m in the mood for something a bit sweeter.
- ¼ oz simple syrup: To balance out the tartness.
- 2 dashes of aromatic bitters: Adds some complexity.
- Splash of club soda: Tops it off and brings fizz.
- Grenadine (to taste): For color and a hint of pomegranate.
- Fruit slices (orange, lemon, apple, pineapple): Makes it look as good as it tastes.
Instructions
- Add gin, forbidden fruit liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon juice, orange juice, apple brandy, triple sec, peach schnapps (if using), simple syrup, and bitters to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well—about 15-20 seconds—until it’s icy cold.
- Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda.
- Drizzle grenadine in for that layered look.
- Garnish with fruit slices on the rim or floating in the glass.
- For a big batch: Multiply the ingredients and mix everything (except club soda and grenadine) in a pitcher. Add ice just before serving, then pour into glasses and finish each with club soda and grenadine.
Notes
I usually taste the punch before adding club soda—sometimes it needs a little more syrup or grenadine for sweetness, or maybe a splash more lemon juice if I want it tarter.
Forbidden fruit liqueur isn’t always easy to track down, so I’ll swap in a citrus liqueur and a bit of grapefruit juice if I have to. I’ll also skip the peach schnapps if I’m not feeling it super sweet.
Apple brandy gives a stronger apple note, but apple whiskey is fine too.
When I’m hosting, I’ll make a pitcher and let everyone add their own club soda. The punch looks best with all those colorful fruit slices, and I always serve it nice and cold.
Equipment
- Strainer or sieve
- Long spoon (for stirring or batching)
- Pitcher (for large batch)
- Serving glass (rocks or highball)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz gin
- 1 oz forbidden fruit liqueur or citrus liqueur + ½ oz grapefruit juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz orange juice
- ½ oz apple brandy or apple whiskey
- ½ oz triple sec
- ½ oz peach schnapps optional
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 splash club soda
- ½ tsp grenadine or to taste
- 1 slice orange for garnish
- 1 slice lemon for garnish
- 1 slice apple for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the gin, forbidden fruit liqueur, pineapple juice, lemon juice, orange juice, apple brandy, triple sec, peach schnapps (if using), simple syrup, and bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add a splash of club soda to top.
- Drizzle grenadine over the top for a layered look.
- Garnish with orange, lemon, and apple slices.
- Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Tasting Notes
The first sip of the Forbidden Fruit Punch Cocktail is all about that bright, fruity rush. There’s a wave of pineapple and passion fruit right up front.
A little tartness from the lemon keeps things lively. I notice a gentle balance—sweet, but not cloying, with a bit of bitterness from the bitters so it doesn’t get boring.
The finish is smooth and crisp, with a zesty aftertaste that makes you want to go back for more.
Honestly, this is a true fruity cocktail that nails the sweet, bitter, and sour balance. It’s easy to enjoy whether you’re new to cocktails or a bit of a mixology nerd.
Substitute
If I’m out of the original ingredients for my Forbidden Fruit Punch Cocktail, I’ll just improvise. Here are a few swaps I’ve actually tried and liked:
Ingredients:
- Instead of apple brandy: I’ll grab regular brandy, or just splash in some apple juice. Pear juice works too, honestly.
- If pomegranate juice is missing: Cranberry or grape juice both give that deep color and a similar vibe.
- No triple sec? I’ll use orange juice, or sometimes even orange soda if that’s all I’ve got.
- Missing lemon or lime juice: Bottled citrus juice is fine, or a bit of lemonade in a pinch.
Equipment:
- Shaker: When I can’t find mine, a clean mason jar with a lid does the job just fine.
- Strainer: I’ll use a small kitchen sieve, or even a slotted spoon if I’m feeling lazy.
Instructions:
- I pour whatever mix of ingredients I’m using into the shaker or jar with some ice.
- Then I close it up and give it a good shake.
- I strain it into a glass over fresh ice.
- For garnish, I just grab whatever fruit’s lying around—here’s some inspiration.
Honestly, some of my favorite combos have come from just winging it with whatever’s in the kitchen. It’s kind of fun to see what flavors work together—sometimes it’s a surprise, but that’s half the fun, right?
