The Best Punch Bowls

The Best Punch Bowls

If you're ready to "punch" up your hosting game, we've got just the thing. Punch bowls have long been the centerpieces of get-togethers and celebrations for their festive colors and inventive flavors. Even if you're hosting for kiddos or a non-alcoholic crew, a proper serving vessel and a few slices of fruit can elevate your raspberry lemonade recipe from homely to high-class. We've compiled a list of our favorite punch bowls on the internet, so read on to find your next cocktail companion.

Pro Dispose Heavyweight Plastic 2-Gallon Punch Bowl

Plastic to party with

This heavyweight plastic bowl can hold two gallons of punch and comes with a handy serving ladle.
Best Overall

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It might not be your grandmother’s crystal set, but this plastic punch bowl from Pro Dispose is an affordable, party-worthy alternative. Provide drinks for your next neighborhood block party without worrying that flying footballs or bouncing basketballs will crack your crystal. The heavyweight, durable plastic bowl with floral etching can hold up to two gallons of anything from cocktails to candy, and the included ladle is big enough to provide generous portions. When the last sip of punch has been claimed, just throw this bowl in the dishwasher before storing it away for next month.

Pros:

  • Heavyweight plastic is durable and glass-like
  • Floral design is decorative and refined
  • Included ladle can serve up to 5 oz. at a time
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons:

  • Some users report a volume capacity of only 1 ½ gallons

Elegance Hammered 3-Gallon Stainless Steel Punch Bowl

Stain less, serve more

Double-walled stainless steel provides eye-catching insulation for your beverage of choice.
Most Decorative

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If you’ve ever bought a double-walled water bottle, you’ll understand the benefits of adding an extra layer of air between two metal surfaces — while your beverage stays chilled, the exterior won’t sweat or frost. This stainless steel punch bowl from Elegance provides similar insulation, and if that weren’t enough to make this vessel live up to the company name, its hammered texture provides added sophistication. Thanks to its rust and stain-resistant steel construction, you won’t ever have to worry about colorful cocktails leaving unwanted traces when the party’s over. Don’t stress about hand-washing, either — this bowl can go for a spin in the dishwasher if necessary.

Pros:

  • 3-gallon capacity ideal for larger parties
  • Double-walled construction helps provide insulation
  • Hammered texture on the exterior for decoration

Cons:

  • One of the pricier models on the market

Upper Midland Products Crystal Cut Plastic Punch Bowl

Punches above its weight

A crystal-cut design gives this plastic punch bowl a classic look without the added cost of crystal.
Best Classic

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We’ve all been there. You’re in the market for some serving glassware, but by the time you go to checkout, you realize your cart is well over your budget. Thankfully, this punch bowl from Upper Midland Products is such a convincing stand-in, you might even forget your affordable purchase isn’t real crystal. The dense, high-quality plastic gives a crystal-cut appearance at a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the weight, making it easy to travel with. And with a 3-gallon capacity, this punch bowl holds enough to serve seconds to the whole neighborhood.

Pros:

  • Crystal-cut, durable plastic
  • 3-gallon capacity great for serving groups of friends
  • Lightweight construction makes it easy to transport

Cons:

  • No matching ladle included

Godinger Monterey Punch Bowl and Ladle

Crystal clear class

This crystal punch bowl exudes class and elegance without being overly indulgent.
Best Crystal

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Crystal glassware has made its name both for being densely weighted and beautifully refractive. Drinking from crystal is a luxurious experience, especially when you fill your glass with something colorful and festive. The angled etching scatters natural light throughout the drink, creating a mini disco ball of happy hues. This punch bowl from Godinger elevates their crystal even more with an iridescent glow, designed as a gradient to accentuate the bowl’s curve. It’s a bit pricier than other models of this size, but the overall experience will be well worth it to make any soiree a bit swankier.

Pros:

  • Dense, weighted crystal construction
  • Iridescent glow design
  • Ladle included with purchase

Cons:

  • Ladle handle is too delicate to serve heavier liquids

Viski Footed Glass Punch Bowl

Punch it up

You'll want to have this punch bowl as your centerpiece long after the party ends.
Most Modern

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If you’re looking for “nuanced and new” over “tried and true,” check out this footed glass punch bowl from Viski. The design opts for a sturdier, thick glass base that promises to stay put, accentuated by the bowl’s angled, slimming mouth. It can still accommodate over 2½ gallons of your favorite punch, so utilitarians and aesthetes alike can get behind this piece of functional art. We’d be tempted to keep this bowl out for everyone to see, even if the party ended weeks ago.

Pros:

  • Unique, modern design that differentiates bowl from others
  • Sturdy glass construction for both cold and hot punches
  • Wide mouth for easy access to punch

Cons:

  • Ladle not included, may be challenging to find one that matches aesthetically

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my punch cold without making it too watered-down?

Though this will always be a conundrum for the ages, there are a few things you can do to keep your punch as cold as possible. If you’re using a glass or stainless steel bowl, make sure it’s chilled before filling it. Plastic doesn’t hold a chill as well, but it definitely won’t hurt to throw your serving vessel in the freezer for a few hours prior to party time. If the drink is meant to be served on ice, consider keeping the ice in a separate pail. This allows guests to fill their glasses up with fresh ice before ladling in a libation that won’t be over-diluted.