Apricot Sunray Punch

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/26/23
Hennessy Black Apricot Sunray Punch
Foodcollection RF/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 30 servings
Yield: 1 gallon

The apricot sunray is a variation of two popular punch recipes, the sangria and Champagne punch. As in both of those, there is a lot going on in this drink, and every ingredient is special on its own.

The recipe was created to showcase Hennessy Black. This great cognac offers hints of jasmine, daffodils, and orange flowers among its flavorings, and Chandon Brut is a wonderful dry sparkling wine to pair with it. Those are accented beautifully by the apricot and blood orange ingredients as well as lemons and brandied cherries.

This is an impressive punch that will please any crowd, offering a unique taste that is sure to get noticed. The recipe's also large enough for a nice-sized party so no one will go thirsty.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 (750-milliliter) bottle cognac

  • 1 (750-milliliter) bottle sparkling wine

  • 3 cups apricot liqueur

  • 1 1/2 cups apricot nectar

  • 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, from 6 to 7 lemons

  • 4 cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice, from 12 blood oranges

  • 4 to 6 apricots, thinly sliced

  • 5 lemons, thinly sliced

  • 1 blood orange, thinly sliced

  • 12 brandied cherries

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a large punch bowl or pitcher, add all of the ingredients and stir with ice.

  3. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • This is a very large punch recipe, so it's great for big parties. If you estimate that each drink will be about a 4-ounce serving, then you will have enough for about 30 people. That is, of course, assuming everyone sticks to a single drink.
  • Like sangrias, all these fresh fruits mean that you can mix it up the evening before and let the flavors really develop. Don't pour the wine or add ice until you're ready to serve.
  • Apricot nectar is relatively easy to find. Look for it in the juice aisle at your local grocer.
  • You can buy brandied cherries from a number of online and brick-and-mortar stores.
  • If you score a bunch of cherries when they're in season, think about making your own brandied cherries—it's an easy project.

Recipe Variations

  • Generally, apricot and blood orange seasons do not coincide: Apricots tend to be a summer fruit and blood oranges are a winter fruit. If you can't find both simultaneously, you will need to make do with the fresh fruit available (the liquid ingredients should be available year-round). Navel oranges can replace blood oranges in the summer, and you can use canned apricots in the middle of winter.
  • Though Hennessy Black is the recommended Cognac, any brandy will work out just fine in this punch. It is a nice touch, but not completely necessary, so don't worry if you can't find it at the liquor store.

How Strong Is an Apricot Sunray?

The apricot sunray may have a number of alcoholic ingredients, but the mixers bring it down to a pleasant punch strength. When made with the recommended brands, it weighs around 12 percent ABV (24 proof), which is equivalent to the average wine.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
175 Calories
0g Fat
24g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 30
Amount per serving
Calories 175
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 7mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 70mg 350%
Calcium 37mg 3%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 306mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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