The punch bowl at a party is like the center of the known universe — people return there again and again. They chitchat, flirt and fill up their glasses. But the little-known secret to a truly magical punch bowl is an ice ring.

An ice ring sounds like something massive and Arctic. But actually, it’s a gorgeous floating circle of fruit suspended in frozen water.

It brings a vintage look to your party, adds color pop and an artistic touch, and best of all it keeps your punch cold for hours.

Pink Wine Punch

Ingredients

The ingredients are simple.

• Water or, if you like, a flavored soda that complements your punch
• Balled melon like cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon, grapes, berries, sliced strawberries or pineapple
• Fresh herbs, if that strikes your fancy
• A ring mold or Bundt pan that will fit in your punch bowl (if you don’t have one inherited from your grandma, look at yard sales and thrift stores.)

Method

Arrange fruit in the Bundt pan or ring mold. I like to play with pretty patterns, like alternating slices of fruit or adding wreathes of mint leaves or thyme sprigs around pineapple rings.

Fill with just enough water or soda to cover fruit, pressing down gently to make sure all pieces are submerged. Freeze until solid, about 6 hours, or overnight. 

When it’s party time, let the ring mold sit at room temperature for about five minutes to make unmolding easier. Slide your ice ring into the punch bowl, then fill the bowl with punch.

This gorgeous floating artwork will have guests in awe, keep your beverage frosty cold for ages and raise the level of specialness to spectacular.

Summer Party Punches

Your pretty ice ring can dress up one of these refreshing coolers at your next summer party.

Spiced Iced Tea Punch

Wine Tea Punch with Summer Fruit

Blueberry-Herb Lemonade Punch

Lambrusco Coolers

Have you made an ice ring for a punch bowl? Or do you remember someone you love making one? Share in the comments below.