On college campuses all over the country, party goers are flocking to an old favorite that combines white liquors, sweet wines and schnapps with real fruit, juices and KoolAid to make a tasty, but potent punch.
Jungle Juice, also called Wop or Spodie (pronounced suh-pO-dee), probably gets its roots from the party punches of the past. The difference is that instead of adding rum or vodka to a small punch bowl, they are now combining several different alcohols with real fruit and lots of juice into a kid size swimming pool or recently purchased, unused trash can.
Each guest brings a different liquor, juice or fruit to contribute to the mix, which is added by a the host to ensure nothing is slipped in the mix that shouldn't be there, such as the wrong liquor. The host, or whoever is in charge of the juice, will dole out drinks in plastic cups.
Making Your Own Jungle Juice
Although it is usually made in a pot-luck style, more and more hosts are electing to make their own jungle juice to avoid any problems that may occur from allowing everyone to contribute.
To make a great jungle juice remember these things:
- Use only white liquors such as rum and vodka. Gin is not recommended unless you're using gin compatible juices like Guava juice. Never use dark liquor, especially whiskey. The taste will dominate the punch in a bad way.
- Know the proof of the liquor you're using. Don't use 100 proof rum and Everclear together. It could be disastrous.
- Boone's Farm, rose-colored wines and any sort of schnapps were made for this drink. Use them wisely.
- Pick the best combination of juices, liquors, wines and fruits. Stick with citrus flavored juices. Grape juice is not recommended.
- Watch out for the fruit. It will get soaked through with alcohol. Do not hand it off to just anyone.
- Be aware that this is a very potent beverage and should be regulated accordingly. Do not serve fruit or punch to anyone who is already intoxicated or under the legal drinking age.
Basic Jungle Juice Recipe
if you don't want to make your own Jungle Juice, but don't want to inconvenience your guests, follow the basic recipe below. Make changes as you see fit, but always remember to be safe and drink in moderation.
- 1 L Everclear
- 5.25 L Vodka
- 1 bottle Peach Schnapps
- 1 bottle Apple Schnapps
- 10 L Sprite
- 1 L Triple Sec
- 1.75 L bottle Gin
- 1 bottle Sour Apple Pucker
- 4 bottles Boone's farm wine
- 8 L Tropical Punch
- 3 containers Orange Juice concentrate
- Fruit (as much as you'd like)
Use a large container (kid size swimming pool, ice chest or newly purchased trash can). Allow the fruit to soak in all the alcohol for about 4 - 12 hours. Add all the juice and let sit overnight. Serve the next day.
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