Step 1: Create the Creepy Ice Hand (24 hours in advance)
This is the most impactful optional step. Rinse a disposable plastic glove. Place the cherries or blueberries in the fingers of the glove to resemble bloody fingernails. Carefully fill the glove with water, tie the end securely, and place it in a bowl in the freezer. Freeze for at least 24 hours until solid. When ready to use, briefly run the glove under warm water to easily peel it away, revealing a terrifying ice hand to float in your punch.

Step 2: Prepare the Lychee “Eyeballs”
Drain a can of lychees. Take each lychee and place a single dried blueberry or a chocolate chip (point-side in) into the center hole. The lychee will resemble a grotesque, staring eyeball. Set these aside on a plate.

Step 3: Mix the Potion Base
In a large punch bowl (at least 5-gallon capacity), combine the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and the thawed pink lemonade concentrate. Add the maple syrup and fresh lime juice. Whisk vigorously until everything is well combined. This is your “blood” base. At this stage, taste it. If you desire a more opaque, vivid blood red, whisk in a small amount of red food coloring gel.

Step 4: The Chilling Ritual
Cover the punch bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the base for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to marry and the punch to become thoroughly chilled, preventing the ice from melting too quickly later.

Step 5: Final Assembly & Theatrics
Just before your guests arrive, it’s showtime. Remove the chilled punch base from the refrigerator. Gently place the frozen ice hand in the center of the bowl. Scatter in the frozen mixed berries, the prepared lychee eyeballs, and the gummy worms.

Step 6: Add the Fizz & Serve
As the final act, slowly pour the chilled ginger ale or lemon-lime soda down the side of the bowl to preserve its carbonation. This will create a spooky, frothy head on the punch. Ladle the punch into individual glasses, ensuring each guest gets a few gruesome garnishes in their cup.