I grew up in a family with 12 kids, and one thing that we were known for was our parties. My family hosted events well; and this citrus punch recipe is one of those tried-and-true favourites that made an appearance often!
How to make citrus punch
This citrus punch recipe is only 2 main ingredients: lemonade and grapefruit soda. This particular version has the addition of fresh fruit, just to give it the wow factor and add a little bit of extra fruit flavour!
To get the frosty pink colour of this punch, I used a pink grapefruit soda and a white lemonade. If you don’t have those options available, however, a very similar look (and almost exactly the same taste) can be achieved with a white grapefruit soda and pink lemonade base.
Fresh fruit additions
For today’s version of this recipe, I’ve added fresh strawberries (for their sweetness and colour) and star fruit (for its beauty). This addition is definitely not necessary for making this recipe, but it certainly does add a lot to your presentation!
What is star fruit?
Star fruit is a tropical fruit from southeast Asia also known as carambola. It tastes much like an apple crossed with a green grape: mild and sweet with a firm, grape-like texture. The fruit grows with distinct ridges along its sides, making a near perfect star shape when you cut it into slices. Most star fruit are yellow or greenish in colour.
How to prepare citrus punch for a crowd
Punch is always best when it’s fizzing and full of flavour. One thing I love about this recipe is that it’s really easy to make ahead for a crowd!
How to prepare this recipe in advance:
- Set up your pitchers or beverage dispensers ahead of time with the first two ingredients mixed into the bottom. In a large cooler nearby, keep the prepared fruit, ice, and soda ready.
- When your event is about to begin, add the fruit and ice, and then pour the soda over top. Serve.
Tips for making the best citrus punch
Here are my tips for making sure this recipe turns out the best!
- Make sure your lemonade is well mixed with the water
- Serve the punch cold (over ice)
- Add the ice just before serving, so that it doesn’t dilute the punch ratios
- Prepare your citrus punch just before you want to serve it so that the carbonation is at its best!
Recipe substitutes
This recipe is a great base for just about any punch combination. Simple substitutes would be pink lemonade for the lemonade, or lemon/lime soda for the grapefruit soda.
You can also make this recipe with any type of your favourite fruit! Try any of the following as great options as well:
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Mangoes
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Oranges
- Plums
You will need:
- Ingredients (see recipe card)
- Large pitcher (3-4 quarts) or Drink dispenser
- Long handled spoon
- Measuring cups
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Citrus Punch with Fresh Strawberries and Star Fruit
This is the easiest punch recipe, made beautiful with the addition of fresh fruit! Makes 8-10 servings.
Ingredients
- 1 can (295ml) frozen lemonade concentrate
- 1 can (295ml) water
- 6 cups pink grapefruit soda
- 3-5 slices pink grapefruit slices (sliced thin)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries chopped (sweet, red strawberries are best)
- 1 Star fruit sliced (to garnish, optional)
- ice (optional)
Instructions
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In a large serving pitcher, mix the lemonade concentrate and water together.
-
Add the grapefruit soda, and stir a couple of times. Add the strawberries and grapefruit slices with a couple of handfuls of ice, and garnish the pitcher with slices of fresh fruit (optional).
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Serve immediately. Garnish each glass with a star fruit slice and half of a strawberry (optional).
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That’s it for today! If you make this recipe (or some variation of it), I’d love to know what you thought! Feel free to drop a comment below or tag me in your punch photos on Instagram @naomicakesofficial.
That’s all for today! Back soon,
Naomi
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Great Post! Looks so refreshing and the flavours are very tempting!