Lemon-Strawberry Punch

This is the kind of punch that disappears fast at parties. Frozen lemonade concentrate, orange juice concentrate, and half-thawed strawberries combine in a punchbowl for a sweet, fruity base that’s bright pink and loaded with berry slices.

The carbonated water and ginger ale go in right before serving. This is the only rule that matters. Add them too early and you’ll lose all the fizz by the time guests fill their cups. The carbonation lifts the heavy fruit concentrate into something refreshing and effervescent.

Using frozen strawberries (half-thawed with their juice) serves double duty. The berries act as edible garnish while their juice colors the punch a gorgeous pink and adds extra strawberry flavor you wouldn’t get from fresh berries alone. Plus they keep the punch cold as they finish thawing in the bowl.

Float thin slices of orange and lemon on top for a classic punchbowl look.

Kitchen Tips

• Thaw the concentrates but keep the strawberries only half-thawed. They’ll act as ice and keep the punch cold longer.
• Add the ginger ale and sparkling water at the very last minute for maximum fizz.
• Use a block of ice instead of cubes in the punchbowl. It melts slower and dilutes the punch less.
• This is non-alcoholic as written, making it perfect for family gatherings and showers.

Variations

• Add a bottle of champagne or prosecco instead of sparkling water for an adults-only version.
• Swap the ginger ale for lemon-lime soda for a sweeter, less gingery punch.
• Freeze some of the punch into ice cubes ahead of time so they keep the bowl cold without diluting flavor.