Description
This refreshing Strawberry Punch features a blend of sweet strawberry syrup, zesty lemon juice, and fizzy sparkling water, making it the perfect summer drink. Garnished with fresh mint and strawberries, it’s ideal for parties or a sunny afternoon!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 2 cups sparkling water or lemon-lime soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir gently to coat the strawberries with sugar.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and create a natural syrup.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors and thicken the syrup slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool for a few minutes.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the syrup into a bowl or measuring cup, pressing down on the strawberries to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. You should have about 1 to 1.5 cups of strawberry syrup.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled strawberry syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Add the 4 cups of water to the pitcher and stir again until everything is well mixed.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Just before serving, add the 2 cups of sparkling water or lemon-lime soda to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry punch over the ice.
- Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and additional sliced strawberries if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries.
- Adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet punch.
- Feel free to add other fruits like oranges or raspberries for variety.
- Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz.
- For an adult version, consider adding a splash of vodka or rum.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes