My delicious Sparkling Citrus Punch is a summer time favorite among both adults and kids alike. Best of all, you can enjoy this cool and refreshing beverage at any time of the day. It’s super simple to make and always a big hit when entertaining.

This healthy drink is also chock full of Vitamin C goodness. Now since I live in the Sunshine State (FL), getting fresh citrus fruits all year around isn’t much of an issue. I do recommend using freshly squeezed fruit juices when possible but using store bought juices is also a great timesaver & big shortcut – so go ahead.

You can use sparkling water, ginger ale or even club soda to make this punch. You can also use champagne (French), prosecco (Italian), cava (Spanish from Spain) or any sparkling wine for more a grown-up version.


SPARKLING CITRUS PUNCH

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh citrus juice (orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, tangerine juice… any combination)
1 cup fresh mango juice
½ cup fresh pineapple juice
½ cup sugar or honey, to taste (agave nectar also works well)
½ tsp ground cinnamon powder
¼ tsp ground cardamom powder
pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups sparkling water or ginger ale
½ cup pomegranate seeds (or fresh raspberries or even diced fresh kiwi) for garnish
a few fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

METHOD:

You can make this punch in either a large pitcher or punch bowl. First, combine all of the lovely fruits juice together. Then add the sugar and mix well to combine. Next, add in the spices (ground cinnamon powder, ground cardamom powder and the freshly grated nutmeg). Stir well and add the sparkling water or ginger ale. Mix well and serve chilled in tall pretty decorative glasses over ice. Garnish the individual glasses with the lovely pomegranate seeds (or a few fresh raspberries or some diced fresh kiwi). If you are using a large punch bowl, simply add a few ice cubes and the fruit garnishes to the punch bowl itself. Garnish with a few mint leaves for a delicious and refreshing taste. Serve this tasty beverage anytime of the day and enjoy!


VARIATIONS:

For pure decadence, you can add a few drops of rose water & a pinch of saffron. You could also a few drops of orange blossom water.

Feel free to experiment with various exotic fruit juices such as lychee juice or coconut water (not coconut milk).