When I was growing up, there was this punch.
I remember going to weddings, baby and bridal showers with my Mom as a kid. She would always go to extra pains to make sure that we looked our best. We were freshly bathed, wearing our Sunday dresses and had perfect hair.
And then as soon as we arrived, my sisters and I rushed with all the other children to the dessert and drink table. We would gather our goodies and sit down to feast. I remember my Mom always looked at the color of the drinks. It was usually some kind of grape juice mixture or fruit punch, and she would inwardly shutter. Because as a Mom of 5, she knew that those drinks would inevitably stain faces, dresses, tablecloths or carpet.
Finally, at one event my Aunt found the perfect recipe. This time we rushed the dessert table only to find what looked like cups of water. I remember someone complaining, "It's only water, guys." We took our drinks and dessert and sat to eat at the kid's table. When my cousin took a sip, she exclaimed excitedly, "Guys! It's not water!" We each took a sip and then downed our new favorite drink and went back for more with no looks from Mom.
That recipe became a tradition in our family. Different family members would mix up the extracts, or fruit to change up the flavors but the basic drink recipe has always stayed the same. And it is a crowd pleaser still to this day. The version that I am sharing with you is the ever popular strawberry-lemon version.
It only takes a few ingredients, and makes this drink inexpensive and easy!
Start by dissolving sugar in water. You can use sugar substitutes here, just add to taste.
Next add the secret ingredient Citric Acid (this can be found online or in the canning section at your local grocer.)
Next add your favorite extract or extracts. We used lemon extract.
Stir and serve with Ice. Now add strawberries and lemons for a touch of beauty.
Enjoy! Don't forget to use our cup holder so that your guests can keep track of their cups!
Perfect Party Punch
- 5 Quarts of Water
- 2 1/2 - 3 Cups Sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Citric Acid ( Found in the Canning Section)
- 1 Tbsp. Lemon, Orange, & Strawberry Extract
- Fresh lemon, lime, orange, kiwi, or strawberries
Mix 1 quart of water with sugar and dissolve. Add citric acid, extract and the rest of the water. Fill punch bowl or Dispenser with ice. Add liquid. Add fresh fruit for added taste and decorative look. Enjoy!