This recipe for Citrus Fruit Punch makes a sweet and refreshing drink that kids and adults will love in equal measure! Best of all it’s made entirely with fresh fruit.
Ready in under 15 minutes it’s a fresh alternative to store-bought drinks. Perfect for kids’ parties and summer gatherings.
One of the things I love about summer is the fresh, sweet citrus available at grocery stores.
When I was a kid, I loved orange Hi-C. The thought of the big can with the triangle-shaped hole in it brings back so many memories of summer vacation, poolside lunches, and days at the beach.
I created this citrus punch to make for my son, so he has a drink to look back on that will throw him back summer days gone by.
For another fresh summer drink full of fruit why not try my refreshing Homemade Lemonade or Peach Iced Tea, perfect for the adults at the party!
Why This Recipe Works
- The fresh fruit gives this punch fruity goodness you can’t get with store-bought.
- The mixture of sweet orange juice, sour lemons, and tart limes makes a delicious combination.
The Best Oranges for Juicing
- Valencia Oranges are a popular choice as most commercial orange juice is made of Valencia oranges. They are seedless which keeps things easy.
- Navel Oranges are large, juicy oranges that make wonderful juice. They also lack seeds which is convenient.
- Blood Oranges have a slightly lower acid content than the other oranges which makes them a great choice for juice. The deep color makes a gorgeous citrus punch.
Best Citrus for Punch
- Choose citrus fruits that are heavy for their size and have a good fragrance.
- The skin should be bright in color with no wrinkles.
- Thinner-skinned citrus fruits will yield more juice than thicker ones.
- The juiciest citrus fruits are the ones that have to give when you squeeze them. They will have more juice and less pith than their firmer companions.
How to Make Citrus Punch
- Pour all the juices into a jug together.
- Boil sugar and water to make a syrup
- Mix the juices and syrup together.
- Serve over ice.
Tips & Variations
- Pull out that juice machine you bought for that fad diet or that you got for Christmas or as a wedding gift. It’s the perfect gadget for recipes that call for fresh fruit juice.
- Be Sure to chill well before serving. The colder the juice, the slower your ice will melt, watering down your drink.
- Add the fruit to the glass, not the pitcher. This will keep the fruit from breaking down too much and clouding up your whole batch and leaving you with mushy fruit floating in your drink.
- If you want a fizzy drink simply mix with the soda of your choice.
- Use any citrus fruit you have on hand, make this drink your own.
Other Great Beverages
FAQs
This citrus punch lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
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Let’s Make Citrus Fruit Punch
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh orange juice
- 4 cups fresh lemon juice
- 2 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cups of boiling water
- 1½ cups sugar
- sliced fruit for garnish
Instructions
- Pour fruit juices into a large pitcher (a gallon size will be perfect).
- In a small saucepan, boil 2 cups of water, add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add the sugar mixture to the juice mixture and stir well.
- Store in refrigerator until chilled. Serve over ice with sliced fruit.
Tips + Notes
- Pull out that juice machine you bought for that fad diet or that you got for Christmas or as a wedding gift. It’s the perfect gadget for recipes that call for fresh fruit juice.
- Be Sure to chill well before serving. The colder the juice, the slower your ice will melt, watering down your drink.
- Add the fruit to the glass, not the pitcher. This will keep the fruit from breaking down too much and clouding up your whole batch and leaving you with mushy fruit floating in your drink.
Nutrition Information:
Update Notes: This post was originally published in July of 2014, but was republished with an updated recipe, new photos, and tips in June of 2018.
Carrie Rose says
Summertime in a glass! We all loved it!
Erren Hart says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by and sharing! 🙂
Valerie Riley says
I made this for a baby shower using frozen juices. Just fantastic!
Erren Hart says
That’s so great! Thanks for taking the time to let me know! 🙂
Kerri says
I’ve made this 3 times now! It is just delicious! Thanks, Erren!
Erren Hart says
I am so happy to hear it! Thanks so much for the lovely feedback!
Sarah says
Made this over the weekend for our first outdoor gathering, the kids loved it 😍
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you Sarah, I’m so pleased you liked it 🙂
Lily says
I made this with my daughter, it was easy and so worth the effort!
Erren's Kitchen says
I’m glad you liked it and it’s so lovely getting the kids involved isn’t it? 🙂
PJ says
I have a recipe very similar to this but we freeze it in ice cube trays. I use Juice of 5 Oranges, 2 Lemons, 48 oz Pineapple Juice and 5 crushed bananas. Dissolve 4 C Sugar in 6 C water and add the juices and crushed bananas. Stir and freeze in the ice cube trays. When frozen, put 4-5 cubes into a glass and fill the glass with 7-Up or Club Soda. Yeah, I can see using Vodka too 🙂 Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Julie says
Mmmmmm, that sounds so good too!
TheTurkeyHulk says
What about this is “very similar” though?
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
yum this looks so delicious.. the perfect refreshing drink for summer! i will be recreating this in my kitchen.. (however i definitely will be adding vodka). love it!
Erren says
By all means – add the vodka! 🙂