A simple mixture of cranberry, pineapple, orange, cherry, and lime juice makes for a delicious and nostalgic Fruit Punch Recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy. Made using store-bought ingredients and topped off with a splash of ginger ale that’s great for holidays, parties, and barbecues.
If you’ve ever wondered what fruit punch is made of it’s swimming with bursts of tart, fruity sweetness from colorful juices such as cranberry, cherry, orange, and pineapple. It also has just the right amount of fizz. Rather than sipping on plain fruit juice from the carton, this medley brings a refreshing bouquet of tangy, tropical flavors to your tastebuds — plus, it’s one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make!
Fruit punch, which can be served at holiday parties, events, or even summer barbecues, is as nostalgic as a Shirley Temple. I love it because it’s super versatile — use fresh juice from leftover produce, or throw in some vodka to make a crowd-pleasing cocktail! You’ll love it because:
- It’s simple and easy to make. The juices are store-bought and just mixed together.
- This is the best fruit punch recipe because it’s undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser that both adults and children love.
- Can be made alcoholic. Just like Italian Soda, you can add some alcohol and make a drink that’s for adults.
Ingredients Needed
- Cranberry Juice: The majority of this fruit punch drink will be cranberry juice. It’s a great base because it’s got a potently sweet, fruity flavor.
- Pineapple Juice: You probably already know just how strong of a tart, tangy pineapple flavor you get from pineapple juice. It’s super sweet, so it makes the perfect addition.
- Orange Juice: I recommend using pulp-free orange juice to keep a smooth texture throughout. But if you love pulp, it’ll add more depth of flavor, so go for it!
- Cherry Juice: A hint of tart, bursting cherry flavor brings this whole punch together.
- Lime Juice: A bit of fresh, unsweetened lime juice adds the ideal amount of zing. Feel free to use lemon juice instead, if desired.
- Ginger Ale: I top this fruit punch drink off with fizzy ginger ale. It has its own subtle sweetness but evens out the potent tartness of all the fruit juices. Plus, I always like a bit of bubble in my punch! Lemon-lime soda may be substituted.
- Fresh Fruit: This is optional, but fresh berries or even fresh lime slices work as an elegant garnish for this fruity juice.
How to Make Fruit Punch
- Combine the juices – In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, cherry juice, and lime juice. Stir well.
- Top it off – Once stirred, top the juice off with your ginger ale.
- Garnish and serve – Garnish with fresh fruit or lime slices and serve!
Recipe Tips
- If you plan on making this ahead of when you want to serve it don’t add the ginger ale. Once ready to serve then pour it on top so it doesn’t lose its carbonation.
- Add some fresh fruit. Placing some fresh fruit such as sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, or sliced strawberries into the punch makes for a beautiful presentation.
- To make this an alcoholic fruit punch recipe add 1 to 2 cups of your favorite alcohol to the pitcher such as vodka, rum, or tequila. You can also just add 1 to 2 ounces of alcohol to each glass and top it off with the punch.
- You can also use frozen juice concentrate instead of juice.
- If you plan on serving this in a punch bowl pour some of the juice into an ice tray or a bundt pan and freeze it for ice cubes or an ice ring. Don’t add ice to the pitcher though because as it melts it will water down the punch.
FAQs
In homemade fruit punch the main flavor is cranberry juice, however, you can adjust the juice ratios to your liking. The commercial version of fruit punch contains very little fruit juice, which is why I recommend making your own.
Homemade fruit punch contains cranberry, pineapple, orange, cherry or apple, and fresh lime juice. To make it into a party punch ginger ale is added to the top for a little fizz.
Any leftovers can be poured into a jar with a lid and stored in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days, though it will lose it’s fizz. To serve it again shake the punch and top off with some additional ginger ale.
More Refreshing Drinks
Fruit Punch Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pitcher or punch bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cranberry Juice
- 2 cups Pineapple Juice
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 1 cup Cherry Juice
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice about 2 limes
- 3 cups Ginger Ale
- Fresh Fruit for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, cherry juice, and lime juice. Stir well.
- Once stirred, top the juice off with your ginger ale.
- Garnish with fresh fruit or lime slices and serve!
Notes
- If you plan on making this ahead of when you want to serve it don’t add the ginger ale. Once ready to serve then pour it on top so it doesn’t lose its carbonation.
- Add some fresh fruit. Placing some fresh fruit such as sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, or sliced strawberries into the punch makes for a beautiful presentation.
- To make this an alcoholic fruit punch recipe add 1 to 2 cups of your favorite alcohol to the pitcher such as vodka, rum, or tequila. You can also just add 1 to 2 ounces of alcohol to each glass and top it off with the punch.
- You can also use frozen juice concentrate instead of juice.
- If you plan on serving this in a punch bowl pour some of the juice into an ice tray or a bundt pan and freeze it for ice cubes or an ice ring. Don’t add ice to the pitcher though because as it melts it will water down the punch.