Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Punch: Recipe for Eight
Non-alcoholic strawberry punch needs flavourful berries and a base that is not overly sweet.
Non-alcoholic strawberry punch needs flavourful berries and a base that is not overly sweet. A small puréed portion spreads the strawberry flavour better than whole fruit alone.
A practical recipe
For eight glasses, wash and hull 500 g strawberries. Purée 100 g and quarter the remainder. Mix with 600 ml white grape juice and 60 ml lemon juice. Add 800 ml sparkling water at serving time. Fruit increases the total volume beyond the liquid measure.
Plan the preparation
Use ripe berries for the purée and firmer pieces for the fruit garnish. Keep the mixture chilled. Offer a spoon or fork for the fruit rather than thin straws that clog with pieces.
Flavour and variations
For a floral version, initially add 30 ml elderflower cordial and taste after topping up. Sweet grape juice may make it unnecessary. Mint in individual glasses stays fresher than many crushed leaves throughout the bowl.
Preparation and serving
Chill the ingredients before mixing. Keep the juice base and sparkling ingredients separate until serving. Put ice in individual glasses where possible so a large pitcher does not dilute throughout the event. Stir any fruit-purée base before dividing it between glasses.
Make a small trial serving first. Juices, nectars and sodas vary in sweetness; once the ratio works, scale it up. Record the final quantities so the next pitcher tastes consistent.
Common question
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes for the purée. Thawed berries are softer and less suitable as firm fruit pieces.
The fruit punch guide explains serving quantities.