Strawberry Citrus Basil Punch

Florida grows a lot of strawberries and it’s peak season now. The markets are overflowing with big, red, juicy strawberries! They are so beautiful I couldn’t help myself, I got two pints. Since it’s Memorial Day weekend, I thought I would make a colorful and refreshing punch using strawberries and citrus juices I had at home.

In a large clean gallon size container, mix the pineapple, orange juice, rum and orange liquor. Slice a few strawberries and pineapple chunks and place them in a plastic bag. Place both in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, slice two limes and add to a pitcher along with the sliced fruit. Pour the juice mixture just shy of a few inches from the top. Add a handful of small basil leaves and top with lemon-lime sparkling water. The basil fragrances the punch without overpowering it. Stir, pour and enjoy! It was so delicious and refreshing, you couldn’t even tell there was alcohol!

Feel free to spike the punch a bit more! As a host, you need to know your crowd and the event. I made this for a family friendly backyard BBQ gathering with children so it had to be light on the alcohol.
Note: I used an empty water bottle that hold 3 quarts and a few ounces. You can also use a clean gallon container. If the juices & alcohol can’t sit overnight, try and make it first thing in the morning. The longer those flavors blend, the better the punch. Optional: Make a garnish for your cups/glasses with strawberries and pineapples. I added pitted cherries to mine. The punch recipe yielded more than what my pitcher would hold. I had to refill it and eventually ran out of punch. Always a good sign. If you use a larger punch bowl or beverage dispenser, it should hold the full recipe with room to spare.

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Strawberry Citrus Basil Punch

A light and refreshing adult citrus punch with a hint of basil and fresh fruit for color. Make a double batch, this punch is a crowd pleaser.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword BBQ cocktails, Citrus Punch, Strawberry, Summer drinks

Servings 8 servings

Author The Tiny Fairy

Ingredients

• 1 48 oz can pineapple juice
• 1 cup orange juice, no pulp
• 1 cup Bacardi rum
• 1/4 cup orange liquor
• a handful small basil leaves
• 1/2 pint strawberries
• 1/2 fresh pineapple cut in chunks (can also use canned)
• 2 limes, thinly sliced
• 1 liter lemon-lime sparking water

Instructions

1. In a clean gallon size container, mix the pineapple juice, orange juice, rum and orange liquor. Slice some strawberries and pineapples and place in a plastic bag. Store both in the refrigerator overnight.

2. The next day, slice two limes and add to the pitcher along with the sliced fruit and basil leaves. Fill with the juice about 3/4 full. Top with the lemon-lime sparkling water.

   Stir and serve.