Old Fashioned Fruit Punch

This is the punch your grandma made for every church social, family reunion, and backyard birthday party. And there’s a reason it never went out of style.

Cold tea forms the base (yes, tea!) and gives the punch a subtle tannin backbone that keeps all that fruit sweetness from going one-note. Fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juice bring bright, real citrus flavor that powdered mixes can’t touch.

Sugar dissolves into the chilled juice blend, and right before the guests arrive, ginger ale and sparkling water go in for fizz. Orange slices float on top, and a big bunch of fresh mint makes the whole bowl smell like summer.

At 40 cups, this is built for a crowd and built to impress.

Pro Tips

• Brew the tea strong and let it cool completely before mixing. Black tea or a fruity herbal tea both work well
• Add the ginger ale and soda water at the very last minute to keep maximum fizz
• Freeze some of the punch in ice cube trays or a ring mold so it chills the bowl without diluting the flavor
• Adjust sugar to taste. Start with 1 cup and work up depending on how sweet your oranges are