Spring Cocktails Pink Lemonade (Print out)

A citrus and berry punch bursting with vibrant pink hues, ideal for lively springtime events.

# What You'll Need:

→ Citrus Base

01 - 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 8-10 lemons)
02 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 4 limes)
03 - 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh or store-bought

→ Sweetener & Flavor

04 - 1 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
05 - 1/2 cup cranberry juice
06 - 1/2 cup strawberry purée from fresh or frozen strawberries

→ Sparkling Finish

07 - 4 cups cold sparkling water or club soda
08 - 2 cups cold water
09 - Ice cubes as needed

→ Garnish

10 - 1 lemon, sliced into wheels
11 - 1 lime, sliced into wheels
12 - 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
13 - Fresh mint sprigs, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
02 - Stir in cranberry juice and strawberry purée. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
03 - Add cold water and sparkling water. Stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
04 - Fill glasses or the punch bowl with ice cubes as desired.
05 - Top each serving with lemon and lime slices, strawberry halves, and mint sprigs.
06 - Serve immediately to preserve maximum carbonation and chill.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's fresh-squeezed and tastes nothing like artificial punch mixes—your guests will actually taste the real citrus.
  • Zero alcohol means everyone at your party can enjoy it, from kids to designated drivers to your grandmother who raises an eyebrow at cocktails.
  • You can prep almost everything ahead, then just add the sparkling water when people arrive so it stays properly fizzy.
  • The pretty pink color comes naturally from strawberries and cranberry juice, no food coloring needed or wanted.
02 -
  • The sparkling water is a timing thing—add it too early and your punch goes flat by the time the third person serves themselves, so treat it like the final step even if you've prepped everything else hours ahead.
  • Fresh-squeezed juice makes an actual difference here because the acidity and flavor are brighter and more alive than bottled, and your guests will taste the effort immediately.
03 -
  • Freeze some of your citrus slices in ice cubes the night before—they look beautiful as they float and slowly release extra flavor without diluting the punch as regular ice does.
  • Taste the punch after you add the sparkling water and adjust the sweetness if needed—sparkling water can make everything taste slightly sharper, so sometimes you need a tiny bit more simple syrup than you expected.
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