This is, without a doubt, the best punch ever. It is a slightly tart punch, which people seem to find more refreshing than a sweet punch. I make it for church affairs, woman’s clubs, showers, etc. People are always asking me to make it. Citric acid is purchased at drugstores or the pharmacy department of grocery stores. You can make the base ahead of time, pour it into a plastic gallon jug, freeze it, and add the juices and ginger ale when serving.
2 plus 1 quarts (8 plus 4 cups) water
2 tablespoons citric acid powder
3 cups granulated sugar
1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 (12-ounce) can frozen limeade or lemonade, prepared
1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice
1 (2-liter) bottle ginger ale
Crushed ice
In a medium-size saucepan bring 1 quart of the water to a boil. In a 2-quart glass pitcher combine the citric acid powder, sugar, and the boiling water. Cover and allow this to sit out overnight. Do not refrigerate.
Add the remaining 2 quarts water to the above mixture. When ready to serve, add the can of orange juice concentrate, the prepared limeade or lemonade (whichever you prefer), pineapple juice, and ginger ale to the base. Fill a large punch bowl with crushed ice and pour the prepared punch over the ice.
Hint: You can change the color or change the punch by adding other fruit juices (grape, cranberry, etc) or frozen punch.
YIELD: 50 TO 60 SERVINGS
Jeanne Smith
Covington, Georgia