Virgin Citrus and Ginger Punch
A zesty and invigorating nonalcoholic punch combining fresh citrus juices and a hint of spicy ginger for a crowd-pleasing refreshment. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, ginger ale for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 8, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh orange juice
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups ginger ale
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger root
- 1 cup orange slices
- 1 cup lemon slices
- 3 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pitcher, whisk together 3 cups fresh orange juice, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root until the honey dissolves and the ginger is well incorporated.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups chilled ginger ale slowly to preserve carbonation, stirring gently to combine.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup orange slices and 1 cup lemon slices to the pitcher for garnish and additional citrus aroma.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups ice cubes to chill the punch thoroughly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Virgin Citrus and Ginger Punch take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Virgin Citrus and Ginger Punch?
Refrigerate any leftover virgin citrus and ginger punch in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Virgin Citrus and Ginger Punch?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Virgin Citrus and Ginger Punch for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Virgin Citrus and Ginger Punch?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
