Ok. Let’s just start thinking about things that are happy and bright shall we? Somewhere in all this hubbub, spring happened. Though there’s rain in our forecast and I’m sure my friends in Utah and Colorado still have at least one more sporadic blizzard to come, let’s talk sunny days and this citrus picnic punch!
Citrus Picnic Punch
If the idea of a picnic punch is new to you, you aren’t alone.Think of this type of recipe as a make-ahead cocktail, which I think need to be more plentiful in life!
Whether you’re having friends and family over or meeting people elsewhere, this kind of drink pretty much answers all your problems.
No need to schlep bottles with you anywhere or clean up many dishes there to make your delectable libation. Just throw the ingredients together in a sealed jar, let it marinate in the fridge, and then enjoy!
Make-Ahead Cocktails
So, I actually feel really silly that I hadn’t thought about making cocktails ahead of time. I mean, I did once consider myself a sangria recipe extraordinaire!
So why the idea of cocktails (not wine-based) marinating before your gathering didn’t dawn on me…..well, let’s just say I’m embarrassed.
Thankfully, I’m out from under my rock, however!
The recipe below is for 3-4. You could easily amend it to make it for 2 drinks or to make it for a group of 6-8!
Fresh Herbs in Cocktails
So obviously the fresh orange and lemon juice make this drink so delicious. But what really takes it to the next level is the fresh herbs!
The mint and basil leaves provide a great flavor, making this drink far more than just a spirit and orange juice. They’re really what make this drink perfect for anything social and, preferably, outdoors!
I’ve used fresh thyme in this raspberry sangria and love the natural earthiness it adds to the mix!
You could absolutely experiment with different fresh herbs. Tarragon or rosemary might be fun. You might try swapping out just one of the herbs at a time as you figure it out!!
You could also try making your own lemon verbana infused vodka for this drink!
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If you’re looking for other drinks to quench your thirst in the heat, check out these summer mocktail recipes or these fresh strawberry cocktails! This fresh peach lemonade is also perfection.
You’ll be craving this lavender iced tea all summer long! Iced Mexican coffee is a great pick me up morning and afternoon! Or if you need a mix of your drink types, just start looking at this list of tasty drink recipes!
If it’s citrus season, give this tangerine cocktail a go. It’s lovely!!
More Citrus Recipes
While I love oranges, mandarins, and the like on their own and in tasty cocktails, I can’t tell you how delicious these fruits are in other recipes. Citrus is the perfect partner in this orange beet salad and atop these blood orange crostini.
CITRUS PICNIC PUNCH
Ingredients
- 10 ounces fresh navel orange juice about 3 oranges
- 2 ounces fresh lemon juice preferably Meyer lemons (about 1 large lemon)
- 4 ounces vodka
- 6 large basil leaves
- 2 sprigs of mint
- crushed ice
- orange slices and herb leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Add the orange juice, lemon juice, and vodka to a quart jar with a lid. Stir well. Add the basil leaves, tearing a few as you toss them in. Add the mint sprigs, pulling a few leaves off and tearing them as well.
- Seal the jar. Shake and place the fridge for about 2 hours, until chilled. Shake once or twice as it chills.
- To serve, fill 3 to 4 glasses with crushed ice. Strain in the cocktail and garnish with orange slices and herbs before serving.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I was looking for a recipe like this, thank you for sharing!
Amy says
What a perfect summer drink!
Sophie Goel says
This looks gorgeous and delicious! LOVE that you can make it ahead of time.
Irina says
Yes, you are right: let’s get ready to open the summertime – BBQ time – making this amazing citrus picnic punch! Pinning!
Nadia says
So good. I made it last week for a pool day and it was gone within the hour.