Citrus Cherry Splash
Indulge in a vibrant and revitalizing Citrus Cherry Splash that puts a delightful twist on your typical lemonade. This charming beverage combines the zesty brightness of freshly squeezed lemons and oranges with the sweet, rich flavor of maraschino cherry juice. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or simply to quench your thirst, this punch features bright colors that will draw your guests' attention. Serve it ice-cold and watch their faces light up with every delicious sip!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon Juice
2/3 cup (Freshly squeezed from about 2 lemons)
Lemons
2 (Juiced and sliced for garnish)
Oranges
2 (Juiced and sliced for garnish)
Orange Juice
1/3 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Cherry Juice
1 cup (From jar of maraschino cherries)
Granulated Sugar
2 cups (Regular sugar)
Water
Enough to fill a gallon jug (Hot and cold water as needed)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing a clean gallon jug, such as an empty milk or water container.
2
Fill the jug about one-quarter full with hot water. This will help in dissolving the sugar more effectively.
3
Add the granulated sugar to the hot water and stir well until completely dissolved.
4
Squeeze the juice from the lemons and oranges directly into the jug, ensuring no seeds get in.
5
Pour in the maraschino cherry juice and the additional orange juice, mixing thoroughly.
6
Slice the reserved, juiced lemons and oranges into thin rounds. Add these fruity slices to the mix, allowing the natural oils from the skins to infuse the drink with added flavor.
7
Fill the jug with cold water to the top, giving it a gentle shake to mix all the ingredients well.
8
Serve this refreshing beverage over ice in individual glasses and enjoy the vibrant Citrus Cherry Splash!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Citrus Cherry Splash?
It is a refreshing, vibrant lemonade-style beverage that combines freshly squeezed lemons and oranges with sweet maraschino cherry juice for a colorful punch.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of granulated sugar to sweeten the gallon-sized beverage.
What type of container should I use?
A clean gallon jug, such as an empty milk or water container, is ideal for mixing and storing this drink.
Why is hot water used in the first step?
Hot water is used to help the granulated sugar dissolve more effectively and quickly.
Can I use bottled juices instead of fresh citrus?
While the recipe specifies freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor, bottled lemon or orange juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How much cherry juice is added?
One cup of cherry juice, specifically from a jar of maraschino cherries, is added to the mix.
How many lemons are needed?
You will need approximately 2 lemons to produce the required 2/3 cup of juice and for sliced garnishes.
How many oranges are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 oranges to be juiced and sliced for garnish.
Is there a specific way to prepare the fruit slices?
Yes, the reserved juiced lemons and oranges should be sliced into thin rounds and added directly to the jug.
What is the benefit of adding the fruit skins to the drink?
Adding the sliced fruit rounds allows the natural oils from the skins to infuse the beverage with extra depth and flavor.
How do I ensure no seeds get into the drink?
You should squeeze the citrus juice directly into the jug while using a strainer or being careful to remove any seeds first.
How much total liquid does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to fill a standard one-gallon jug.
Should Citrus Cherry Splash be served cold?
Yes, it is best served ice-cold over ice in individual glasses for maximum refreshment.
Can I use cold water to dissolve the sugar?
It is not recommended, as sugar dissolves much slower in cold water; starting with a quarter-jug of hot water is more efficient.
Is this drink suitable for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, its bright colors and refreshing taste make it a perfect choice for warm weather parties and events.
What kind of sugar is best?
Regular granulated sugar is recommended for this recipe.
Can I add other fruits to this punch?
While the recipe focuses on citrus and cherry, you could certainly experiment by adding berries or lime slices.
How do I mix the ingredients in the jug?
After adding all ingredients and filling with cold water, give the jug a gentle shake to ensure everything is well combined.
Does this recipe have any nutritional information listed?
The provided recipe data does not currently list specific calorie, fat, or protein counts.
What is the preparation time for this drink?
The recipe is quick to prepare, involving only juicing, slicing, and mixing, usually taking about 10-15 minutes.
Is this a non-alcoholic beverage?
Yes, as written, the Citrus Cherry Splash is a family-friendly non-alcoholic punch.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your personal preference, though the 2-cup measurement provides a traditional sweet lemonade taste.
How do I get the 'splash' effect?
The 'splash' comes from the combination of zesty citrus juices and the sweet, concentrated maraschino cherry juice.
What color is the final drink?
The combination of orange juice and red cherry juice creates a vibrant, bright color that is very eye-catching.
Can I make this in a punch bowl instead of a jug?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients in a large punch bowl, ensuring you maintain the same ratios for a gallon of liquid.
Should I peel the fruit before slicing?
No, leave the peels on the slices as the oils in the skin provide significant flavor to the drink.
What kind of cherry juice should I buy?
Use the liquid from a standard jar of maraschino cherries for the intended sweet flavor profile.
How do I serve this for a party?
Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled mixture over the ice, and ensure each glass gets a slice of fruit for presentation.
Is it okay to use tap water?
Yes, tap water is fine, but using filtered water can result in a cleaner taste.
How long can I store this in the refrigerator?
It can be stored for 2-3 days, though the citrus flavor is brightest when consumed fresh.