There is something so nostalgic about bright red fruit punch. It doesn’t really tast like any actual fruits, but it is sweet and stains easily, so naturally kids love it. This fruit punch also is sweet and probably stains easily, but it definitely tastes like fruit. You already know I am a water girl, as I shared in the recipe for authentic hibiscus tea. But, you also know I have exceptions. When I moved to Nicaragua, I was introduced to a long list of homemade drinks and fruit punch was one of them. The first time I tried it was at a sidewalk cafe in Leon, Nicaragua. It was about 108 that day and after taking a walking tour of the city, something fresh, cold and sweet sounded perfect. The waitress offered fruit punch and I was fully expecting the version that comes premade in a pouch. When this is arrived at the table instead, I instantly fell in love. The watermelon and cantaloup were fresh and sweet and the lime gave just enough tartness to balance things out. If you have some leftover fruit or are looking for something refreshing in the summer heat, you will love this super easy fresh fruit punch!
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commision should you choose to make a purchase using my link. Of course, if I share it, it’s because I love it and know you will, too. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choosing your fruits
This fruit punch is both a recipe and a method. What does that mean? Well, it means I’m going to tell you exactly what I think makes the best fruit punch. But, if you’ve got some pineapple you want to add in, go ahead! Some extra strawberries? Delicious. Lemons, but no limes? That will work. For this fruit punch, I like the combination of bananas, cantaloup, watermelon and a little lime. But, mix and match using this method to make your own summertime sippers. When choosing your fruits, keep in mind that fruits like bananas are really strong, but fruits like peaches tend to be more mild. If you decide to vary this recipe, I would suggest using strongly flavored fruits in small amounts and milder fruits as your base. That will help keep your fruit punch tasting more like fruit in general and less like straight banana juice.
Making the fruit punch
This fruit punch is so simple to make. Do you see that blender? It is the most basic $20 version available at Walmart. Maybe one day I’ll be the proud owner of a high-powered blender, but that day is not today. Although, Prime Day is coming up and I might be keeping my eye on this one to snag a deal. If you are like me and working with basic kitchen equipment, not to worry. You can still make this juice or any juice, easy peasy. For easy blending, you will need to cube your fruit in one inch pieces. Add about half to the blender along with half the sugar, half the lime juice and half the water. The acid in the fruit will help your sugar dissolve, so no need to worry about heating your fruit punch or making a simple syrup. You can also adjust the sugar depending on how sweet and ripe your fruit is. My fruit is typically pretty sweet and a half cup of sugar is usually plenty. If you try your watermelon or cantaloup and it is not very sweet, feel free to add a few additional tablespoons of sugar. Pulse the fruit punch and blend until fully puréed. Pour through a fine mesh strainer and press the pulp with a spoon to get out all the juice. Discard the pulp. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.
Serve and store
Until you are ready to serve, cover your fruit punch and store it in the refrigerator. For best freshness, I would suggest consuming the fruit punch within 3 days. After that, it begins to loose some of it’s flavor and liquids easily take on the flavors of whatever else is in the fridge. If you are looking for a slushy fruit punch, pour your juice into an ice tray and freeze for a minimum of 4 hours. Pop the frozen cupes in the blender and blend up for a sweet all-natural slushy. I also love pouring this juice into my popsicle mold and freezing for a perfect summer snack. For a perfect day-at-the-beach menu, I would fill a thermos with this fresh fruit punch, pack this Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad, make these BBQ Chicken Avocado Wraps with Tomato Corn Relish and our Best Ever Fudge Brownies.
Want to make your own fruit punch? This is everything you will need….
Fresh Fruit Punch
Equipment
- 1 blender
- 1 fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 5 cups watermelon, cut into 1 inch cubes
- ½ banana, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 cups cantaloupe, cut into 1 inch cubes
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
- In a blender, add half of all ingredients. Pulse to combine, then blend until fruit is fully pureed.
- Strain the juice into a pitcher using a fine mesh strainer. Discard the pulp.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Want to swap out the fruit for a custom fruit punch? Use a milder fruit like peaches, berries or pineapple as the base to your juice and stronger fruits like bananas or mangos in smaller amounts to ensure your juice comes out with a good balance of flavors.
- For an easy frozen treat, pour your juice into popsicle molds for homemade popsicles or freeze the juice in an ice cube tray, then blend the frozen cubes for a homemade slushy.
- Cover the juice and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days for best freshness.