Skip to Content

Sparkling Summer Punch

Sharing is caring!

A refreshing sparkling summer punch is a great way to cool off after a hot day! Make this punch with non-alcoholic cider for a treat everyone can enjoy or use prosecco for a boozy kick. This punch is a beautiful way to showcase summer berries.

easy sparkling summer punch mocktail or cocktail

I needed to use up some frozen berries before our move and in throwing a little of this and a little of that into a pitcher, this easy sparkling summer punch was born! A quick text to a few neighbors, and we had an impromptu party for a few minutes on the sidewalk. It was so lovely, and so needed, that I felt the moment needed to be recorded. And the best way to record it was to share this easy sparkling summer punch recipe on the blog!

Most of you might think a picture would work, but I always forget to take pictures in the moment. Oh well.

My girlfriends complimented this punch, and then laughed when I told them how easy it was to make. Partially because I started with “first you make a mint simple syrup…”. Apparently making simple syrups isn’t a thing most people do, but it should be!

sparkling summer punch can be made with nonalcoholic cider or prosecco

Simple syrup is simply (haha) a 1:1 combination of sugar and water. You heat both together in a pot, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat, transfer to a container, and chill until you need it. Easy! And for this punch, you make a lovely mint simple syrup.

I used the same in my mint lemonade recipe. Making an infused simple syrup is just as easy as making regular simple syrup, you just toss whatever flavor you’d like in there. In this case, I added a couple of sprigs of fresh mint from my garden. Let the syrup rest off the heat for 10 minutes before straining out the mint. Chill and use it in your punch when you’re ready. If you have extra, you can use it in tea or a small batch of the above-mentioned lemonade.

use fresh berries if you have them, or frozen if you don't!

I’m giving you a recipe for 1 1/2 cups of simple syrup, because the exact amount you use in the recipe will vary. When I make this using the frozen mixed berries (or sweeter fresh berries), I find I use only about a cup of the mint syrup. The same goes for using cider. A lot of the non-alcoholic ciders are pretty sweet already, so you won’t need much of the syrup; just enough to add a little mint kick.

Unlike a sangria, this punch doesn’t really need a resting time, so you can start with less syrup and adjust the flavor as needed. If you’d like to prep this easy punch recipe in advance, I would add all the ingredients (starting with a little less syrup) to your pitcher, then add your “sparkle” when you are ready to serve.

A delicious sparkling summer punch for barbecues!

I hope you enjoy this recipe darlings! Stay cool and safe this summer!

easy sparkling summer punch mocktail or cocktail

Sparkling Summer Punch

Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

A refreshing sparkling summer punch is a great way to cool off after a hot day! Make this punch with non-alcoholic cider for a treat everyone can enjoy or use prosecco for a boozy kick.

Ingredients

  • 1 750-ml bottle non-alcoholic cider or prosecco
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (or 1/3 cup triple sec)
  • 1-1.5 cups mint simple syrup
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries or mixed fresh or frozen berries
  • Optional: extra mint for garnish

Mint Simple Syrup

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Make the mint simple syrup (may be made in advance):

  1. Combine the water, sugar, and fresh mint in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then remove immediately from the burner.
  2. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes and then remove the mint and transfer to a large mason jar or another container for storage. Refrigerate until well chilled.

Make the punch:

  1. In a pitcher, combine the berries, orange juice, lemon, and 1 cup of the simple syrup. If using frozen berries, you don't have to thaw.
  2. If serving the punch immediately, pour your cider or prosecco over the fruit and serve chilled. If you'd rather serve later, mix the fruit up to 8-12 hours in advance and then pour your sparkling beverage of choice over the fruit mixture just before serving.
  3. Stir and check the sweetness level. Add more of the simple syrup if you'd like.
  4. Serve the sparkling summer punch immediately over ice. Add extra mint leaves or more fruit for garnish in the glasses if desired. Enjoy!


Notes

  • In my tests, we realized we preferred using a mix of berries to just strawberries. Fresh or frozen worked equally well. Go figure strawberries were all I had on hand on shoot day. But use what you have. Strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries worked best.
  • If you are serving more than 4-5, I would double the recipe because most people will serve more than one glass, and many disposable cups are pretty big.
  • Don't add ice to the punch, instead add it to the cups if you are using.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Did this recipe inspire you?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to Recipe