SummerSimo Travel Troubles Notes and The Purring Page

Refreshing Strawberry Punch

Ingredients:

• 1 quart (about 950ml) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, or to taste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
• 1 quart (about 950ml) chilled ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Sliced strawberries, for garnish (optional)
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
• Ice cubes

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir gently to coat the strawberries in sugar, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
2. After the strawberries have macerated, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add lemon juice to the strawberries and blend until smooth.
3. Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove any seeds or pulp. Discard the solids.
4. Chill the strained strawberry mixture in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
5. Just before serving, pour the chilled ginger ale or lemon-lime soda into the pitcher with the strawberry mixture. Stir gently to combine.
6. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry punch over the ice.
7. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves, sliced strawberries, and lemon slices, if desired.
8. Stir gently before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time) | Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)

Servings: Makes about 8 cups of punch