Instructions
Prepare the Fruit: Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold water and remove the green hulls. Slice them in half or quarters depending on size. The strawberries will both flavor the punch and provide beautiful visual appeal floating in the pink liquid. Wash the apples and cut them into quarters, removing the cores. Slice the quarters into thin wedges, about one-eighth inch thick. The thin slices look elegant and are easy to drink around. You can leave the colorful peel on for visual interest, or peel them if you prefer. Place some of the strawberry and apple slices in the refrigerator to keep as fresh garnish for serving, and set the rest aside for the punch.
Make the Creamy Base: In a blender, combine one cup of the fresh strawberries, one cup of strawberry juice, the softened vanilla ice cream, and the heavy cream. The ice cream is the secret ingredient that creates the signature creamy, smooth texture that makes this punch special. Blend on high speed for thirty to forty-five seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no strawberry chunks remaining. The color should be a beautiful pale pink. Taste and add honey or sugar if you’d like it sweeter, though the ice cream and juices usually provide enough sweetness. Blend again briefly to incorporate.
Combine the Liquids: Pour the creamy strawberry mixture into a large punch bowl or pitcher. Add the remaining strawberry juice, apple juice, pineapple juice, and fresh lemon juice. The pineapple juice adds tropical sweetness and helps balance the flavors, while the lemon juice provides brightness and prevents the apples from browning. Stir everything together thoroughly with a large spoon or ladle. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and a lovely pink color. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding a bit more honey or juice.
Add the Fruit: Add the reserved sliced strawberries and apple wedges to the punch bowl. Gently stir to distribute the fruit throughout. The fruit pieces add texture, flavor, and visual appeal, creating that stunning presentation that makes this punch so Instagram-worthy. As the punch sits, the fruit will release more flavor into the liquid, making it even more delicious. The apples stay crisp and provide a refreshing crunch, while the strawberries soften slightly and infuse the drink with berry flavor.
Chill: If time allows, refrigerate the punch for thirty minutes to an hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the punch is perfectly cold. The chill also helps the creamy base maintain its texture. If you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately, but make sure all your juice ingredients are well chilled beforehand.
Add the Fizz: Just before serving—this is important—add the chilled ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Pour it gently down the side of the bowl to preserve the carbonation. Stir very gently just once or twice to incorporate. The soda adds delightful effervescence and lightness to the creamy punch. If you add it too early, it will go flat. For a continuous supply at a party, keep the soda separate and add it to the bowl as needed when you refill.
Serve: Add ice cubes to the punch bowl or to individual glasses. Ladle the creamy punch into glasses, making sure each serving gets some of the floating fruit. The punch should be pale pink and creamy with visible strawberry specks and floating fruit slices. Garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry slice, an apple wedge, and a sprig of fresh mint if desired. The presentation is half the appeal of this beautiful beverage.
Party Tip: For a fun presentation at parties, you can freeze small strawberries and apple pieces in ice cubes ahead of time. These fruity ice cubes keep the punch cold without diluting it as they melt, and they look absolutely stunning. You can also float scoops of vanilla ice cream on top of the punch for an extra creamy, indulgent touch.
Variations: Make it non-dairy by using coconut milk ice cream and coconut cream instead of dairy. Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Use raspberry juice instead of strawberry for a different berry flavor. For adults, add a splash of champagne or prosecco instead of soda for a celebratory twist.
Tips for Success
Soften the ice cream slightly before blending for smoother mixing. Add the soda just before serving to maintain carbonation. Keep all ingredients well chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Storage
This punch is best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store without the soda in the refrigerator for up to twenty-four hours. The creamy texture may separate slightly; just stir before serving and add fresh soda.
