
How to Make Fresh Herb & Citrus Punch [Quick Recipe]
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Time to read 5 min
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Time to read 5 min
Spring is finally here, and honestly, there’s nothing better than kicking off the season with a fresh, vibrant drink that screams sunshine and patio weather. That's why I’m so excited about this Herb & Citrus Spring Punch . It’s light, it’s refreshing, and it’s ridiculously easy to throw together when you’ve got people coming over — or even if you just want a “fancy” drink moment for yourself.
The secret ingredient that totally sets it apart? Our Berry & Brine Strawberry Basil Syrup. It gives the punch a sweet, herby twist that pairs perfectly with the tart grapefruit juice and the spicy little zing from the ginger beer. Toss in a bunch of citrus slices, fresh herbs, and a splash of soda water, and you’ve got a pitcher that’s almost too pretty to drink. (Almost.) You can even spike it with a little gin or vodka if you’re feeling it — perfect for brunches, baby showers, Mother’s Day, or just an afternoon hangout. Let’s dive into this easy, breezy springtime sip you’ll want on repeat.
Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
Go for a fresh-pressed or good-quality bottled ruby red grapefruit juice. It should be naturally sweet with a little tart bite — not overly bitter. A smoother juice gives the citrus punch a bright, fruity base without overpowering the syrup and soda.
Ginger Beer
Choose a ginger beer with a nice spicy kick but not too much sugar. Brands like Fever-Tree or Bundaberg work great. You want that bold ginger flavor to add a little warmth and sparkle to the drink.
Berry & Brine Strawberry Basil Syrup
Our house-made syrup is where the magic happens. It’s sweet, slightly herbal, and brings a summery freshness that ties the whole punch together. Don’t skip it — it’s what makes this drink special!
Soda Water
A good plain soda water adds the perfect amount of fizz without any extra sweetness. Stick to a classic like Perrier, or use a soda stream if you have one at home.
Ice
Big ice cubes work best here so the punch doesn’t get watered down too fast. If you want to be extra, freeze some citrus slices into the cubes!
Citrus and Herb Garnishes
Grab fresh grapefruit, lemon, lime slices, strawberries, basil, and mint. The more colorful and fragrant your garnishes, the more festive and gorgeous your citrus punch pitcher will be!
Large pitcher
Long spoon or stir stick
Measuring cups
Sharp knife and cutting board
Ice bucket or tray
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This Fresh Herb Citrus Punch combines Berry & Brine Strawberry Basil Syrup, fresh citrus juice, and sparkling water for a vibrant, herb-forward refresher.
Chill your pitcher if you have time — it keeps everything nice and cold longer.
Add ice to the bottom of the pitcher.
Pour in the ruby red grapefruit juice, ginger beer, Berry & Brine Strawberry Basil Syrup, and soda water.
Give it a gentle stir — don’t over-mix or you’ll lose the fizz.
Add citrus slices, strawberries, and herbs right into the pitcher.
Taste and adjust — if you want it a little sweeter, add a touch more syrup.
Serve immediately and garnish glasses with extra mint and fruit if you like!
Optional: Add a splash of gin, vodka, or a little herb liquor for an adult twist!
And just like that, you’ve got a citrus punch that's vibrant, fresh, and ready to make you the unofficial queen of spring hosting. The combo of citrus, ginger beer, and our Berry & Brine Strawberry Basil Syrup takes this from “nice” to “wow, what’s in this?!” in no time. Whether you keep it alcohol-free or spice it up with a little gin, this Herb & Citrus Spring Punch is sure to become one of your warm-weather favorites.
If you don’t have ruby red grapefruit juice on hand, you’ve got some fun options! Blood orange juice would be amazing — it’s a little sweeter and has that gorgeous deep color. You could also do a mix of lemon and orange juice for a more traditional citrus punch vibe. Even pineapple juice could work if you want it a little more tropical. Just make sure whatever you choose isn’t overly sugary, since the ginger beer and the syrup already bring plenty of flavor.
Honestly, this punch is best enjoyed fresh because of the soda water and ginger beer — you want that fizzy, lively texture! But if you have leftovers, you can definitely keep it in the fridge for about 24 hours. Just expect it to lose a bit of its sparkle. If you're planning ahead, you can mix the juice and syrup together a few hours early and then add the ginger beer, soda, and garnishes right before serving.
Basil and mint are my go-to herbs for this punch, but you can totally get creative! Try thyme for a woodsy, slightly floral note or even rosemary if you want it to lean a little more savory and bold. A sprig of lemon balm would be gorgeous too if you can find it. Fresh herbs just make the whole pitcher smell and taste so much fresher!