Zesty citrus cider punch

If lemonade met cider, this would be their love child. The distinct characters of citrus fruits – the sweetness of orange, the acidity of lemon, and the bitter aroma of lime – layer upon each other. Apple juice provides the base, and carbonation makes it bubbly. This is a 'mocktail' base that becomes a grown-up drink when spiked with cider.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 140 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Modern

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large jug
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife

Instructions

1

Wash the fruits and slice them into thin rounds. Place at the bottom of the jug and drizzle with honey.

Tip: Honey directly on the fruit helps extract their juices (osmotic effect).
2

Gently press the fruits with the wooden spoon, then let stand for 5-10 minutes.

Tip: This short rest (maceration) results in more intense flavours than if you poured liquid over immediately.
3

Top up with the apple juice and stir to dissolve the honey.

Tip: Honey dissolves harder in an acidic medium, be patient.
4

Add the ice and sparkling water/cider just before serving.

Tip: If you mix the carbonated part in advance, the drink will go flat.

Recipe FAQ

Why press the fruit?
To release the oils in the peel, not just the juice. But be careful, the white pith can be bitter.

Ingredients

  • 1 pc Orange
  • 1 pc Lemon
  • 1 pc Lime
  • 500 ml Apple juice (100%)
  • 500 ml Sparkling water (or alcoholic cider for adult version)
  • 30 ml Honey
  • 10 pcs Ice cubes