Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
  • 5 cups granulated sugar
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest (zest of 2 large lemons)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Litres chilled Ginger Ale
  • 5 Litres chilled Sparkling Water (club soda)
  • 1 cup whole strawberries, for garnish
  • 1 large lemon, sliced thinly for garnish
  • 1 bunch fresh mint sprigs, for aroma and garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, water, and lemon zest into a large saucepan.
  2. Set the pan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 3–5 minutes). Do not bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 5 minutes, mashing the strawberries occasionally with the back of a spoon to release their juices. The berries should be soft and the liquid rich red.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully pour the contents through a fine-mesh sieve set over a clean bowl. Press gently on the solids to extract all the liquid; discard the solids.
  5. Stir the measured fresh lemon juice into the strained strawberry liquid. Transfer the cordial base to an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or until completely cold.
  6. To assemble the punch, place a large block of ice or several scoops of standard ice cubes into the punch bowl.
  7. Pour the chilled strawberry cordial base into the punch bowl.
  8. Slowly pour in the chilled Ginger Ale and the chilled Sparkling Water. Stir gently once or twice to combine without losing the fizz.
  9. Float the whole strawberries, lemon slices, and mint sprigs on top of the punch for visual appeal. Serve immediately.