Refreshing Caribbean Punch - Non Alcoholic

25.4.21 | Recipe by Renz


The perfect drink to beat the summer heat while transporting you to some Caribbean island. This Caribbean punch is the perfect tropical fruit drink. A delightfully easy and refreshing non-alcoholic drink. This extreme thirst quencher will truly satisfy your guests.
  

Glass of punch with mint and oranges as garnishes

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Imagine you're sitting in a cabana, the sun is setting and a cool ocean breeze is blowing. You adjust your sunglasses and reach over to pick up a chilled glass with a drink that refreshes you with each sip.

The only thing is you are not really in a cabana. But don't worry. You can surely still indulge in this drink of refreshing ingredients that will take you to an island in your head.
  


The Caribbean is known for its punches. I feel like once someone thinks of a drink representing the Caribbean they think of a rum punch recipe.

These are usually with cups of pineapple juice, grenadine, some type of fruit juices somewhere in the mix, and rum in a glass.

Or sometimes in a fancy punch bowl.

But this is a different type of punch. It's a tropical punch that is nonalcoholic using a great mix of some island favorites: refreshing coconut water, fruit juices, and fresh mint.

It's the type of drink, we would make to cool off after a hot day playing outside or after some hours in the blue waters on the beach.

I love fruit juices. With access to a lot of fruit trees, we grew up drinking a lot of fresh orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime, and guava juice to name a few.

Then for more variety, we started combining juices two different flavors to make new flavors, like mango passionfruit.

Then we said hey, let us just throw a set of fresh fruit juices and start to make numerous other combinations. And so this version was born.

This is not a rum punch. Even though you can always throw a little white rum into anything. This is just a refreshing fruit punch mix that is using guava nectar, lime juice, and coconut water.

A chilled pitcher of this drink is all you need on a hot summer day.

How to make Caribbean punch


Making this tropical fruit punch is one of the easiest things. These ingredients are easily found in local grocery stores. And not just limited to the Caribbean or Latin American markets.
  
Ingredients for punch in bowls with orange slices


You will need:
  • Oranges
  • Guava nectar
  • Coconut water - if you can get fresh even better
  • Mint leaves
  • Angostura bitters
  • Fresca - or you can use any lemon-lime flavored soda

How to make this tropical fruit punch


There is no major process to this. Slice your orange into thin slices. Mix the guava nectar and coconut water together then add the orange slices. Add in the mint and bitters and let that sit.

You can put it in the fridge at this time to chill.

When ready to serve, combine it with the Fresca in a large pitcher when it's time to serve. You can even chill the Fresca until it's ready to use.

I don't suggest adding it and letting all the juices sit. You want the carbonated liquid to keep the bubbles and adding it too early will make it a bit flat.

Even though chilled, I would suggest also serving this over ice.

And even topping with some maraschino cherries for garnish.

  
A tall mason jar full of mixed Caribbean punch


Substitutes


Sometimes I know we don't always have all the ingredients we need at the time and we might just want to switch out some things.

Rather use fresh juice?


If you rather use fresh lime juice or lemon juice you can. Take a quarter cup of fresh juice and add water to about a cup of liquid. Then you can use another cup of a carbonated liquid-like club soda. This would equate to the 2 cups of Fresca.

Note that you may now need to adjust sugar to taste. If using the above juices, combine everything at room temperature (minus the club soda) and sweeten to taste. Add the soda when ready to serve.

You can also use ginger ale as a replacement for the Fresca.

Can't find Guava nectar only guava juice?


It's almost the same thing. Guava nectar is thicker than juice. Nectar is a diluted fruit juice that has some additives and sweeteners. So it can be switched out. But it will just not be very thick and you might use less of the lemon/lime soda.

  
Pouring punch into a glass of ice with mint and orange slices


Can I add rum to this?


If you want to make this a stronger drink and have the rum punch flavor, you definitely can. We add a little rum to everything.

If you do want to make this another amazing Caribbean rum punch you can add any white rum to this. My favorite is Wray and Nephew or you can even use some coconut rum.

Start with about a 1/4 cup and adjust to the level you want. Drink responsibly.

And also instead of rum, you can easily use prosecco or another champagne to take this over the top.

What goes well with a Caribbean punch?


This is the perfect summertime drink. And can easily become the go-to party drink to transport your guests to the white sandy beaches.

And since it's a party drink you will need some party food. Here are some of the favorites that I love having for hanging with my friends and chatting it up.

Quick bites: Something a little spicy like some geera chicken neck, or even some cheese paste sandwiches and tuna puffs. Or even wings would be great: coconut wings or Korean air fryer wings

Entree options: oxtail mac and cheese, chicken lo mein

Salads: If you rather something light, a spicy shrimp salad can do the trick

 
Views of mixed punch in two glasses with ice and mint leaves ready to drink


If you happen to have a lot of leftover punch you can even freeze the leftovers in popsicle molds and have some refreshing frozen treats to enjoy.

This refreshing Caribbean drink is going to be one of the coolest drinks you can have this summer to beat the heat.

This refreshing drink is going to be one of the coolest drinks you can have this summer to beat the heat. It's a great combination of juices, making it a great alternative to the popular rum punch if you are not an alcohol drinker.

So grab your glasses and your friends and sip on this fruity drink.


And if you happen to need more fruity juices (with and without alcohol):

















Comments