Citrus Slush Punch

Slush Base

• 1 package frozen strawberries, thawed — Include all thawing juices; one 10 oz package.
• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• ¾ cup lemon juice
• 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed and undiluted — One 6 oz can.
• 3 cups pineapple juice, chilled
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 5 cups cold water

To Finish

• 2 bottles ginger ale, well chilled — Two 32 oz bottles.

Garnish

• as needed orange, cut into thin wheels (optional)
• as needed lemon, cut into thin wheels (optional)
• as needed strawberries, thinly sliced (optional)

1. Blend the Fruit. Place the thawed strawberries and all their juices, bananas, lemon juice, and thawed orange juice concentrate in a blender. Cover and blend on high for 45–60 seconds, stopping once to scrape down the sides as needed, until no distinct pieces of fruit remain.10 oz strawberries, 2 bananas, ¾ cup lemon juice, 6 oz orange juice concentrate
2. Make the Punch Base. Pour the blended fruit mixture into a large mixing bowl or food-safe container with a capacity of at least 4 quarts. Add the chilled pineapple juice, granulated sugar, and cold water. Stir for 1–2 minutes, or until no sugar crystals remain at the bottom.3 cups pineapple juice, ½ cup sugar, 5 cups water
3. Freeze. Pour the punch base into one shallow 4-quart freezer-safe container or divide it between two smaller containers. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight, until the center is firm and no liquid remains.
4. Soften Slightly. Remove the frozen mixture from the freezer 45–90 minutes before serving. Let it stand at room temperature only until the edges begin to loosen and the center can be scraped with a sturdy spoon or ice cream scoop. Break the frozen base into loose crystals without allowing it to melt completely.
5. Finish the Punch. Spoon the broken slush into a punch bowl. Slowly pour in the chilled ginger ale while gently folding with a ladle or large spoon. Stir just until evenly combined, lightly fizzy, and still thick with visible slush.64 oz ginger ale
6. Serve. If desired, float thin orange wheels, lemon wheels, and sliced strawberries over the punch. Serve immediately while still icy and slushy.