A delicious sparkling strawberry punch made with strawberries, pineapple juice, and 7UP. Garnish with heart-shaped strawberry slices for a festive Valentine’s Day drink.
I look forward to Valentine’s Day every year—not for gifts or crowded restaurants, but for a quiet, romantic dinner at home. A few years ago we started staying in and preparing a special surf-and-turf meal after the kids go to bed. It’s intimate, delicious, and more affordable than dining out.
Our usual menu includes grilled steak or filet mignon paired with shrimp or lobster tails, plus asparagus and mashed potatoes. Dessert is often something chocolate, and the drinks range from sparkling ciders to water or a festive Valentine’s punch.
Here is my recipe for Sparkling Strawberry Punch—light, refreshing, and simple to prepare. It combines sweetened strawberries, pineapple juice, and 7UP for a bubbly, fruity drink perfect for February 14th or any celebration.
Sparkling Strawberry Punch
Makes about 2 quarts.
Ingredients
- 48 oz. (4 × 12 oz.) 7UP
- 1 (15 oz.) container frozen, sliced, sweetened strawberries
- ½ container frozen pineapple juice concentrate
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Begin by thawing the container of frozen strawberries. Let it sit on the counter for a couple of hours or thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once softened, pour the strawberries into a blender.
Add half the can of pineapple juice concentrate to the blender and puree until smooth.
Transfer the strawberry–pineapple mixture into a large pitcher.
Pour in the 7UP and gently stir to combine. Let the punch sit for a few minutes so any froth settles, then skim off the foam with a spoon.
To make simple strawberry heart garnishes, cut a strawberry in half, then trim a small “V” notch from the top of each half to form a heart. For thinner hearts, slice each half lengthwise once more.
Serve the punch garnished with a few strawberry hearts and enjoy. This recipe yields just over 2 quarts, enough for a small gathering or a romantic dinner for two with leftovers.
7UP can be used in many refreshing drink mixes—combine it with pink lemonade for sparkling lemonade, or add a scoop of raspberry or lime sherbet for a creamy float. Use the same idea to create variations by swapping fruit concentrates or adding fresh berries.
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Grandma’s Frozen Fruit Punch
White Chocolate Raspberry Scones
Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Truffles
