“I think retro is back in,” said Geisinger Medical Center dietitian Sarah Dayton. “I also think the revival of the punch bowl is coming.”
Whether it comes back or not, you’ve got to try this fresh, zingy punch. Crisp and refreshing in flavor, it also beckons visually with its sliced lime wheels and pink, orange, and pale green melon balls. Best of all is the fresh burst of mint and seltzer water – guests will be lining up at the punch bowl for a second dip.
Dayton added a splash of drama by freezing a bottle of seltzer water in a Bundt cake pan. “I can’t take credit for that,” she said with a grin. “My aunt who always made punch for events used to do this.”
Bonus points: This punch is low in sugar, getting just the right amount of sweetness from the natural sugar in the fruit. Leftovers? Next day, remove the limes and run the rest of the punch through a food processor to create a delicious, slushy drink.
Tips: Be sure to use seltzer water rather than a beverage artificially sweetened with aspartame, which can react with the lime and affect its flavor and color. If you prefer a spiked punch, add some champagne or white rum.
