Plum Cardial
A vibrant fruit punch blending sweet plums, citrus juices, and warming spices, perfect for gatherings and outdoor celebrations, offering a refreshing and flavorful beverage experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar and water to boiling and let cool.
- Mix the cooled sugar syrup with the plums, lemon slice, lime slice, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Let set for 2 hours or more.
- When ready to serve, add 3 1/2 quarts of ginger ale and ice to the mixture.
- Serve immediately. Ready to enjoy in 15 minutes after adding the ginger ale and ice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter or more tart flavor, adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. If red plums are unavailable, yellow plums can be a great substitute. To enhance the spiciness, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg. For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water instead of whiskey and ginger ale.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Plum Cardial chilled, garnished with additional fruit slices or a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch. It pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like cheese platters or savory pastries. You might also enjoy it alongside dishes that feature fruity notes, such as Warm Orange - Spiced Fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Plum Cardial can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, gently warm the mixture on low heat while stirring; avoid boiling to maintain flavor. Add fresh ginger ale and ice just before serving to keep it fizzy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plum Cardial contains roughly 1018 calories, with 13g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (424% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the plum mixture and syrup in advance. Let it sit for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. Just remember to add the ginger ale and ice right before serving to maintain its fizz.
What can I use instead of whiskey?
If you prefer not to use whiskey, other spirits like rum or brandy can work well and complement the fruit flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the spirits and increase the fruit juices for a flavorful mocktail.
Is it possible to use frozen plums?
Frozen plums can be used in this recipe, but it's best to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water in your mixture. The flavor will still be delicious, although fresh plums will give you a more vibrant taste and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).