Sugarless Punch
A refreshing sugarless punch featuring vibrant citrus flavors, complemented by a savory shrimp and vegetable stir-fry. This versatile dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory elements that appeal to health-conscious guests and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 5 cups orange juice ⓘ
- 2 cups pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 4 packets Equal ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 2 large bottles diet ginger ale ⓘ
- 1 pound fresh or frozen peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- nonstick spray coating
- 1 1/2 cups bias-sliced celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped sweet green or red pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package frozen pea pods, thawed and drained
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. frozen pea pods, thawed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Thaw the shrimp if frozen.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, chicken bouillon granules, sugar, pepper, and water to make a slurry.
- Heat nonstick spray in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced celery, chopped green or red pepper, and sliced mushrooms; stir-fry until vegetables are tender.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque.
- Stir in lemon peel and lemon juice; cook for another minute.
- In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, water, and Equal packets.
- Pour the punch into glasses or a serving bowl.
- Top with diet ginger ale just before serving for a fizzy finish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter punch, consider using more packets of Equal or substituting with your favorite sugar substitute. You can also add a splash of cranberry juice for extra flavor. If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend the shrimp mixture slightly before adding it to the punch. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or holidays, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional sugary drinks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this punch in a large bowl or pitcher for guests to help themselves. It pairs beautifully with light appetizers like a fresh veggie platter or the rich flavors of Potato Cheese Soup. For a festive touch, add slices of fresh fruit to the punch or garnish each glass with a sprig of mint.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover punch in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the shrimp mixture, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, ensuring not to overcook the shrimp. The punch can be served cold, or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugarless Punch contains roughly 337 calories, with 13g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 13g 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 use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. Fresh shrimp may require less cooking time, so keep an eye on them as they turn pink and opaque.
Is there a non-alcoholic option for this punch?
Absolutely! This punch is already non-alcoholic. If you'd like to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of non-alcoholic sparkling wine or additional fruit juices for variety.
Can I make this punch ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the juice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the diet ginger ale right before serving to retain its fizz and freshness.
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).