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Citrus Water Punch

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I first discovered this refreshing Water Punch thanks to a sweet friend who shared the recipe with me, and it’s been a staple at my large gatherings ever since. It’s far more exciting than serving plain water or lemon water—sweet, light, and citrus flavor with just enough zing to keep guests coming back for refills. Whether it’s a baby showers, bridal showers, backyard BBQ, or holiday dinner, this punch always gets rave reviews.

Now, I’ll admit—there’s one ingredient that might not be sitting in your pantry: citric acid. It’s the secret to that bright, tangy flavor that sets this drink apart. You can usually find it at pharmacies, natural food stores, or in the canning section of your local grocery store. I pick mine up from a nearby nutrition shop, and it’s well worth the effort to track down. Once you’ve got it, you’ll be hooked—this punch is perfect when you want something more flavorful than water but not as bold (or stain-prone!) as juice or soda.

Water Punch | realmomkitchen.com
  • CHILLED WATER
  • SUGAR
  • LEMON EXTRACT
  • CITRIC ACID (FOUND IN THE PHARMACY OR HEALTH AND NUTRITION STORE)
  • FRESH LEMON, LIME, OR ORANGE SLICES (OPTIONAL)

In a large pitcher, punch bowl, or drink dispenser, combine chilled water, granulated sugar, lemon extract, and citric acid. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and clear. This simple blend creates a light, sweet-tart flavor that’s far more exciting than plain water—perfect for parties, showers, or warm-weather get-togethers.

To finish, float fresh citrus slices—like lemon, lime, or orange—on top of the punch. Not only do they add a subtle burst of flavor, but they also make the presentation extra pretty and festive. Serve over ice and enjoy a refreshing drink that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Can I substitute lemon extract with fresh lemon juice?
Lemon extract provides a concentrated flavor without added acidity. You can use fresh lemon juice for a more natural taste, but it may slightly alter the balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make Water Punch ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the punch and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving. Add citrus slices just before guests arrive for a fresh, pretty presentation.

How many servings does this recipe make?
The original recipe makes about 5 quarts, which is roughly 20 cups—perfect for serving 15–20 guests, depending on portion size.

Can I make this punch fizzy?
Yes! Add sparkling water or club soda just before serving for a bubbly twist. This works especially well if you’re serving it in individual glasses.

Can I customize the flavor?
Definitely! Try adding orange extract, mint leaves, fresh basil, or floating frozen fruit slices to give it a seasonal or fruity twist.

Water Punch | realmomkitchen.com

Water Punch

Real Mom Kitchen

This Water Punch is a light, sweet, and citrusy drink that’s perfect for parties, showers, or warm-weather gatherings. Made with water, sugar, lemon extract, and citric acid, it’s a refreshing alternative to juice or soda—and much more exciting than plain water. Garnished with fresh citrus slices, it’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Beverages
Cuisine American
Servings 15 servings
Calories 157 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 quarts water chilled
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 Tbsp lemon extract
  • 1 Tbsp citric acid found in the pharmacy or health and nutrition store
  • fresh lemon lime, or orange slices (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a punch bowl or large container, combine water, sugar, lemon extract, and citric acid.  Stir until the sugar is all dissolved. Then add citrus slices to float in the punch and make it look pretty.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 40g | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.02mg
Did you love this recipe?Please Leave a Review!
Keyword citrus, lemon extract, punch, water
5 from 1 vote

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Recipe Rating




22 Comments

  1. Flavored water went popular some time ago, right? It is refreshing to have a glass of water but a glass of flavored water is even better. Now add a little fizz into it and its perfect.

  2. And it looks like I’ve just found the drink to serve at our Memorial Day get together! Last year I made cherry limeades that were a huge hit, so we’ll see how this stacks up.
    Thanks so much for sharing!

  3. I make something similar to this all the time. I never call it ‘water punch’, but I will from now on (smile)…

  4. 5 stars
    I have been making this for years and I always get compliments on it. The onw thing I have found is it is a little better if I use a “heaping” tablespoon of the citric acid. And definitely use the fruit slices. Otherwise, people think it is cloudy water!

  5. Spa day at home…I know my kiddo will enjoy this as will I. Plus extra Vitamin C is never a bad thing.

  6. Most health food stores have the citric acid. I have been making this for years and people always ask me for the recipe.

  7. Kitchen Kneads has this recipe at their store, I’m not sure whose it was originally BUT IT’S FABULOUS. It’s actually my most requested recipe from family members because we had it at our wedding five years ago and people still remember it!

  8. Sounds great! I wonder if TrueLemon or TrueLime might work for the citric acid? It’s crystallized lemon (or lime) in packets like splenda. I love adding it to my plain water while I’m at work. I’ll have to try this out!

  9. Oh yeah, I saw this on My Kitchen Cafe and thought it looked so refreshing! Will have to try it some time.

  10. My variation is just a bit different, we use 2 T of citric acid and pour it all over 1 bag of deli ice (that really yummy crunchy ice). If you’re in Utah, you can get deli ice at an Iceberg or Sonic restaurant. The citric acid can be purchased in bulk at Kitchen Kneads in Salt Lake/West Jordan. Love the site, Laura!

  11. Just make sure you use a glass container and no plastic ladle otherwise it will turn it cloudy from the citric acid. Ruined two of mine….

  12. I have never heard of this. The next family gathering I’m going to try it. Has anyone tried using Splenda instead?

  13. We had this at our wedding and it has become a huge hit. People are always asking for this recipe. Thanks for sharing it with everyone.

  14. I have been seriously looking for a creamy type of pork chop green chili ( or otherwise called green chili).. Would you happen to have anything of the sort?