YaYa’s Tea Punch
This Tea Punch is a bright and refreshing Southern favorite that’s been served at bridal showers, baby luncheons, and church picnics for generations. The base is a strong black tea sweetened with sugar, citrus juices, and a fizzy finish from ginger ale and charged water. It’s meant to be served icy cold over a block of ice in a large punch bowl, making it perfect for entertaining. This recipe comes right out of Mama Shirley’s recipe box and always brought a crowd together on the back porch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup strong hot tea (see note below)
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 1 pint ginger ale
- 1 pint charged water sparkling or club soda
Instructions
- Brew a strong tea using 2 teaspoons of tea leaves (or 2 tea bags) and 1 cup boiling water. Let steep and then strain if needed.
- While tea is still hot, pour it over the sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add orange juice and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Strain mixture into a punch bowl over a large block of ice or a generous amount of crushed ice.
- Just before serving, add chilled ginger ale and charged water.
- Serve immediately while fizzy and cold.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
This tea punch works best when each part is chilled before assembly. That way the ice block won’t melt too quickly and dilute your punch. I like to make the tea and mix the juices ahead of time, then add the fizz just before the guests arrive.
- Use fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juice if possible.
- If you don’t have charged water, club soda or sparkling mineral water works fine.
- Serve with thin lemon or orange slices floating in the bowl for a pretty touch.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
You can easily tailor this punch to match your event.
- For bridal showers or baby showers, consider freezing a decorative ice ring with fruit slices or mint leaves inside.
- If you’re looking to add a little sparkle for the adults, a splash of champagne or white wine pairs beautifully with the citrus and tea.
This punch also complements light party bites, so consider serving it alongside Ham & Cheese Pie or my Cucumber Salad for a Southern luncheon spread.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
