Summer Fruit Cup Pitcher

Name: Summer Fruit Cup Pitcher
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: about 2 quarts (1.9 L); 8 glasses
Ingredients: 1 cucumber, thinly sliced; 2 cups strawberries, sliced; 1 orange, sliced; 1 apple, cut into thin matchsticks; 0.5 cup mint leaves; 1 cup gin, or 1 cup strong cold black tea for the alcohol-free pitcher (240 ml); 3 cups lemon-lime soda, chilled (720 ml); 2 cups ginger ale, chilled (480 ml)

The classic English fruit cup is a drink that is as much salad as cocktail: sliced fruit and cucumber floating in a pitcher, with a spirit or tea and something fizzy. It looks generous on a table and everyone gets a spoonful of fruit.

about 2 quarts (1.9 L); 8 glassesYield

EasyDifficulty

What you'll need

1 cucumber, thinly sliced
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 apple, cut into thin matchsticks
0.5 cup mint leaves
1 cup gin, or 1 cup strong cold black tea for the alcohol-free pitcher (240 ml)
3 cups lemon-lime soda, chilled (720 ml)
2 cups ginger ale, chilled (480 ml)

How to make it

Put the fruit, cucumber and mint in a large pitcher and pour in the gin or cold tea. Chill 1 hour.
Fill the pitcher with ice.
Pour in the soda and ginger ale and stir once.
Glass: Tall glasses. Garnish: Fruit and mint from the pitcher.

Chef's secrets

Add the fizz only when serving.

Taste and add lemon juice if it is too sweet.

Good to know

Make ahead

Prepare the fruit and gin or tea base 2 hours ahead.