Remembering the simple things can make a mediocre event something worth remembering.  Most of your guests will break the ice over a refreshing drink or appetizer.  Many well-intentioned party planners overlook that simple detail.  With that in mind, I’ve listed a few concoctions for that special occasion.  Pick and choose depending on the event, the season, the colors, or whatever your taste buds desire.  This is a collection of recipes from various sources. They are flexible, so mix away and drink to your heart’s content!

Blended Fruit Punch

4 lg. cans of frozen lemonade

4 lg. cans of frozen orange juice

1 lg. can of frozen limeade

1 cup sugar dissolved in 1 lg. can of pineapple juice

27 cans water

Makes about 3 gallons.  More water added when mixed with lemon-lime soda.  2 liters of soda to 2 gallons punch.

Cherry Punch

1  pkg.  cherry flavored Kool-aid

1  cup   sugar

2  qts.  water

1 can    frozen orange juice (undiluted)

1 qt.     7 Up, Sprite, or lemon-lime soda

Mix all ingredients together and serve.

Pineapple Slush

4 cups sugar

6 cups water

5 bananas, mashed

Juice from 2 lemons

46 oz. can pineapple juice

Small can of frozen orange juice

3 juice cans of water

Boil sugar and water together, then cool.  Blend with remaining ingredients.  Freeze until slushy.  Makes about 5 quarts.  Serve with 7 Up, strawberry soda, or orange soda.

Raspberry Slush

2 cups sugar

3 ½ cups water

1 cup orange juice

16 oz. can crushed pineapple, with juice

2 – 10 oz. pkgs. frozen raspberries

ginger ale or 7 Up

Heat together sugar and water until sugar is dissolved; cool.  Add orange juice, pineapple, and raspberries.  Stir until well mixed.  Freeze.  Serve with ginger ale or 7 Up.  Serves 10-12

Ruby Flip

1 - 3oz. pkg. cherry jello

1 cup boiling water

6 oz. frozen lemonade

3 cups cold water

1 qt. cranberry juice cocktail

Combine jello and water in a pitcher.  Stir in lemonade.  Add cold water and cranberry juice cocktail.  Before serving add 2 cans of 7 Up.  Makes 16 servings.

MEGAN'S ORANGE PINEAPPLE PUNCH

1 envelope of unsweetened orange drink mix

1-cup sugar

2 cups pineapple juice

3 cups cold water

2 cups ginger ale or lemon lime soda

Ice

Mix all ingredients and enjoy.  If using sweetened drink mix, omit sugar.

Shamrock Shake

Blend one banana, 2 c. of lime sherbet and 2 c. of milk.

SPANGLER'S WASSAIL

3 quarts apple juice or cider

1-quart water

1 orange, sliced whole, seeds removed

1-teaspoon cloves

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

2 sticks cinnamon

1 cup frozen juice concentrate, apple or orange

Combine all ingredients in large covered pot and heat, stirring occasionally.  Simmer to blend flavors.  This becomes stronger as it sits and simmers; especially good the next day.