Homemade sparkling fruit bowl and fruit juice spritzer

Gather a group of guests — these sparkling summery drinks are meant for pleasing crowds.

Beautifully coloured and with the heady, sweet-smelling essence of raspberries, strawberries and oranges, this is a spicy, fizzy fruit punch for parties.

Makes 10 servings

• 1 package (315 g/10 oz) dry-pack frozen raspberries
• 1 package (315 g/10 oz) dry-pack frozen strawberries
• 1.5 L (6 c) water
• 350 g (1 1/2 c) sugar
• 10 whole cloves
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) ground cardamom
• 6 8 x  1 cm (3 x 1/2 in) strips orange zest
• 1 vanilla bean, split
• 500 ml (2 c) orange juice
• 500 ml (2 c) club soda1. In a large, nonreactive pot or Dutch oven over moderately high heat, combine the first eight ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

  2. Place a large sieve over a large pitcher. Pour the berry mixture through, straining out the solids; do not press the solids. Let the berry mixture cool to room temperature. Stir in the orange juice.

  3. Just before serving, stir in the club soda. Serve the punch over ice.

Here is a lovely, light and fizzy cooler that you can customize to suit your taste and your menu — try cran-raspberry juice, pineapple juice, Concord grape juice, pink grapefruit juice, tangerine juice or anything else that tickles your fancy.

If you don't use wine, you can use a blend of two juices instead. This attractive drink is a wonderful start to a summer party that won't break the bank.

Makes eight servings

• 750 ml (3 c) chilled dry white wine or fruit juice of choice
• 375 ml (1 1/2 c) chilled fruit juice of choice or complementary juice
• 375 ml (1 1/2 c) chilled carbonated beverage (soda, seltzer or ginger ale)
• Fresh mint leaves or citrus wedges (optional)1. In a two litre (eight cups) pitcher, combine the wine or fruit juice, additional or complementary juice and carbonated beverage.

  2. Serve straight or over ice cubes. If desired, garnish individual glasses with mint leaves or citrus wedges.