I attended a Dr. Pepper summit and my expenses were paid by Dr. Pepper/Snapple. All opinions are my own.
A few weeks ago I shared with you about my trip to Plano, Texas to learn more about the Dr. Pepper partnership with Let’s Play and Kaboom. We spent a day building a playground in the hot Texas sun to help kids in need. It was a great experience, even though I thought I might have heatstroke a couple of times. Before we built the playground, we spent a day with the Dr. Pepper Team, touring the facilities and meeting with the production staff. With Dr. Pepper producing 50 brands of soda, I had to share our favorite Pineapple Fruit Punch recipe, using Canada Dry Ginger Ale. (It’s only 3 ingredients!) Did I mention this is gluten free?
I used diet Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Pineapple Tidbits in juice and sliced grapes. Just mix the ginger ale and pineapple tidbits together and stir in the sliced grapes (or fruit of your choice, I used grapes because that’s what I had on hand) before serving. If you want to make it into a super summery treat, freeze the juice mixture until slightly slushy, pour into glasses and add the chopped fruit. Easy Peasy!
While I was touring Dr. Pepper, we sat down with a nutritionist and learned some facts I didn’t know about soda. I assumed almost everyone was a soda drinker, but, according to a study conducted by Beverage Digest, sweetened drinks represent only 6-7% of calories in the average diet. Full-calorie soda sales actually decreased 12.5% between 1999 and 2010. Soda consumption is also down 30% in youths. I remember having a soda machine in our cafeteria in high school. Thanks to the replacement of sugar sweetened beverages with diet options, as well as juice drinks and water, sugar sweetened beverage calories in schools are down 90%. Who knew?
Do you have a favorite punch or slush recipe you serve during the summer?
Ooh, this sounds yummy! Love that it has pieces of fruit in it, so it’s a drink and a snack all at once! 😉
This looks and sounds like a delicious recipe. I love refreshing drink like this on a hot summer day the fact that it only has three ingredients makes it even better.
This sounds like a really great and refreshing drink that I am definitely going to make. Looks and sounds yummy.
This looks like a delicious and refreshing recipe. I love to make smoothies in the summer.
Sounds delicious. I’m loving anything cold and fruity. If it has watermelon then it’s so much better.
We love Dr. Pepper and that drink looks absolutely delicious. I love that this is gluten free.
My favorite slush or punch recipe is the one you just posted! I love pineapples and have as much of them when they are in season. Thanks for posting!
Pineapple drinks are perfect for hot summer days. That looks so refreshing!
I’ve always loved pineapple flavored drinks. There is something so sweet and tangy about them.
That looks so amazing. I need to try this, especially since it is gluten free.
This punch sounds good and I like that it is gluten free. I don’t remember the last time I drank a soda.
Now that does sound refreshing and it’s good to see that it’s gluten free. It’s so cool that you were able to tour the Dr. Pepper facilities.
Oh this looks so yummy! I would love to make it! Love that it’s gluten free as well, simple to make
I wish I knew how to read labels. I know that I try and stay away from soda for many reasons and just have it on occasion. I am thankful that 2 of my girls are water drinkers.
That sounds like such a refreshing summer drink. I need to make one of these SOON!