Banana Crush

This sweet punch is a tradition with my family for all the holidays. It is one of the few traditions that my husband's family has really enjoyed--especially my father-in-law. I have to think about making it far enough in advance that I have perfectly ripe bananas (I do not believe in green bananas for anything!), and have time to freeze the mixture. I usually make a half-recipe, because I have limited freezer space. I freeze it in quart-sized Ziploc bags and place the bags flat in a container with sides. This drink is very sticky and can easily make a mess on your counters or in your freezer if you aren't careful.

4 cups sugar
6 cups water
2 1/2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
5 crushed bananas
4 cups pineapple juice
4 quarts ginger ale (or 7-up, Sprite, etc.)

Dissolve sugar in heated water. Crush bananas in blender with some of juices. Mix all ingredients except ginger ale; freeze until mush. Mix with equal parts ginger ale just before serving. (You may also store the mixture in the freezer and defrost in the microwave for about 1 minute before mixing with ginger ale.)