You’ve decorated for the holidays, set out the hors d’oeuvres and are ready to host your party. But should you also be bartender? Is it possible to make individual drinks to please each guest and still be free to enjoy the evening?
Not likely. So, instead, serve punch — one big bowl where guests meet and mingle and fill their cups. Prepare it in advance and have refills in the kitchen.
Here are a few suggestions for punch recipes. Notice none include Champagne or other sparkling wines. The reason: While their sparkle is festive, once the bubbles dissipate — and they will quickly in a bowl — what is left is a flat, highly acidic wine. Better to concentrate on other ingredients and spirits. To serve punch cold, float a block of ice in the bowl rather than ice cubes, which melt more quickly and dilute the punch.
A WINTER’S TALE
1 large lemon, squeezed
1 pint maple syrup
6 cinnamon sticks
2 750-ml bottles of rye, bourbon or Canadian whiskey
Simmer lemon juice, maple syrup and cinnamon, stirring well, until maple syrup is dissolved. Add whiskey and mix. Makes about 25 servings.
CHRISTMAS PUNCH
1 bottle rye whiskey
2 ounces Southern Comfort
2 ounces dark rum
Slices of lemon and orange, each stuck with cloves
Cinnamon to taste
Blend the three spirits. Float fruit slices and cinnamon in the punch bowl.
HOLIDAY CHEER
1½ cups sugar
12 oranges
1 small block of ice
One bottle Pinot Noir
One bottle ruby Port
One bottle brandy
In a large bowl dissolve the sugar in the juice of six of the oranges. Add the block of ice, Pinot Noir, Port and brandy. Garnish with half slices of the remaining oranges. Serves 25.
WASSAIL
A drink that goes back 1,000 years, wassail now has 1,000 variations. Make it 1,001 by creating your own. Start with beer, ale, cider, Madeira, sherry, Port or any other alcoholic beverage. Add nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, sugar and/or lemon juice. Float slices of baked apple on top.
Wassail, in Old English, was was hael and meant “to your good health.”
In this season of good will and joy, create your own original wassail. Raise a glass and toast your guests with a hearty “Was hael!”
Read This Next
Best in Class: Letter from the Editor
December 2016
Dec 1, 2016Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Jun 1, 2023Park Hyatt Tokyo Prepares for Its New Look
As Park Hyatt Tokyo prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, it recently embarked on a complete renovation on May 7, with plans to reopen in 2025. The makeover will include all guestrooms and facilities, with the transformation led by design agency Jouin Manku, planning to create a fresh, modern feel.
Daily
Jun 1, 20234 Reasons to Visit Montecucco, Italy, This Summer
Summer is so close we can almost taste it, and as many destinations worldwide vie for your attention, this Italian region awaits your visit. Montecucco, located in southern Tuscany, is a wine lover’s dream, with more than 350 grape varieties and 20 winegrowing regions. Winemaking in this region goes as far back as the Romans, who most likely saw their predecessors, the Etruscans, grow grapes with great success.
Sponsored Content
Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti
Welcome to The Islands of Tahiti, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with warm hospitality, time-honored traditions and an awe-inspiring landscape that will take your breath away.
Daily
Jun 1, 2023London Concours Displays Golden Age Coupes
If you’re a fan of ageless luxury, make your way to England’s capital city for The London Concours, June 6–8 on the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company. Presented by Montres Breguet, the event provides an opportunity to bask in the polished glow of nearly 100 of the most coveted, privately owned vehicles on the planet.
eFlyer News
May 31, 2023Nobu Palo Alto Reveals New Japanese-Inspired Restaurant and Garden
Headed by renowned designer Shigeru Namba, Nobu Palo Alto’s Japanese-inspired restaurant and garden officially opened to the public this month, in which a sophisticated and refined extension greets patrons upon arrival. The new space and garden offer guests and diners an unparalleled venue in downtown Palo Alto, California, playing upon the seasons to showcase flora during its proper blooming periods.
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
eFlyer Deals
May 31, 2023Father’s Day Luxuries at InterContinental New York Barclay
This Father’s Day, the InterContinental New York Barclay takes celebrations to the next level with its new offer, allowing fathers to enjoy a relaxing stay through a specially curated gift certificate.
ShareThis