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 FeedDaily
Mar 5, 20213 Recipes for Lent from New Orleans’ Top Chefs
The Lenten season continues through April 3. This year, New Orleans’ top chefs share some Lent-friendly recipes for at-home dining.
Sponsored Content
Adventure Redefined: Volvo Overseas Delivery
Custom order your Volvo through the Overseas Delivery Program and receive round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and a personalized delivery at the Volvo Factory Delivery Experience in Gothenburg, Sweden. Your experience begins in Sweden with insurance and registration included, enabling you to drive your new Volvo throughout Scandinavia and Europe. Create the adventure of a lifetime with the program named Best Overseas Delivery four years running, and return home with the ultimate souvenir.
January/February 2021
Mar 5, 2021Indulge in the Seductive Splendor Bora Bora
I had just taken off my sandals, stepping onto the white-sand beach for a late-morning walk to a secluded spot I heard about from a front desk clerk, when I glanced down and saw the time on my phone. It had just turned 11 a.m., which meant it was only 7 am back home, the perfect time to call and say good morning to by husband before he left for work. Not quite ready to head back to my room, I decided I’d test the WiFi signal and made the call as I continued walking toward the shoreline.
January/February 2021
Mar 4, 2021Set Your Sights on San Antonio’s Art, Culture and Green Spaces
San Antonio celebrated 300 years of progress in May 2018. With a clear vision following that anniversary year, the Texan city set its sights firmly on 300 more. While commemorating this milestone, the city underwent a major overhaul to prepare for the next phase in its history.
Daily
Mar 4, 2021SoJo Spa Club: Tranquility with an Urban View
When you think of a relaxing spa day, mountains, rivers and view of gorgeous landscapes pop in your head; a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of any city’s booming music and honking taxis. SoJo Spa Club and Hotel gives you the relaxing feeling of being away while still staying close to the busy center of Manhattan.
Mondrian Doha Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 3, 2021Gaylord Hotels Announces Spring Specials
eFlyer Deals
Mar 3, 2021eFlyer Deals
Mar 3, 2021Workcation Offer at Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Remote workers looking for an upgrade from their home offices might want to consider Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ Workcation offer. Those booking an extended stay of 10-plus nights are eligible for discounts of up to 15 percent off best available rates; those booking 20-plus nights enjoy up to 25 percent off. The offer is available at Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ diverse portfolio of properties.
Sponsored Content
Peace of Mind
IHG® Business Edge provides small- to midsized enterprises with benefits and confidence to navigate the evolving business travel environment.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 3, 2021Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel’s Reopening Offers
Dance the night away with Grand Hotel’s Ballroom Dance offer, available May 16–18. Dancers of all skill levels will experience a diverse range of ballroom dance styles, alongside daily breakfast and dinner, a welcome reception and complimentary golf green fees.
ShareThis