Planning a party this holiday season? When hosting a crowd during Christmas and New Year’s festivities, it makes sense to think about serving punch. Punch is convenient to make, easy to serve, and an inspiring spectacle on your holiday table amid your décor.
What are you going to serve your guests? Try one of the following six spirited punches.
1. Frosty and Festive Punch
Serve your guests a billowy, snowy creation that is sure to put them in the Christmas mood with this frosty white punch. This resembles an ice cream float, with scoops of vanilla ice cream amid a pool of lemon-lime sparkling soda, but adding a bit of a cream-based liqueur, like strawberry cream tequila, can give it some holiday kick!
Additionally, a punch bowl full of this fluffy white deliciousness will make a great party centerpiece.
2. Fish House Punch
Treat holiday guests to a taste of the good life with a cognac concoction called Fish House punch. First, add a large ice block to a punch bowl; next, add equal parts of cognac, dark rum, and peach brandy to your bowl. Add approximately the same amount of club soda or sparkling water. For holiday flair, add a handful of fresh cranberries to the top of your punch and to each glass when serving.
3. Classic Wassail
For a traditional holiday flavor, spike a punch bowl of classic wassail. This is the perfect time to bring out your crock-pot or slow-cooker! Add the following ingredients to your vessel, on low-heat:
- 2 quarts apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 Tbs. brown sugar
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Dash ground clove, dash ground cinnamon, and cinnamon sticks for serving, if desired
With these options, heat until warmed and flavors meld; before serving, add about two cups of apple brandy. Serve with a cinnamon stick stirrer.
4. Spiked Eggnog
What are the holidays without eggnog? Make your own family’s recipe or buy pre-made ‘nog and spike to warm your guests up on the inside. Try something different, such as filling your punch bowl with eggnog and adding pumpkin spiced rum for a spicy and seasonal flair.
5. Champagne Punch
Another fun and versatile option is to make a champagne punch. This can literally be made with any fruit juices and soda options, as long as you have a fresh bottle of champagne. A touch of fruit schnapps, brandy, or liqueur can add depth of flavor to your concoction, too.
6. Winter Sangria
Sangria is always a great choice for parties since you can make it in large pitchers to serve a crowd. Try a winter sangria with peach schnapps or apple brandy for your adult-guests. Try this simple recipe:
- 1 bottle white wine
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup cranberry or cranberry-apple juice cocktail
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1 cup peach schnapps, peach brandy, or apple brandy, to taste
- Fresh cranberries and diced apples for serving
Make sure to serve a bit of the fresh fruit in each punch glass and add ice, as desired. Consider freezing some of your fruit in a ring-mold for a dramatic presentation and party centerpiece.
Get in the spirit of the season and start planning your holiday party. Make sure to check out the gift ideas, holiday recipes, and serving suggestions at Holiday Wine Cellar, which will help cover your alcohol and beverage needs during this hectic season. We’re ready to help you.
Make the holidays a bit easier and try these six punch ideas to bring some festive flavor to your table this season!
