Holiday punch

Punch is such a communal way to drink a cocktail. I love it! It's the ultimate party drink, and it has been since childhood days.

Looking back at chorus concerts and band concerts in 4th grade, the best part (probably for all involved) was the mini reception afterward that undoubtedly served either lemonade or punch the old school way—with sherbet in it. This remained true for birthday parties throughout childhood, as well as in college for my sorority's events: punch was always a no brainer.

And now in adulthood, the idea of punch has had a bit of a rebirth, especially due to the recent cocktail Renaissance that I've been closely exposed to through Jon. His bar/restaurant, Ox & Stone, serves "Punch with friends" which is quite literally a big punch bowl with customized spirits for the group of friends who orders it. It's my favorite way to imbibe at Ox!

FoodThe PasticheDecember 11, 2015punch, holidays, entertaining, party foods, make-ahead, cocktails, beverages, alcohol, Christmas, party, parties, drinks Comment

Autumn Sweater cocktail

This is a crowd pleasing cocktail for fall time, and especially for Thanksgiving. It even sounds like something to cozy up on the couch with: the Autumn Sweater. It has very few ingredients and is simple to throw together. In order to serve a group, you could also make a large batch of this in a punch bowl or other vessel (leaving out the hard cider so it stays effervescent), and top each glass with hard cider upon serving. It’s just sweet enough, while still being a fairly stiff drink. For my staunch Maker’s Mark-loving family, this is a way to turn the old standby into something a little more festive. And as the outcast who doesn’t love bourbon, I can still really enjoy this cocktail for its other seasonal and warming flavors.

FoodThe PasticheNovember 24, 2015beverages, cocktails, drinks, holidays, hard cider, cider, bourbon, autumn, fall, Thanksgiving Comments

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