Punch – The Party Comeback King of 2013

Punch – The Party Comeback King of 2013

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Image courtesy of iDrink.com

Before there was a martini or cosmopolitan, there was punch. Punch is the oldest global cocktail and a seasonal favourite. The big cocktail in a bowl is now undergoing something of a revival and has made a comeback in parties across the globe – from college kids to sophisticates.

Punch has come a long way from the traditional 1980s crystal bowl and dainty row of glasses. Hostesses are mixing these party drinks in glass pitchers and serving it in champagne flutes, on-the-rocks glasses and wine glasses. Other reincarnations include substituting the tried-and-true ring of fruit-filled ice with fruity ice cubes. All in all, today’s punch has no limits except your own creativity. Add your favourite liqueur, wine, frozen fruit and serve it with a candy straw if you like. Whatever your personal variation, you’ll have an up-to-the-minute party drink for all to enjoy.

Wine punches are elegant and convenient ways to impress others at a dinner party or serve a crowd. With a bottle of sparkling rose wine, a bag of frozen blueberries, one container of frozen pink lemonade and some lemon-lime soda, you can mix a fruity punch that will delight the palate and soothe the soul. For a real fruity flavour, allow the ingredients to marry in the fridge for an hour.

Chardonnay is an excellent wine for punches. Dry and crisp with oak and buttery overtones, guests will be lined up at the punch bowl for second savoury cup. Add some raspberries, club soda and sliced lemons with a chilled bottle of chardonnay wine, and you’ve got a refreshing and delicious treat for any festive gathering or holiday. A pinot noir chardonnay adds a lot of bubbly to the traditional vodka punch, and you can buy sparkling wine online to make any punch. Mix a bottle of pinot noir chardonnay with vodka, frozen strawberries, pineapple chunks, club soda and ginger ale, and a signature vodka champagne punch is born.

Rev up any party with a classic Spanish sangria punch. It’s a punch that packs a punch of fruity flavour. There are many reds that can be used for this traditional punch, including the Bollinger Rose Champagne, Gratien & Meyer Saumur Rose and Moet & Chandon Rose. You can easily buy sparkling wine online to make a Spanish sangria punch. In addition, you don’t have to be a master mixologist to make this all-time favourite. Just mix a bottle of red wine, some rum, limes, oranges, orange juice, lemons and sugar. Chill for about two hours, and it’s ready to serve.

Truth be told, punch is a resurging trend that is here to stay. It’s the ideal way for any hostess to be able to enjoy the party and not get hung up having to serve guests. Guests can serve themselves, and the hostess can socialise and enjoy the party. It’s a win-win all around. If you want to be part of the trend and join in the jet set of the Martha Stewart mixologists, hold the martinis and serve the punch.