September 20th isn’t just another Friday — it is also celebrated as an ode to punch. For some this could be a game of bloody knuckles, but for most it’s another amazing opportunity to over-drink for a day conceived in after thought.
The word punch derives from the Hindi loanword panch, meaning five. Normally a punch is a beverage made from five ingredients, most commonly being: alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and spices. The drink was carried from Indochina by sailors from the British East Indian Company somewhere in the early 1600’s and shared with the commoners; so it goes. Originally punch was made using a wine or brandy based elixir, but around 1655 Jamaican rum jumped on the scene, and made everything “irie.”
Historically and internationally, punches come in a wide variety of different combinations. Two of the oldest known rum-punch recipes are Planters Punch and Bajan Punch. The Bajan Punch even gained its own colloquial rhyme to remember the ingredients, “One of sour, Two of sweet, Three of strong, and Four of weak.” These directions translate to one part of lime juice, two parts of sweetener, three parts of rum and four parts water. Planters Punch was more avant-garde considering it includes Angostura bitters and cayenne pepper. Although punch makes me think about childrens’ birthday parties in ranch-style stark homes of the 1970’s, man has always had a long history of mixing alcohol with more taste bud pleasing ingredients.
Strolling around the globe will introduce you to a few unique punches that reflect the many cultures they spur from. In Korea you might find yourself drinking Sujeonggwa, which is a punch made from dried persimmons, ginger, and cinnamon. In Deutschland you might have a Feuerzangenbowle, or “Burnt Punch.” This drink is made with red wine and flaming rum, poured over a sugarloaf. Punch has become a beverage that all ages enjoy across the world…major consumer brands like Kool-Aid and Hawaiian Punch have created soft drink versions for children to enjoy, or for adults to use as a mix.
An alternate take on the standard punch could be the infamous “Jungle Juice.” This “Hunch Punch” is a mixture of various liquors, fruit juices, and sliced fruit that serve as a college standard, especially here in the states. Punch is great when hosting a party at your house, with so many different combinations you can match your punch to fit a specific theme. You can even serve up several styles and have a taste gathering with friends. Considering it’s our duty to practice tradition and remember history, show you care and remember to throw your own punch party on September 20th, to celebrate our love for fruits and alcohol. Below are some of our favorite punch recipes!
Aqua Loca
4 liters of Smirnoff Vodka
1 liter of white rum (sweet, preferably Bacardi)
1/2 liter of white tequila (Heravaura or substitute with Sausa)
6 liters of red wine (sweet, the sweeter the better)
6 liters of grape juice (natural, no sediment)
6-pack of mineral water (cans or bottles)
3/4 kilogram of sugar
Juice of 20 limes (green limes, no pulp)
2 liters water
Mix all ingredients together, let sit for 2 hrs prior to consumption. Notes: Punch should be made in vat, and served with a full cup of ice. One cup is equal to four bottles of beer.
La Mela (Courtesy of Eben Freeman, Master Mixologist)
1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1/4 part St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram (Pimento Dram)
3/4 part amaretto
1-1/2 parts rosemary apple cider
Dash rosemary cider/maple syrup mix*
Sprig of rosemary, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker over ice and shake vigorously. Serve over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.*Rosemary cider vinegar/maple mix: Place 6 sprigs of fresh rosemary in 1 quart of apple cider and steep for 48 hours. Combine rosemary cider with an equal part of maple syrup.
Bull Shot Punch
4 cans beef boullion
1 fifth vodka
1 tsp. tabasco
Pour mixture over block of ice in a bowl and garnish with l sliced lemon. Mixture serves 25.
Le Chambord
1 bottle vodka (premium brand)
1/2 bottle Chambord liqueur or Creme de Cassis
1/4 gallon pineapple juice
1/4 gallon sweet & sour mix
Mix all ingredients add two cups pineapple chunks and enjoy.
Portón Punch
1 bottle of 750 ml (24 oz.) Portón Pisco
16 parts pineapple juice
6 parts passion fruit juice
6 parts simple syrup*
1/2 pineapple in cubes
200gr. of strawberries in cubes
Abundant ice
Mint or yerba buena leaves
Mix all ingredients with ice in a punch bowl. Serve in glasses adding pineapple and strawberry squares. Decorate with mint or yerba buena leaves. Serves 8 persons. *Simple Syrup Recipe: Using two parts sugar and one part water, bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water, stirring constantly. Once the sugar is dissolved completely, remove the pan from the heat. Do not allow the syrup to boil for too long or the syrup will be too thick. Allow to cool completely and thicken, then bottle. The cook time is approximately five minutes.
Cruzan Keyed Up Punch
2 parts Cruzan Key Lime Rum
1/2 part Lemon Juice
1/2 part Orange Juice
2 parts Coconut Water
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Mix well & refrigerate until serving. Pour into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with an orange slice.
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