The heyday of punch had nothing to do with awkward mixers or frat parties. The communal drink—the father of the cocktail—dates back to the 1600s. “Today, cramped bars make it difficult for large groups to gather around the bowl to share and celebrate,” says Greg Seider of New York’s punch-friendly Summit Barand Prima. Though some bars are setting aside entire floors for punch service, it’s best served at home where guests can help themselves. Click out four of Seider’s recipes to warm things up when the temperature drops.
ROAD MORE TRAVELED
• 1 bottle bourbon (750 ml.)
• 25 oz. apple cider
• 10 oz. Water
• 10 oz. Agave Syrup
• 1 tbsp grated cinnamon
• 8 oz. lemon juice
• 8 oz. orange bitters
• 10 oz. Ginger beer
• Nutmeg
• Apple
Bring water and agave syrup to a boil with grated cinnamon. Remove from heat and let sit for 20 minutes, then strain Combine cinnamon agave syrup with all other ingredients (except ginger beer) in bowl with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with grated nutmeg and apple slices.
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THE GOOD LIFE
• 1 bottle gin (750 ml.)
• 18 oz. St. Germain
• 25 oz. grapefruit juice
• 8 oz. Aperol
• 10 oz. Sparkling Wine
• Lemon
• Orange
Combine all ingredients (except sparkling wine) in bowl with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with lemon and orange slices.
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ROSELLE ROSELLE
• 43 oz. Bourbon
• 9 oz. Water
• 9 oz. Agave Syrup
• 5 Hibiscus Tea Bags
• 10 oz. Hard Cider
• Cinnamon Sticks
Bring water and agave syrup to a boil. Add tea bags. Remove from heat and let sit for 20 minutes, then strain. Combine hibiscus syrup with all other ingredients (except hard cider) in bowl with ice. Top with hard cider and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
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SMOKED AND INFUSED
• 29 oz. Mezcal
• 29 oz. Pineapple juice
• 8 oz. water
• 8 Oz. Agave Syrup
• 1 Bunch Basil
• 15 oz. lemon juice
• 8 oz. Club Soda
• Lime
Bring water and agave syrup to a boil with basil. Remove from heat and let sit for 20 minutes, then strain. Combine basil syrup with all other ingredients (except club soda) in bowl with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with lime wheels.
