By Monica Parpal | Senior Editor
Cocktails are undoubtedly a year-round treat, but when holidays surge, there’s nothing better than finding the perfect cocktail recipe you can easily make en masse for parties. We’ve beat you to the punch, as it were, with these dynamic cocktail punch recipes that let you impress and imbibe without playing mixologist all night long. Cheers!
Holiday Season Rehydrate and Recharge Spa Cooler from The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Great for a holiday brunch, lunch, or evening aperitif, this cocktail features cucumber water to boost vitamin C and other antioxidant nutrients to rehydrate your skin.
In a pitcher with ice, combine 12 ounces Hendricks gin, 6 ounces Aperol, 4 ounces fresh lemon juice, 4 ounces simple syrup, and 32 ounces cucumber water*. Add several fresh cucumber slices. Fill to the top with ginger ale. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.
*To make cucumber water: Peel and slice or roughly chop 1 large European cucumber (or 2 small ones). Add to 48-60 ounces cold water. Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours (more time will infuse a stronger cucumber flavor). Strain out cucumber, reserving the water.
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Grey Goose Russian Punch
What’s better for celebrations than punch with both vodka and Champagne? Refreshing and nuanced, this recipe is great for holiday parties, or just small gatherings of friends who enjoy fine wine and bubbles—with a spirited twist.
In a large punch bowl, dissolve 1/2 part caster sugar with 1/2 part hot water. Add the zest of 2 lemons, then add 1 part each Grey Goose Original vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir vodka, and French Sauvignon Blanc. Add 4 long ribbons of cucumber and 1 diced honeydew melon. Stir mixture and add an ice block to chill. Float with 1/2 part Champagne.
Spirits Spotlight: Grey Goose Cherry Noir
Black cherries sourced from France are the showcase in this dynamite spirit from Grey Goose. The bouquet is decidedly vibrant with a hint of sweet spice, while the palate evinces a creaminess paired with the earthy notes of black cherry. It all culminates in a refreshing, clean finish and a touch of warmth.
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Rhubarb Champagne Punch from Brendan Dorr at B&O American Brasserie (Baltimore, Md.)
Great for a small crowd of six to eight people, this refined punch offers a bit of wintry herbaceousness alongside refreshing bubbles and the oak barrel-aged character of bourbon.
In a large punch bowl, combine 4 ounces Angel’s Envy bourbon, 3 ounces Art in the Age rhubarb tea liqueur, 1 ounce Galliano L’Authentico herbal liqueur, 1 ounce strawberry syrup*, 3 ounces lemon juice, and a 750mL bottle Brut Champagne. Stir to mix, then add a large block of ice to chill. Garnish with strawberry slices and fresh mint.
*Strawberry syrup is commonly available in liquor stores
Spirit Spotlight: Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Distilled from Kentucky-grown grains, Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is aged for four to six years in American white oak barrels, then finished for three to six additional months in hand-selected Port casks. The result is a rich, smooth, and well-rounded bourbon with layers of ripe cherry, raisin, toffee, cinnamon, and vanilla complemented by hints of dark chocolate and espresso on the finish.
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Fish House Punch
In a large punch bowl, combine 1 cup Shellback spiced rum, 3/4 cup orange juice, 3/4 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup grenadine. Stir well and add ice. After ladling into stemless wine glasses filled with ice, add a dash of classic bitters to each and garnish with maraschino cherries and pineapple slices.
Spirit Spotlight: Shellback Spiced Rum
Shellback Spiced Rum is a smooth-tasting, medium-bodied rum of remarkable quality. With no sugar added, its 12 exotic spices combine to offer unique overtones of caramelized honey, cinnamon, and vanilla that create the distinguished taste you’re ready for. 80 proof, foolproof.