Easy Holiday Punch Recipes
Easy Holiday Punch Recipes
As much fun as it is to host friends and family, entertaining can be overwhelming. I am always looking for ways to make things simpler to avoid the stress. Serving a holiday punch puts the merry back in the holidays. A good holiday punch eliminates the fuss of setting up a full bar. Here are three easy holiday punch recipes you can serve at your next festive gathering. Cheers! 
Apple Cider Bourbon Punch
Vino 301 served this punch at one of our client’s holiday party recently. It was a big hit!!! We served the punch cold and rimmed the glasses with a cinnamon sugar mixture. For an additional surprise, a splotch of caramel was added to the bottom of the glass. The Apple Cider Bourbon Punch can be served warm too. The warm punch will melt the caramel adding a new flavor element. If you serve it warm, remember to keep the heat low. You do not want cook away the alcohol. Ingredients3 Cinnamon sticks9 Cloves1 Star Anise4 cups Apple cider1 cup Orange juice (no pulp)1 cup sugar½ cup Bourbon or to taste OptionalOrange slicesCinnamon sugar mixturecaramel Directions:In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine all ingredients and garnish with orange slices. Before serving rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar mixture, and place a dollop of caramel in the bottom of the glass for an added treat. Serves 10 - 15 people 
Ornament Punch
This cocktail reminds me of a Christmas tree decorated with all of the lights and ornaments. It sparkles, and has traditional red and green colors…hence the name Ornament Punch. This recipe calls for sparkling wine. Remember, it is okay to select an inexpensive wine. Select a dry sparkling wine. Ingredients2 Granny Smith apples, chopped1 c. whole fresh cranberries1 c. green grapes, halved1 c. pomegranate seeds2 c. sparkling white grape juice1 bottle sparkling wine (e.g., Cava or Prosecco) DIRECTIONSIn a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apples, cranberries, grapes, and pomegranate seeds. Pour over sparkling grape juice and champagne and stir, then serve. Serves 8 – 10 people 
Ginger Spritz
If you are not keen on serving a punch, have a signature cocktail. Set up a self-serve cocktail station. The Ginger Spritz is a simple four ingredients recipe. It has my new favorite aperitif, Lillet (lee-lay). Lillet is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. It is flavored with herbs, citrus, spices and fortified with citrus liqueur (17% ABV). Lillet goes a long way. You do not need generous portions. Also, it should always be served chilled. Try Ginger Spritz recipe courtesy of bon appétit. INGREDIENTS1 thin slice peeled ginger2 oz. Lillet Blanc3 oz. sparkling wine (e.g., Cava or Prosecco)Splash of ginger beer DIRECTIONSPlace ginger slice against the inside of a rocks glass, fill with ice, and add Lillet and sparkling wine. Top off with ginger beer and stir gently to combine. Single serving. Enjoyed this blog? Great, receive more Vino 301 blogs twice a month. Subscribe to Vino 301’s email list and receive your very own copy of our blog. Subscribe here