insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 18 - August 2016 | Page 39

FOOD+DRINK

Throw a party with PUNCH!
Punch was a party favourite way back when – I mean, what could be better than a giant bowl full
of spiked fruity beverage at a summer shindig? But, it fell out of favour. Punch became uncool.
Which, in our humble opinions, was a big shame because punch and all its paraphernalia was
pretty fantastic. The good news is that punch is making a comeback thanks to the lovely trendsetters
of this world. It may not always be served up in massive cut crystal punch bowls with dainty
matching cups anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s not around. And the more events you go to
over the upcoming month, the more you’ll see – 2016 is the summer of punch.

Punch originated in India in the 1600s, and was first brought to Britain not
too long afterwards. Once it got here, it soon spread across the world,
mainly because it’s a wonderful thing. The world punch comes from the
Sanskrit ‘pañc’ which means five. Why five? Because to make a traditional
punch you need only five ingredients. These are: water, sugar, lemon, spices
(depending on what flavour you want) and – optionally – alcohol. The first
punches weren’t overly inspiring, but as time has gone on, despite the
ebbing and flowing of the punch trend, more and more recipes for different

punches have been created. As long as there is fruit juice included (and it
doesn’t have to be lemon), and the drink is a communal one to be shared,
either from a bowl or a jug or similar, it can be called punch.
Punch was (and is slowly becoming once more) popular because it makes
drinks at your party or celebration so much easier – just pour all the
ingredients into one bowl or jug, and anyone can help themselves. Voila
and ta da, bottoms up!

Malibu Piña Colada Punch

Cranberry Fizz
Ingredients:
• Cranberry juice
• Orange juice
• Limeade
• Ginger ale
• Vodka
• Triple sec
• Orange wedges and whole cranberries (for garnish)
Method:
Combine cranberry juice, orange juice, limeade, vodka and triple sec in a
large punch bowl. Gently stir in the ginger ale. Garnish with orange wedges
and cranberries.

This easy to make and irresistibly tasty coconut- and cream-based
rum punch is the perfect way to enjoy a hot summer’s day.
Ingredients:
• Malibu rum
• Coconut cream
• Pineapple juice
• Fresh pineapple wedges
Method:
Choose your drinks container and pour all the ingredients into it – exact
measurements are tricky when it comes to punch because it’s usually made
to taste. So just keep pouring until it tastes delicious! Decorate the edge
of the bowl with pineapple wedges, or pop them into the cups as an extra
garnish.

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