Punch It Up for Easter

By Chilled Magazine

yellow-cocktail-with-lavendar-bow
Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Instead of waiting until the last minute to pull together Easter brunch or supper, start planning today. First on the list — cocktails.

Holidays like Easter tend to be times when family gathers and that often means a lot of people. Take care of everyone with punch.

Punches are ideal for party situations because you can assemble them ahead of time, adding ice when you place them on the table. Further, batching them — scaling up or down for the size of your crowd — makes cocktail service a breeze.

If you want to try your hand at building your own punch, there are some helpful parameters to consider. At this time of year, opt for lighter spirits that don’t compete with the rich foods or weigh you down in the gentle weather, but no longer chilly. Genever is an alternative to modern gin, a bit more whiskey-ish in profile but still lighter than brown spirits. White, rosé, or sparkling wines work beautifully if you want a lower ABV punch, and tea – green, chamomile, jasmine — is an ideal modifier to increase volume and add subtle flavors. Finally, fruit, fruit juices, and fruity or floral liqueurs — your imagination is the only limit — are natural additions to springtime punches

Peach Tea and Lemonade

Peach Tea and Lemonade

Photo Courtesy of Bulldog Gin

Peach Tea & Lemonade Pitcher

Courtesy of Bulldog gin

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. Bulldog Gin
  • 8 oz. Peach Iced Tea
  • 8 oz. Fresh Lemonade
  • Sliced Peaches, for garnish

Preparation: Build all ingredients in a punch bowl and stir. Add ice ring or large cubes. Garnish with peach slices.


Punch Drunk Love

Punch Drunk Love

Photo Courtesy of Bombay Sapphire

Punch Drunk Love

Courtesy of Bombay Sapphire NY’s Most Imaginative Bartender Winner 2014, Enzo Cangemi

Serves 5-7 people.

  • Bombay Sapphire gin
  • 7 oz. St-Germain artisanal French elderflower liqueur
  • 1 sprig of sage
  • 6 oz. Fresh guava juice
  • 6 oz. Lemon juice
  • Black peppercorns, ground to taste

Preparation: Build all ingredients in a punch bowl and stir. Add ice ring or large cubes.


Gin Cup

Gin Cup

Photo Courtesy of Bombay Sapphire

Gin Cup

Courtesy of Bombay Sapphire North American Brand Ambassador, Gary Hayward

Serves 5 people.

  • 7 1/2 oz. Bombay Sapphire gin
  • Pimm’s
  • Lemon juice
  • 7 1/2 oz. Ginger ale
  • 10 Mint sprigs
  • 10 Cucumber slices
  • 5 Orange wheels
  • 6 Strawberries

Preparation: Build all ingredients in a punch bowl and stir. Add ice ring or large cubes.


Holland Punch

Holland Punch

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Holland Punch

Courtesy of Lucas Bols

  • 3 cups Bols Genever
  • 1/2 cup Bols Maraschino
  • 1/4 cup Simple Syrup
  • 1/4 cup Absinthe
  • 4 bar spoons Angostura Bitters

Preparation: Build all ingredients in a punch bowl and stir. Add ice ring or large cubes. Garnish with orange and lemon wheels.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!