Punch

Truth be told, we do love making those exquisite little cocktails with fresh this and steeped that.  A pinch of herb, a drop of bitters, a soupcon of sugar syrup, with flowers frozen in ice.
But face it, there are time when you really need a big old pitcher of drink.

That is where Punch comes in. Colleen Mullaney has put together a little book of punchy cocktails that will make your party sing.  Or, it could just make YOU sing, but try valiantly to refrain from making a "selfie" video of you singing.  Drinking punch is a no-posting zone!

Growing up in the South, I have seen some godawful concoctions dumped in a punch bowl.  They usually consisted of a ring mold of solid ice, a cheap sherbet, some ginger ale, and rum.  Scary. 

So it is nice to find a book that offers up tasty, elegant and bulk alcohol for those party situations when you don't want to spend all your time making drinks.  One can pick from fruity punches, traditional champagne punches, tea and coffee punches, and the occasional tropical delight.  You don't have to wander all the way to the 1600's to find a drink. 

 We are rather enamored of her citrus cooler.  Lite, refreshing and bursting with summer and a bit of rum.

Citrus Cooler

2 cups light rum
2 cups tangerine juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup Cointreau
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup cherry juice

Lemon and lime slices for garnish

Combine the liquid ingredients in the punch bowl and mix well.  Add the ice cubes, garnish with the slices of lemon and lime, and serve immediately.

Since this is a punch book, one is often told to put everything in a punch bowl, but you can pour it all in a big pitcher which makes it much easier to carry out to the porch.  Be sure and take an extra glass because it won't be long before you have company.