Holiday Beverages

 

recipe via Food & Wine

I made this punch for a group of friends and it seemed to be a hit.  The pomegranate seeds add some holiday cheer and pomegranates are full of antioxidants so it must be good for you.

Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

3 tbsp sugar

1 cup pomegranate juice

2  750 ml bottles sparkling wine, chilled

3/4 cup late harvest white wine, such as a Riesling chilled

2 oranges, thinly sliced crosswise

1 cup diced fresh pineapple (I used canned and just drained the juice)

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (you can buy just the seeds this time of year at Sam’s, Costco and Trader Joe’s) or seed a pomegranate yourself.

In a punch bowl, dissolve the sugar in the pomegranate juice, stirring vigorously.  Add the sparkling wine and late-harvest white wine, then add the orange slices, diced pineapple and pomegranate seeds.  Serve the sparkling pomegranate punch over ice.

 

Grinch Punch via Babble

 Kids Version of Grinch Punch

Green soda (for example Jones Green Apple Soda)

Vanilla ice cream

Green sprinkles

Rim the edges of your glasses with green sugar sprinkles. In a large bowl loosely stir together the vanilla ice cream and soda. Use 1 scoop of ice cream per one 12-ounce glass jar of soda. Pour into rimmed drink glasses and serve!

A neighbor of mine made the adult version of this punch at a Bunko party years ago and it was a hit among the ladies.

Grinch Punch (Adult version)

1 part vodka

1 part sparkling wine

1 part melon-flavored liqueur (such as Midori)

2 parts pineapple juice

1 part soda water

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl.  Serve with ice rings floating in the center, and garnish drinks with mini candy canes.

 

Recipe via Eating Well

I’ve not tried this recipe, but I wanted to offer a warm drink as well and thought this one sounded good especially if it’s a snowy evening.  I like that you can make it ahead of time and then reheat.
Sleigh Driver

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

3 pears, chopped into bite-size pieces, divided

2 quarts apple cider

1 lemon, halved and sliced

1 tablespoon ground allspice

1 cup fresh cranberries

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Combine water, sugar, ginger and 1 pear in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Strain out the solids and return the mixture to the pan.

Add the remaining pears, cider, lemon and allspice and heat over medium-high heat, stirring often, for 15 minutes.

Add cranberries and vanilla and reduce the heat to medium-low (the liquid should be simmering, not boiling). Let simmer for 10 minutes more. Serve in heat-safe mugs.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Let cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat on the stove top over low heat or in the microwave on Medium.