Holiday Punch for Parties

Need something to serve at your Christmas Party? Try one of these...

Pomegranate-Champagne PunchThis pretty punch makes a dazzling centerpiece for a holiday party.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 750-ml bottles chilled brut Champagne
• 1 1/2 cups white rum
• 1 1/4 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
• Pomegranate seeds
• Fresh mint leaves
• 1 ice block
• 
  

Preparation

• Bring 1/2 cup water and sugar to boil in small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer 5 minutes. Cool syrup completely.
• Combine Champagne, rum, and pomegranate juice in punch bowl. Add enough syrup to sweeten to taste. Mix in lemon slices, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves. Add ice block to bowl.
  
  
  
  

  How to Make an Ice Block for Punch

  Avoid using small ice cubes in a punch bowl—they'll melt quickly, leaving your drink watery and weak. The best way to make ice for party punch is to make a big block.

  Fill a metal bowl or Bundt pan with water; freeze overnight. Let defrost just long enough to loosen the ice from its mold. (from Bon Appetit)

  

  Anniversary Punch

  ...also Bon Appetit...

  Originally published in June 1964, this recipe made a comeback with our 50th anniversay issue in 2006. A timeless classic, it features fesh lime, Champagne, and Sauternes.
  

  Ingredients

  • 1 package (15-ounce) frozen strawberries in sugar, thawed
  • 2 teaspoons grated lime peel
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 750-ml bottle Pinot Noir
  • 1 750-ml bottle Sauternes
  • 1 750-ml bottle dry Champagne

  Preparation

  • Combine strawberries, lime peel, and lime juice in saucepan. Simmer together 10 minutes; put through food mill or sieve. Cool. Pour fruit mixture over block of ice in punch bowl. Add wines just before serving. Garnish with whole strawberries or lime slices, if desired.