Holiday PUNCH!

A few weeks ago, my local Mom’s Group had our second annual Holiday Home Tour.  Five brave souls volunteered to open their homes to the whole group to serve treats, pour some drinks, and show off their Christmas decorations to a bunch of sleep deprived, exhausted local mommies.

And it was fabulous.

We talked, we laughed, we oohed and aahhed over the beautiful Christmas trees, and we had some much needed down time during what can be a pretty stressful season.  I volunteered to be the final stop that night and had a dessert buffet laid out to ensure that no one went home hungry!  I served good ole Spiced Apple Cider, Mulled Wine, regular wine, lemon and cranberry ice water, Ginger Chai Blondies, Fruit & Nut Rum Balls, Cherry Pistachio Butter Cookies, Cocoa Candied Almonds, Chocolate Eclair Dessert, White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake, Carmel Dip with pretzels and cookies…..and I think that was it.

However, it was this punch recipe that I couldn’t stop thinking about.  I chugged down two huge glasses at another house and it completely hit the spot.  After hopping in and out of the car all night, talking (probably way too much) in the truck while driving between houses, and chuffing through the snow that had fallen the night before, I was ready for something peppy.  This punch was cold and tangy and zippy and incredibly thirst quenching.  Like I said, I drank two huge glasses-withOUT vodka- and could have downed a third if there had been time.  So so so good.  I made sure to get the recipe from the hostess and now my family will enjoy it over ice as a special treat these few days over Christmas.

My kids call this ‘Rudolph’ punch because its red.  We have also called it reindeer punch, red punch, Christmas punch, and ‘that red stuff that is so good’.  But whatever you call it,  be glad it makes a big batch.  It is lovely to sip for kids and grown-ups alike.  Perfect wether you are staying in by the fire or to get you through a marathon of family gatherings. One Year Ago: Simple Fudge
Two Years Ago: Chai Hot Chocolate & Fruit and Nut Rum Balls
Three Years Ago: Mini Corn Muffins & Brown Sugar Shortbread

Holiday PUNCH
Recipe from Katie Fulton
The PUNCH part comes from the alcohol so add as little or as much ‘punch’ as you want!

1-64 oz bottle pomegranate juice, cold
1-64 oz bottle Cran/Grape juice, cold
1-2 liter bottle of ginger ale, cold
vodka, optional
fruit for garnish

Mix all ingredients together and serve over ice with the vodka on the side or mixed right in.  Feel free to experiment with different flavors of vodka to make it your own.  Garnish with blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, and/or orange slices. Serve.

Note:  This would be fantastic on a hot day in the middle of summer, or even blended with ice and tequila for a tangy margarita!