by Stacy Failing CSEP, CMP
For your holiday entertaining, a cocktail punch can be a fast and easy way to serve a crowd while looking pretty and festive. My favorite is this Spiced Rye Punch featuring Old Overholt Rye. This particular rye is aged four years before it is bottled, producing a smooth finish with notes of citrus. Adding spices to the punch helps create the holiday flavor, and the brightness of the lemon juice makes for a lighter whiskey-based cocktail. I especially love the bubby prosecco added at the end. Try it and it will be a new favorite tradition!
The Recipe
Ingredients (yields 45 4oz drinks):
- 1.5 bottles Old Overholt Rye Whiskey
- 2 cups Fresh Lemon Juice
- 25 dashes Bitters
- 2 cups Honey-Spice Simple Syrup (or to taste)
- 1 bottle Prosecco
- Extra mulling spices to garnish
Directions:
Combine rye, lemon juice, bitters and honey syrup and chill for several hours. When ready to serve, pour over rocks and top with Prosecco and twist of lemon. Or pour into a punch bowl and add Prosecco and mulling spices.
Honey Spice Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Clover Honey
- 2 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Mulling Spices (whole cinnamon, whole clove, whole star anise)
Directions:
Bring all ingredients to a boil and turn off heat. Steep for 30 minutes. Strain ingredients and let cool.
