You’re right, punch is a very simple party solution, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the hundreds of wonderful liquor options available for the holiday season.  Some more traditional choices would be egg nog, mulled cider, or a hot toddy. Or for a more modern approach you could try mixing it up with some signature holiday flavors like cranberry or spice. This month we’re featuring an excellent cranberry martini in our drink recipes section. Traditional or creative, Brinkmann’s is well stocked for all of your holiday cocktail whims, and if you do decide on punch, be sure to try the recipe below for an added “flare” to your party.

Flaming English Christmas Punch

Ingredients:
750 ml bottle dark rum
750 ml bottle dry red wine
3 cups strong tea
1 lb superfine sugar
Juice of 1 large orange
Juice of 1 lemon

Heat, but do not allow to boil, the wine, tea, lemon and orange juices in a saucepan or chafing dish. Pour the heated mix into a heat proof punch bowl. Place as much sugar as possible into a large ladle and any excess sugar into the punch bowl. Saturate the sugar in the ladle with rum. Ignite the rum and sugar in the ladle and pour it while still aflame into the punch. Stir well and extinguish the flames. Pour the remainder of the rum into the punch. Serves 27.

Cheers! Tim