I mentioned several days ago Kim and I hosted a baby shower. We served traditional fare, cake (cupcakes) nuts and punch.
Punch…ever think, what an odd name? Turns out sailors brought the original drink back to England from India in the early 17th century. Originally called paantsch, it was made from alcohol, sugar, water, lemon, tea or spices. The British often made it like a Wassail using wine or brandy. When Jamaican rum was added, there was no going back.
I have a recipe I use each time I need a punch type drink. I’m sharing it for two reasons: maybe someone will want to use it for a celebration or the holidays and by posting it here, I will know where to find it. Nothing worse than to lose a favorite recipe, right?
This drink is exceptionally healthy for a punch because there is no added sugar—all juices…that is, if diet club soda or Sprite is used. I actually don’t think the diet sodas change the flavor either.
Dole Sunny Holiday Punch
- 1 can (46-oz) Dole Pineapple Juice, chilled
- 1 bottle (28-0z) mineral water, club soda or Sprite, chilled
- 1 can (6 oz) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen berries
- 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled champagne, optional
- Combine ingredients in a punch bowl Makes 3 quarts
The champagne would probably be good, I’ve never tried it. The frozen fruit with pineapple/banana Dole juice found in the refrigerated section make a good ice ring.