I was really excited when Templeton Rye came to me and asked me to create a punch.

With the holidays approaching — like, next week —
a punch is something that should be on everyone’s mind
(especially if you have a lot of mouths looking to imbibe!). 

HISTORY:

Alcoholic punch is quite interesting and is really a classic vintage cocktail. It was created back in the 17th century as an alternative to beer for men working on ships for the British East India Company. When the boats would dock in the warmer, tropical climates, their beer would go flat and rancid and so they began creating other spirited drinks from the spices that were indigenous to the new climates they were in — (think citrus and mysterious spices).

These sailors brought back their delicious punch recipes to Britain, where they became a staple at large gatherings. By the Victorian age, they were extremely popular. However, with the rise of Queen Victoria, who did not approve of spirited drinks, the punch grew out of favor and sort of stayed that way for quite some time. Interesting note: Charles Dickens was a fan of the punch, even though at the time it was somewhat antiquated and old fashioned (but he loved that aspect of it). That was really it for punch though, until the rise of the craft cocktail in the 2000’s — when very cool bartenders started bringing back very old school recipes.

And, we thank them!

So, that was your punch history lesson for the day! (You can find out more about punch HERE at this great NPR spot.) 

Templeton Rye is PERFECT for punch.

This small batch rye whiskey presents a rye spiciness and almost bittersweet taste that is found in the rye grain. Other flavor notes that are truly easy to detect are dried fruit, toffee, caramel, and allspice. It is truly a clean and mellow, yet spicy spirit. It has quickly become one of my favorites to drink.

For my punch, I was really thinking about the holiday season and how to incorporate some of the classic holiday flavors with the Templeton Rye. However, I wanted to keep it classic and true to vintage punch, as well as something you could drink year round. By adding pomegranate, clove, bitters, and ginger — I feel like I was able to do just that. Try it this holiday season and let me know what you think!

Heartbeat Nosh’s Templeton Rye Pomegranate Punch:

• 2 cups Templeton Rye Whiskey
• Juice of 4 lemons (5 if lemons are small – about 3/4 cup)
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup Barsmith Honey Ginger Cocktail Syrup (you could also make your own honey ginger simple syrup — but I am a busy woman these days) ;)
• 1/2 cup Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
• 1 teaspoon Hella Bitters Aromatic Bitters (any aromatic bitters would work)
• Club Soda
• Fresh Nutmeg
• Fresh Cloves
• Lemon Twist

To Make:

• In a pitcher, combine Templeton Rye, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, honey ginger syrup, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, aromatic bitters, and 5 (or so) fresh cloves. Mix well.
• Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to let ingredients combine and chill.
• Pour punch into your punch bowl (having a beautiful punch bowl is mandatory! I got my beautiful and smaller crystal punch bowl from Boozetique in Salt Lake City).
• Add ice, more fresh cloves, and freshly grated nutmeg.
• Serve in punch coupes over ice, top with sparkling soda, and garnish with lemon twist and full star anise.

This punch is flavorful, wonderful, inviting, and fresh.

The Templeton Rye and pomegranate are perfect together and the garnish and fresh spices really do add that holiday aroma and flavor. The lemon keeps the punch bright and fresh and the bitters pull everything together. I also really love the slight addition of ginger in the syrup – it adds just a little bite.

Also, the punch is strong, so adding the ice to dilute it just a bit is important while not watering it down. Be sure to not add the ice or the soda until you are ready to serve. You can keep the original mixture in the fridge for a few days as well if you don’t use it all at once. For example, we drank this punch over the course of a few days and it kept its integrity. It also kept us super happy.

Be the life of the party this holiday season!

Take Heartbeat Nosh’s Templeton Rye Pomegranate PUNCH!

Also, next time you are looking for an amazing RYE –
pick up a bottle of Templeton. It truly is “the good stuff.” 

A sentimental thank you to Templeton Rye for reaching out and collaborating on this holiday punch! You can find more punch recipes using Templeton Rye by checking out hashtag #TempletonRyePunch and #TempletonRye.

Find them on Instagram @TempletonRye.

Check out more cocktail recipes from Heartbeat Nosh at @Heartbeatnosh and #HBNHomebar.

CHEERS and Happy Holidays! XOXOXOX