About Party Punch
When it comes to parties and entertaining---drinks are an important element in the event planning. Party punch is a versatile drink for any age group and accompanies any meal nicely. Party punch typically includes juice and carbonated soda in the recipe. You can have multiple punch bowls in a variety of flavors for guests to choose from, or stick to one recipe. Party punch can be served before, during or after a meal.
Punch Bowl and Cups
The bowl that holds the party punch is all about presentation. Punch bowls usually are clear so guests can easily recognize the punch. Bowls are made of glass or crystal, and the design may consist of inlaid flowers or designs with a frosted or etched effect. Most punch bowls hold around two gallons of liquid. The edges of the punch bowl often are scalloped to allow for added design and as well as a place to rest the ladle. Some ornate punch bowls have small glass knobs or hooks around the edging to hold cups for guests. Punch bowl cups or mugs are usually fancy and generally made from glass or crystal. Cheaper bowl and cup sets made from plastic are a great alternative for children's parties to prevent breakage.
Cold Party Punch
Cold party punch is the most popular for entertaining. Ingredients such as carbonated soda like ginger ale, Sprite or 7-UP serve as base ingredients for many punch recipes. The carbonated sodas add a fizz to the punch that gives it a distinct flavor and tingle on the tongue. Citrus juices such as lemonade, orange and lime concentrates add a tangy flavor to punch. Sorbet, whipping cream, milk and ice cream can be added to give the punch a creamy after taste. Alcohol can be added, too, for adult-only parties. Rum, vodka and flavored puckers are mixed with soda to make the punch sweeter and provide an alcoholic beverage.
Hot Party Punch
There are recipes in which the punch is meant to be served warm or hot. Some examples oare hot spiced-cider punch, hot cinnamon punch, red raspberry chocolate punch, hot spiced-cranberry punch and hot tea punch. While these recipes are different from most cold punch recipes, many contain either fruit juice, cream or soda. Alcohol also can be added to hot punch recipes as well. Coffee liqueurs are a great way to add flavor and texture to a hot party punch recipe. Punch that is served hot is great for late afternoon get-togethers or parties held in colder months. Punch may accompany a dessert tray or cheese platter as well.
Tips
The punch bowl should be surrounded by cups, a ladle and napkins. Having the punch bowl situated at the head of the food table will provide easy access for guests. Parties can be held just about anywhere, but there are a few precautions that need to be taken once the punch is sitting out. Bugs---especially fruit flies---are attracted to the sweet nectar found in many punch recipes. Keeping the punch bowl covered when not in use will promote a sanitary presentation.
Embellishments
One of the intriguing facts about party punch is that it can hold embellishments that are attractive to the eye. A dazzling ice display will attract a lot of attention. Ice can be created in rectangle milk cartons, circle containers or odd shapes to provide decorative ice blocks for punch. Pineapple rings, oranges with clove heads, frozen fruit, cherries and cranberries also make nice embellishments that provide good visuals and wonderful taste.
Tags: punch recipes, punch bowls, carbonated soda, embellishments that, glass crystal, made from