Holiday Punch

Punch is a holiday party favorite for many reasons. Many punch recipes can be made ahead of time or have components that can be prepped ahead, sparing the host the stress of last-minute preparations. Punch also doesn't require someone to play bartender all night, allowing guests to serve themselves. Perhaps most importantly, there are fewer things more festive than a giant bowl of booze.

This jewel-toned holiday punch is perfect for your winter solstice party, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s gatherings, and any other wintery parties. Made with Lambrusco, Byrrh, and a spiced rosemary simple syrup, this recipe delivers rich, complex flavors and a gentle effervescence that will heighten the convivial spirit and give guests something to talk about.

For the curious, Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Unlike many red wines, Lambrusco should be served chilled, making it ideal for a punch. I prefer a dryer Lambrusco for this recipe, but if you prefer sweeter drinks, you can use a sweeter Lambrusco and either reduce the simple syrup or keep it the same.

Byrrh, prounounced "beer," is a fortified wine that has also been aromatized with quinine. Quinine is derived from cinchona bark and you probably know it best as the ingredient that gives tonic water its bitter edge. Beyond quinine, byrrh is also flavored with orange and coffee, which add complexity and a distinct aroma. In this recipe, that subtle orange flavor is reinforced with orange liqueur.

This punch recipe easily doubles, as the simple syrup recipe provided is enough for two batches of punch. Otherwise, you can use the simple syrup to sweeten your morning coffee or to brush over cake layers and quick breads for added flavor and moisture.