Sharkbait’s Cocktail of the Week: Punching out of 2023

So we’ve made it, the end of the year. Hopefully 2023 was generally good for you, and 2024 continues the good times for you. This week I’m bringing a last minute punch you can serve at any kind of weekend festivities you may be planning. It’s comes from this Instagram post my wife got sent to her by my (hopefully soon to be) sister in law. They definitely go over the top with the garnishes but those aren’t needed for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Though we did it for a Christmas day punch and they were a hit with everyone so go for it if you want.

So the recipe didn’t have specific proportions of the juices but here’s what we did:

Layer ice, cranberries, like wedges and orange slices in a large carafe or a punch bowl. Add equal parts orange juice, cranberry juice, and pomegranate juice. Fill large ice molds halfway with cranberry juice. Add a lime wedge and a wrapped candy cane and freeze. When ready to serve, hang the candy canes inside the carafe and let guests take a candy cane and hang it in their glass. Have Prosecco, gin and vodka at hand to add to any glass

There is a generic fruit punch type aroma. Nothing particularly strong jumps out at me right away. Jumping back in for another sniff, I can start to pick out some hints of cranberry juice sneaking it’s way out to be known. Overall though, not much going on, which I guess is a good thing for a punch.

The drink itself is very refreshing. It’s a great mix of orange, cranberry, and pomegranate juices. The original recipe called for more splashes of vodka, but with young kids sampling this, we left out the hard stuff so the adults could add it later. I chose to add champagne to top mine this time. I didn’t make a bad choice. I think the carbonation from the champagne is an excellent addition here. Aside from the bubbles, it adds a little dryness that works well here too.

The finish is a touch on the sour side surprisingly. I never really got much in that flavor direction until I got to the end. Nothing too bad, but just something to be aware of.

This was an excellent punch for sure. Definitely a bit over the top with the theatrics and the garnishes, but it’s the holidays, you’ve gotta have some fun with it right? Also it’s a great option for kids too. The ones at my father in laws certainly liked it, especially the candy canes they got to eat after the fact. Plus, the option to add your own booze is a good option to mind your intake in the event you need to drive home after the festivities.

(Banner image courtesy Matthew Tetrault Photography)