Punch

Why this once popular drink has faded into obscurity is a mystery to us. It's relatively light but packed with flavor, and it deserves to reclaim its place in the punchtheon.

A fresh raspberry syrup infuses this pretty drink with bright fruit flavor.

A splash of vodka or gin transforms this lively punch into a festive cocktail.

This punch — containing rum, Cognac, and peach brandy — is potent. If it packs a bit too much of a wallop for your taste, you can dilute it with cold black tea, a common mixer for this particular punch, or with seltzer water, for a bit of fizz. Some punch bowls may not be big enough to accommodate the size ice block we call for — feel free to use other freezing containers that are more suitably shaped. And though the block is a classic part of this recipe, you can, of course, simply serve the punch in a pitcher over ice cubes.

A vanilla bean is an extravagance that lends a note of sophistication to this drink, but extract is a fine substitute.

(Hot Scandanavian Christmas Punch)