Potent Punches: The Retro Guide to the Original Party Drink

By Barbara Mealey and Albert W. A. Schmid

Bowl over your guests with this fabulous collection of punch recipes that will make any party memorable.

Punch is the original party drink. Versatile, easy, and inexpensive, it is the perfect addition to any occasion, whether a large wedding party, baby shower, or just a fun backyard barbecue with friends and family.

Potent Punches gathers the best unique recipes that will please your whole party in just one bowl. The guide shows the beginning bartender how to throw an awesome party on a budget, with simple and easy-to-follow recipes that will leave guests wondering when you had time for a bartending class. Recipes feature the familiar Bloody Mary Frappe, Whiskey Sour, Sangria, and Sweet ‘n’ Sour Fizz in crowd-pleasing portions, along with vintage cocktails like the San Francisco Cocktail, Mexican Patriot Cocktail, Ooo-La-La Champagne, and Frosted Black Russians.

In the foreword, cocktail expert Albert W. A. Schmid explains the resurgence of punch as the modern go-to party drink and provides tips to help you be the life of the party and the ultimate punch host. Potent Punches has something for everyone, from delicious, nonalcoholic options for the kids to potent vintage punch and cocktail recipes that guarantee a fun retro vibe for your next party.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Apr 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9781684350216

Book preview

1

Entertaining

Beverages are as basic and essential to the cocktail party as the hors d’oeuvre. The bar gives the host a splendid opportunity to demonstrate his or her social expertise. The host should be knowledgeable about local drinking preferences, the liquors and wines of choice, and bar accessories.

As host you may hire a bartender, serve the guests yourself, or inform them that the bar is self-service. When entertaining fewer than twelve people, it is customary for the host to mix the cocktails. You will need a bartender when the guest list exceeds thirty-five unless you wish them to serve themselves. At the beginning of a large party you might circulate and ask a few guests if they would like to have a cocktail. These drinks should be presented to the guests on a tray, and thereafter, guests may be directed to the bar for beverages.

If you do not possess a built-in bar area, you can improvise. A fairly large table will do nicely. Otherwise, you could use serving carts, breakfast or card tables, or even something like orange crates or sawhorses with a piece of plywood laid across. In any case, cover the makeshift bar with a plastic covering that extends to the floor on at least three sides. This allows the surface to be sponged off as necessary and also permits storage of bottles and extra glassware to protect them from dust, soil, and