How to make the perfect punch!
Punch – The Drink That Brings the World Together
Punch has a long history and remains a symbol of friendship, warmth, and social gatherings. Its name comes from the Indian word pañch (“five”) – referring to the five basic ingredients: alcohol, sugar, citrus, water, and spices. The drink made its way to Europe in the 17th century through merchants of the British East India Company and quickly became a staple at celebrations and winter gardens. In Central Europe, punch became an inseparable part of Advent and Christmas markets.
Traditional White Wine Punch with Di Camillo & Piccini
Ingredients (for about 4 L):
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750 ml Di Camillo Khora Grillo – a delicate, fresh white wine with floral notes
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250 ml Piccini Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie – for balanced fruity acidity
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150 g sugar or 3 tbsp honey
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3 lemons and 2 oranges sliced
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2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, a piece of fresh ginger
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250 ml Hochriegl Sekt Brut or Château Topoľčianky Sekt 1933 Cuvée Dry – adds a sparkling touch
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optional: 1 extra tbsp of honey for sweetness
Preparation:
1. Warm the Di Camillo and Piccini wines in a pot with sugar and spices (do not boil, to prevent the alcohol from evaporating).
2. Add the lemon and orange slices and let them steep for about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the rum or brandy.
4. Just before serving, top up with Hochriegl Sekt or Château Topoľčianky Sekt 1933 for a light sparkle.
5. Serve warm in glasses with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick.
Tip: For a more festive version, use Piccini Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Venetian Dress, which gives the punch a delightful fruity roundness and an elegant touch.
Non-Alcoholic Punch with Carl Jung Alcohol-Free Wine
This refreshing version is perfect for children, drivers, or anyone who prefers to skip alcohol.
Ingredients:
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750 ml Carl Jung Alcohol-Free Riesling or La Baume Saint Paul White Alcohol Free
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500 ml apple juice
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500 ml orange juice
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2 oranges and 1 lemon, sliced
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2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cloves, 1 tbsp honey
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250 ml Hochriegl Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine or sparkling water
Preparation:
1. Warm the Carl Jung or La Baume alcohol-free wine together with the juices and spices.
2. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, then cool it down.
3. Before serving, add Hochriegl Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine and garnish with an orange slice.
Tip: For a cozy winter version, serve it warm in mugs. For a refreshing summer twist, serve it chilled with ice cubes and fresh mint.
Exclusive Variation: Red Punch with Taylor’s Port
Ingredients:
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750 ml Taylor’s Fine Ruby Port
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100 ml spiced rum or brandy
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150 g brown sugar
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2 oranges, 1 apple, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, star anise
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a few drops of vanilla extract
Preparation:
1. Warm the Taylor’s Port and Piccini red wine together with sugar and spices (do not boil!).
2. Add the rum, fruit, and vanilla extract.
3. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, then serve hot.
Serving Tip: Garnish with orange peel and a cinnamon stick – the aroma is irresistible.
Punch – More Than a Drink
Punch is not just a beverage – it’s a ritual that brings together family, friends, and good vibes. Whether you choose premium wines like Di Camillo, Piccini, Taylor’s, or a non-alcoholic version with Carl Jung, each adds its own character and charm.
You’ll also find amazing recipes on our site for Mulled Wine and Grog:
Mulled Wine – the aroma of winter in a glass
