A meal tastes even better when served with a special beverage. This punch reminds me of the flavors of wassail, but in chilled form. It's super refreshing and you will probably need to double the recipe because everyone will want a refill!
Spiced Pineapple Punch
Serves 6
1 (46 oz.) can pineapple juice
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water
4 sticks cinnamon
12 whole cloves
Ice cubes
Combine pineapple, orange, and lemon juices and chill well. Combine sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain. Chill, then combine with fruit juices. When ready to serve, pour over ice. For additional flavor, make "pineapple cubes". Simply fill ice cube trays with pineapple juice and freeze into cubes.
"Punch" is one of those words that makes me think of my childhood. I remember making Kool-aid a lot because it was easy and full of sweetness. We would set up a stand at the bottom of our street and sell cups of Kool-aid on hot days. I had a neighbor boy who was a few years older than me that would tell us we weren't allowed to sell things without a business license. Yep, he eventually became a lawyer. I also remember trying to appeal to public popularity and omitting the sugar to make sugar-free punch. That was a disgusting idea since the actual sugar-free Kool-aid contained another sweetener and ours did not. That's how you learn, and what a better time than childhood!
The other thought that comes to mind when I think of punch is a big punch bowl with floating ice or fruit and a ladle to fill your cup. Weddings, parties, holidays..... they all included punch of some kind. Maybe I've just moved beyond my punch years, but do we call any drinks "punch" anymore? Maybe we should bring it back!
This refreshing punch is so tasty. With citrus and spices, it is similar to the flavors of wassail at Christmas time. It's really good served over ice though! Very refreshing and one of those drinks that you want to really enjoy each sip. You don't need a punch bowl or a special occasion to make this, just serve it with breakfast or dinner and you will be appreciated for making the meal a little more special.
Recipe Source: Recipe from Grandma Carol Preece's recipe box