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Sunday, December 4, 2011

What are you Drinking this Silly Season??

I met some interesting people today over brunch on a rather chilly December day here in Melbourne. Having a few northern hemisphere dining companions at the table, I felt the weather more in keeping with where they all came from! Bbbbrrrrr....

Then someone pipped up and asked if I knew of a good punch recipe. Yay! We were back to thinking about long summer days, Pimms with cucumber at the polo, and tropical icy poles that run the risk of melting before we've had the chance to get to the stick!!! Even the good old Billabong (chocolate of course) brings back lots of memories of days at the municipal pool in Cairns. At the age of 10 (back in 1979), there wasn't much else happening. How life has changed....

Whilst the idea of a deliciously warm mulled wine, or even a butterscotch schnapps, congers up images of open fires, snow capped mountains and 5 layers of clothing (!!), I still think you can't beat a refreshing punch on a warm summer's day - even Christmas Day - to balance out the over consumption of alcohol and food.

So, here's a little recipe to try, and share, during the coming festive season:

Refreshing Punch
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice (canned is OK to use)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup strong black tea
1 bottle ginger ale
1 tin of crushed mixed fruit set into ice cubes
sugar syrup to taste - this is made by mixing together 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar - dissolve sugar, bring to the boil for 5 minutes, then allow to cool

Simply combine all ingredients together and use the sugar syrup (around 2/3 cup) to sweeten. The frozen cubes of crushed tinned fruit will keep it cool and as they melt add a yummy texture to the drink!

This punch takes me back to family and birthday parties we had when I was growing up. The punch bowl had hooks around the outside to allow the cups to hang off it. Not sure if they still sell these but it's a nice bit of nostalgia. Cheesy some would say!

So, after the indulgence this season, grab a glass of this and enjoy!!

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