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<\/p>\nPlanning a festive party and need some drink ideas? Don\u2019t worry! I\u2019m here to help, so you\u2019ll have lots of time to be merry with your guests,<\/p>\n
Pick 1-2 signature cocktail recipes and pre-batch them. Then supplement your signature drink(s) with red wine and champagne, or beers. And of course, have something festive for the designated drivers as well.<\/p>\n
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For example, try my Festive Sparkling Rum Punch<\/strong> \u2013 made with rum, brandy, fresh juices, and homemade spiced syrup. You can make this up to a week in advance and refrigerate. Then, whip out that punch bowl from the closet and serve over a fun ice ring, then finish it off with champagne. Yum!<\/p>\n For the non-imbiber my Rosemary POM Holiday Sparkle<\/strong> is a cheery combination of fresh rosemary, tangerines, pomegranate juice and sparkling apple cider!<\/p>\n So don\u2019t fret this holiday season \u2013 just make sure to plan ahead! \u2013Kathy<\/p>\n Festive Sparkling Rum Punch<\/strong> Makes about 16 – 20 servings<\/p>\n Spiced Syrup<\/u> Punch<\/u> ——————————————————–<\/p>\n 1 bottle brut sparkling wine or champagne, chilled<\/p>\n To make the syrup: combine syrup ingredients in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer slowly for about 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let cool to room temperature before proceeding with recipe. Or you can prepare the syrup up to a week in advance and store refrigerated.<\/p>\n To make the punch: in a large punch bowl (or large container such as a stock pot or pitcher) combine the Spiced Syrup, rum, brandy, juices and bitters. Stir to combine. (At this point you can refrigerate the punch for up to 3 days in advance)<\/p>\n Present in a large punch bowl. Add sparkling wine\/champagne right before serving. Serve punch in an old fashioned glass over ice or large ice balls.<\/p>\n
\nThis punch is great to make ahead and then just add bubbles right before serving. Make a festive ice-ring to chill the punch, or serve over large ice balls \u2013 there are lots of molds available on line.<\/p>\n
\n2 cups water
\n2 cups sugar
\n12 each whole cloves
\n1\/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
\n1\/2 tsp. ground allspice
\n2 cinnamon sticks, broken up<\/p>\n
\n3 cups gold rum
\n1 cup brandy or cognac
\n1 cup guava or passion fruit nectar
\n1 cup pomegranate juice
\n1 cup fresh orange juice
\n1 cup fresh lemon juice
\n1 1\/2 tsp. Peychaud\u2019s or Angostura bitters<\/p>\n