When it comes to punch, I typically stick to sangrias and gin punches, but when my friends at Old Dominick asked me to try their Bourbon I decided it was finally time to lean into this southern staple. For the Holidays, it’s all about easy entertaining and drinks that fit a variety of tastebuds, so after much research and recipe tinkering (plus a trial run at our Friendsgiving), this southern bourbon punch has its official stamp of Holiday approval for your entertaining must make list.
I was chatting with a reader on Instagram about my reluctance towards bourbon and we both had a good laugh about how most people have two experiences with bourbon: ther heritage expereince inherited good habits through a family member, or the collegiate experience of cheap bourbon and poor ratios. The latter is how I was introduced to bourbon so most of the time the smell of bourbon made my stomach turn.
And if you are like me, I will happily note that this southern bourbon punch is the heritage experience: well-balanced with superb bourbon whiskey from Old Dominick to round out this divine drink.
Plus, what’s more southern than a vintage punch bowl complete with little glass cups? If there is anything to get excited about it’s the frivolity of using a punch bowl with matching cups for when guests come over.
Now let’s talk about this heritage southern bourbon punch. There is a step of complication with it because you need to make your own cinnamon, ginger brown sugar simple syrup, but that’s the most complicated. Everything else is just a simple mix together and garnish with sliced citrus.
It’s bright, tart, spice-filled with a hint of bourbon. A fresh taste of bourbon in every sip for those cool weather occassions. Shoot I would be so bold to say this would even taste delicious if it were warm, but if you want to make a truly delicious warm drink, try this hot buttered bourbon for that.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 sticks of cinnamon
- 1 thumb sized knob of ginger peeled, raw
- 1/2 cup Ginger Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- 2 cups Old Dominick Bourbon
- 4 cups freshly pressed apple cider non-alcoholic
- 2 lemons squeezed
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 cups club soda
- ice
- lemons, oranges, blood oranges to garnish
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To make the ginger cinnamon syrup, combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan over medium high heat, bring to a boil, stir and then reduce heat to medium low and cook for 5 minutes to soften the ginger and cinnamon. Remove from heat, cool, and transfer to an airtight container to let sit over night in the fridge.
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Combine all ingredients except ice and garnish in a punch bowl, stir thoroughly, add ice and garnishes and serve.
