Pow! A Christmas Punch, Right in the Kisser

Nothing makes me fa-la-la-la-la quite like a nice holiday cocktail. And the only thing better than a cocktail is an entire bowl or pitcher full of buzzy cheer.

No doubt you’ll have your share of holiday gatherings over the next few weeks, as many holidays across many traditions are celebrated, whether Christmas or others. Regardless of what you’re celebrating, one constant remains: booze brings out the best* in us!

*Author’s note: In this context, “best” may also be defined as or substituted with personas such as weepy child, jealous lover, awkward creeper and/or resident jackass.

Here’s a few seasonal sippers to serve a cheery crowd. These are some of my favorites because they're simple, tasty and look great in your punch bowl or in a pitcher.

Sparkling Cranberry Punch
For the kiddies and kids at heart. Stay sparkly and sober with this one! But, if you want to make this alcoholic, sub in a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine for the sparkling water.

• 2 quarts cranberry cocktail juice, chilled
• 1 6-oz can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 1 quart sparkling water, chilled

Garnish with frozen raspberries and fresh rosemary. Makes 15 - 20 servings. 

Lemon Drop Champagne Punch
Adapted from Martha Stewart
This is great for any jolly crowd of friends and family wanting to feel a little holiday warmth (read: buzz). 

• 8 lemons
• 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water
• 2 bottles champagne, chilled
• 1.5 cups high-quality vodka, chilled

Using a paring knife or peeler, remove the zest from 6 lemons and set aside. Juice the 6 lemons, straining pulp if desired. Mix sugar with water and heat over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add lemon zests to the sugar water and set aside to cool. Combine lemon juice, champagne, vodka and sugar water (leave in zest). Cut remaining 2 lemons into thin slices and add to punch as garnish. Makes 16 servings.

"Drunk Uncle" Punch
Yep, I created this recipe and named it. Not because I have a drunk uncle, but because I pictured someone's uncle stumbling around the family Christmas gathering, swigging this punch and telling dirty jokes. It made me giggle, and you'll be giggling after a few cups of this punch, too.

• 2 -3 cups high-quality bourbon (depending on how drunk you want your uncle) 
• 4 cups ginger ale
• 2 cups apple juice

Garnish with apple slices and frozen or fresh, pitted cherries. Makes 16 servings. 

"You can't even say 'Merry Christmas' anymore. You gotta say, 'Hey, Baby Jesus, you wanna do pilates?'"

Slide over, Santa - I'm ready to drive the sleigh! But only if I sip these in moderation.

Merry Everything, everyone!