Punch

Milk punches are perfect project cocktails that offer a sweet reward at the end.

After straining, this punch should be as clear as a glass of Chardonnay.

This recipe deviates from a classic milk punch, leaving some of the milk solids in, lending a heavier, silkier feel.

Since you’re already taking a couple of days to make punch, might as well make fancy ice. Try freezing water in balloons. Run the frozen ovals under cold water until they just fit inside your glasses.

Like eggnog? This punch’s for you.

Ruby port gives this milk punch a bright pink hue.

The lemony sugar syrup that results from muddling citrus zest and sugar is called an oleo saccharum, literally, “oily sugar.”

Damon Boelte, the bar director of Brooklyn's Prime Meats, was kind enough to show us the 15-Second Punch, which lives up to its name.

Three ways to make fruit-filled ice rings with fruit like pomegranate, peaches, and grapefruit.

Choose an unaged aquavit like Aalborg.

We use sparkling rosé wine here mostly for its color. Any decent bubbly will work as a substitute.

Make sure to use plain, unflavored rooibos tea, which will complement the other punch ingredients.

BA Foodist Andrew Knowlton explains: “The day is hard enough. Shaking cocktails would be suicide! Punch, however, works. In a nod to early New England Thanksgivings, I use two regional pours: rum (big in the Colonial days) and cider. Unlike most punches, this one won’t leave you under the table after two glasses.”

This potent punch is dangerously crowd-pleasing.

If you don't have a bunch bowl, use a big glass vase--it's nice and tall and doesn't take up too much space on your table.

You've got enough to stress over this holiday season. Leave the drinks to us.

This recipe is very good, and it's perfect for a party when you don't want to get stuck mixing individual cocktails—it's a breeze to prepare, especially on the fly.

I was always disappointed that the mythical spiked punch of high school dances never materialized, that seemed so much more interesting than Smirnoff Ice. But now I've found this punch recipe! My punch needs will forever be met!