Imagine a room filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon, oranges, and spiced wine. Laughter echoes, glasses clink, and every sip carries the flavors of the season. That’s the magic of a perfectly crafted holiday punch.
Our Angel’s Envy whiskey-based holiday punch recipes bring warmth, flavor, and holiday spirit to your gatherings. From the nostalgic taste of spiced apple cider to the rich creaminess of pumpkin punch, these recipes are designed to dazzle. Let’s unwrap the magic of these festive cocktails.
Holiday Punch Recipes to Warm Up Your Winter
There’s something magical about holiday punches—they’re equal parts delicious, communal, and comforting. With Angel’s Envy as the base, these recipes bring out the season’s best familiar flavors.
Apple Orchard Punch
Nothing captures the coziness of the holiday season quite like apples and spices. This Apple Orchard Punch combines spiced apple cider and Angel’s Envy bourbon to create a holiday punch recipe that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter night.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Angel’s Envy (ideally the Ice Cider Casks selection)
- 1 full gallon of apple cider
- 1 lemon cut into wheels
- 1 orange cut into wheels
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 12 oz. of maple syrup (or simple syrup as an alternative)
- Optional: a splash of brandy or ginger beer or a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth
Preparation
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, lemon and orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and maple syrup. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cider is warm but not boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the bourbon. For an extra kick, add a splash of brandy or a pinch of cloves.
- Allow the punch to simmer for 10–15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Remove from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
Serving
- Pour the punch into heatproof mugs or festive glasses. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or garnish with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick.
Pumpkin Harvest Punch
If pumpkins aren’t synonymous with holiday cheer, this recipe will change that. The Pumpkin Harvest Punch is a creamy, comforting, delicious drink with rich seasonal notes. It’s indulgent, festive, and perfect for snowy evenings.
Pumpkin syrup ingredients
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups hot water
Punch ingredients
- 1 bottle of Angel’s Envy (ideally the Triple Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon selection)
- 1 cup chilled cinnamon tea
- 1 cup pumpkin syrup (recipe below)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 bottle Martini & Rossi® Asti sparkling wine
- 1/2 oz. Fee Brothers® black walnut bitters
Preparation
- Pumpkin syrup: Combine all syrup ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until the mixture thickens, for about 5 minutes. Cool and strain before use.
- Punch: In a large punch bowl, combine the bourbon, cinnamon tea, pumpkin syrup, and lemon juice. Stir until blended. Add the black walnut bitters, adjusting to taste for depth and complexity. Just before serving, gently pour in the sparkling wine for a fizzy finish.
Serving
- Serve this punch in glass tumblers and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a twist of lemon peel.
- To add a holiday touch, rim your serving glasses with cinnamon sugar by dipping the edges in water and then in a cinnamon-sugar mix.
Spiced Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a holiday classic, but when Angel’s Envy bourbon joins the mix, it transforms into something extraordinary. Rich red wine, warm spices, and citrus fruits come together with the smoothness of bourbon for a cozy, sophisticated holiday punch, perfect for fireside chats.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup Angel’s Envy (ideally the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels selection)
- 2 bottles of fruit-forward, full-bodied red wine (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.)
- 3 oranges
- 3 lemons
- Whole cloves
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Several tablespoons of brown sugar to taste
Preparation
- Slice the oranges and lemons into wheels, then stud some of the orange slices with cloves.
- In a large pot, combine the wine, citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and brown sugar. Gently heat over low-medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Once warm, add Angel’s Envy bourbon and continue heating without boiling. Simmer for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices as needed.
Serving
- Serve the hot drinks in heatproof mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Holiday Punch
- The best punches are a harmonious blend of sweetness, acidity, and spice. Use citrus juices to cut through the drink’s richness, spices to add depth, and syrups for sweetness.
- Punches are the perfect drink for making ahead. Prepare yours a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld, then store in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
- A garnish can turn a good punch into a showstopper. Try sugared cranberries, citrus slices, or even edible flowers for a festive touch.
- Holiday punches are hot and cozy, meant to be served in heatproof mugs or sturdy glasses that keep the warmth in. Options like champagne or martini glass make things impractical and don’t quite embody the same comforting aesthetic. Remember, when it comes to New Year’s Eve and Christmas cocktail recipes, presentation matters as much as taste!
Why Angel’s Envy Is Perfect for Holiday Punches
Every great holiday punch starts with a spirit that can hold its own, and Angel’s Envy bourbon is unmatched for holiday cocktails.
Crafted for complexity
Some Angel’s Envy bourbons are finished in port casks, giving it a unique depth with fruity and spicy undertones. This makes it the perfect companion for the rich, seasonal flavors found in holiday punches.
Versatile for all occasions
Whether you’re crafting a warm, spiced drink like mulled wine or a sparkling, citrusy punch, the smoothness of Angel’s Envy complements every ingredient, enhancing flavors without overpowering them.
A legacy of excellence
Every bottle of Angel’s Envy reflects a commitment to quality and innovation. Our family-run distillery has perfected the art of bourbon-making, ensuring that each sip feels like a celebration in itself.