One of the oldest alcoholic blends is the one called “Grog.” The recipe for classic grog is based on a beverage developed by British Vice Admiral Edward Vernon, who introduced it to the Royal Navy in 1740. The Admiral wore a coat made of “grogan” cloth, (a heavy and course material). It lead to his nickname, “Old Grog,” and was carried over to the drink he devised.
Modern Grog is usually made with rum and hot or boiling water, and often includes lemon juice, and/or lime juice, cinnamon and sometimes sugar to improve the taste, and enough rum to make it pleasant. There are versions made from just rum, water, sugar and nutmeg and known as bumbo. This was especially popular with pirates and merchantmen. And the so-called Navy grog is equally potent as the amount of water is limited. So make sure the quantities consumed are carefully measured as well.
“Glogg” (or glüg, gluck and other spellings) is the name used by the northern Europeans and especially the Scandinavian countries for this same type of beverages. Actual recipes vary but the idea is the same: a nice blend of an alcoholic beverage with spice and fruit.
Not all good winter punches are alcoholic. One old favorite non-alcoholic winter punch is a simple blend of half gallon of Cranberry-Raspberry juice, a large can of frozen Orange-Pineapple juice, a medium (or large) can of frozen grapefruit juice. This provides about 60 cups and is great for a party. (However, one host who served this had a bottle of white rum and a shot glass (!) in the corner for those who wanted a little more kick.)
While there are many punches made with the addition of beverages with high alcohol levels, many simply use wine and have a much lower alcohol level. You would be surprised on how little alcohol you need to make a “good” alcoholic punch.
So you can also make some great winter punches using most any wine, but especially fruit wines. An excellent punch can be made with a moderately sweet wine that can be embellished by floating orange slices or apple wedges with cloves. Warm or cool, apple based wines and ciders can also be used as a base for some delicious punches. The addition of some raspberry juice or raspberry wine can transform a simple wine punch, as well as to give it a more complex aroma and flavor.
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