Cooking Lesson #1066: Summer Strawberry Vodka Punch

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

Summer Strawberry Vodka Punch

How you doin’? The lazy days of summer are here! I love to pull my chaise lounge up to the pool and sip on a refreshingly tart Summer Strawberry Vodka Punch.
 
I truly love this punch for its freshness and the buzz that’s easy to get.  This punch recipe is easy to make and offers a new, puckering and pleasing twist to the traditional bottle or canned sodas or ordinary lemonade.
 
The term “punch” is widely recognized and enjoyed in various forms around the globe, from fruity and sweet to strong and even savory. However, the origins of the name “punch” and how it came to be associated with a drink are less commonly known.
 
The accepted history of punch dates back to the 17th century, when it was first introduced by British sailors and traders who had traveled to India. The word “punch” is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word “panch,” meaning “five,” which refers to the original five ingredients used to make the drink: alcohol (usually arrack or rum), sugar, lemon, water and tea or spices. This early version of punch was a significant departure from the punches known today, with a much stronger alcoholic content and a slightly bitter taste due to the inclusion of tea.
 
Today, punch, in its basic form, is a drink made from a mixture of ingredients such as fruit juices, soft drinks, and sometimes alcohol. It is often served at social gatherings and parties due to its refreshing nature and the ease with which it can be made in large quantities. The versatility of punch allows it to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making it a popular choice for events and celebrations.
 
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
 
Ingredients 
2 cups sliced fresh ripe strawberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 8 lemons) or 1 (12-ounce) canned lemonade concentrate, thawed
16 ounces vodka
24 ounces sparkling wine
ice, as needed
 
Directions

1. Add the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice (or lemonade concentrate) and vodka to a blender in that order.
2. Pulse the mixture a few times.
3. Then blend the mixture at low speed for 2 minutes. Gradually turn the speed up to medium, blend until smooth.
4. Pour strawberry lemonade into a large pitcher or punch bowl.
5. Top with sparkling wine.
6. Serve over ice.

ChefSecret:  You can make this punch with sparkling water instead of vodka (without alcohol), but who wants that?

Quip of the Day:  Lining up for Drinks at the Party.

Two friends decide to throw a party to celebrate them getting their new flat and invite everyone they know. One of them prepares a huge bowl of punch for everyone and the other brings a soda fountain that he just bought.

The party rolls around and everyone is enjoying themselves; all of them in a huge line to try out the soda fountain right next to the big punch bowl that no one even touched.

The one friend sits slouched in the corner of the flat with a glass of punch. The other one walks up to him and says, "Hey, are you not enjoying the party?"

He looks up and says, "Everyone is lining to use that new soda fountain you bought, and not a single one of them has even tried the punch that I specifically made for the party..."
The party goes on with everyone still using the soda fountain and not a single person lining up for the punch bowl.

That's it... There's no punchline! 🤣​
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