A Holiday Party + Pomander Punch Recipe

Image courtesy of Sarah Ehlinger.

For me, it doesn’t really get more festive than a cocktail party that doubles as holiday arts and crafts hour. And chickens. Always AND CHICKENS.

So we decided another wreath-making party was due. You can see the first one we did waaaaay back in the way back times here. There is just something really, really satisfying about decorating a wreath (shout-out to Trader Joe’s pre-made holiday wreathes that are so easy to customize), and being able to take it home and hang it on your door or wall for the season. What makes it even more meaningful is the way you have to navigate around chickens stomping through the crafting table. It would be too easy to just make wreathes without a poultry obstacle course, wouldn’t it? Nobody needs easy wreathes.

Image courtesy of Sarah Ehlinger.

Let’s also add an easy, batched sparkling punch to the mix…this crowd-pleasing Pomander Punch is inspired by the clove- studded oranges of ye olden Victorian times. Actually, they date as far back as the Middle Ages—thought to ward off sickness and evil spirits, spice-decorated citrus became a traditional Christmas craft or gift, and quite frankly, I’m obsessed with them. Sitting quietly and stabbing oranges with cloves is an unexpectedly soothing and aromatic experience.

This. This here is a bowl of pomanders.

But I digress. Pomander Punch is such a lovely blend of cloved citrus, cognac, orange liqueur, citrus juice, and sparkling wine. Serve it in a punch bowl with a citrus-infused ice mold, or make each glass individually. The recipes for both can be found below.

But first…some fun party pics for your holiday viewing pleasure. Almost everyone turned out in their best holiday ugly sweater, and I especially enjoyed the fact that several DWC Holiday sweaters made an appearance. You can shop those here.

And yes, besides the requisite poultry shenanigans, you can see Max in the background of several photos—he was hanging with us the whole night as it was unseasonably warm. Perfect winter parrot vibes!

If you feel like you need a more immersive look—be sure to watch the reel of the evening on Instagram.

Image courtesy of Sarah Ehlinger

FUN WAS HAD.

Now let’s get to that fabulous punch recipe:

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Pomander Punch

MAKES 1 SERVING

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INSTRUCTIONS

To make the Orange Clove Syrup:

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to cool. Strain syrup into an airtight container and store in fridge for up to 2 weeks. Makes a little over 1 cup.

To make the Pomander Punch:

In a coupe glass, add syrup, cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Top with sparkling wine and seltzer. Garnish with a clove-studded citrus slice and if you’re feeling extra fancy, a rosemary sprig.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE DRINK

• 1 oz. cognac or brandy

• 1/2 oz. Orange Clove Syrup

• 1/2 oz. orange liqueur

• 1/2 oz. lemon juice

• 2 oz. dry sparkling wine

• 1/2 oz. plain seltzer

INGREDIENTS FOR THE ORANGE CLOVE SYRUP

• 1 cup orange juice

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 12 whole cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

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Pomander Punch for a Party

SERVES 10ish (if everyone partakes twice)

HOW TO MAKE THE PUNCH

• In a punchbowl, combine all ingredients and stir to combine. Float a decorative ice mold to keep it chilled.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cognac or brandy

• 1 cup orange liqueur

• 1 cup lemon juice

• 1 cup orange clove syrup

• 6 cups dry sparkling wine (two 750ml bottles)

• 2 cups plain soda water

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Plan on making this recipe?
Share it on Instagram and tag @drinkingwithchickens

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Holiday cheers, friends!

This post is intended for a 21+ audience only.

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