The Jubilee Bank Holiday is upon us and people will, no doubt, be holding their own celebrations across the country (or even the Commonwealth), but some would argue that a party just isn’t a party without a punch. Luckily, I was recently sent a punch recipe by Courvoisier, along with the ingredients to make it, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.
Punch is a great way to share a drink with friends, as well as being very quick and easy to make and – with a little preparation – serve at a party.
Courvoisier Punch (makes one punch bowl)
250ml Courvoisier VS
750ml lemonade
20 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters
Courvoisier Punch (makes one glass)
50ml Courvoisier VS
150ml lemonade
Four dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters
Taste:As a punch should be, this is very refreshing. If you like a slightly tarter, still (not fizzy) drink, I found that, in addition to lemon soda, still lemonade also works well. The warm complexity of the Cognac works well with the sweet spiciness of the bitters and is a nod to the fact that, historically, Cognac was a very popular base for punches.
If you are making a punch bowl of this, I’d suggest freezing a mix of lemonade and bitters in a used, but clean, butter or margarine tub in preparation. By placing one of these in the punch bowl, you will ensure that your punch is cool, without being watered down by slowly melting ice.
If you prefer a more complicated cocktail (made just for you), then why not try:
Courvoisier Rendezvous
25ml Courvoisier VS
12.5ml Bols Apricot Liqueur
1 wedge fresh lime, squeezed
12.5ml elderflower cordial
75ml lemonade
Taste: This was another pleasant cooler, with a sweet combination of dusky floral notes from the elderflower and jammy fruitiness from the apricot brandy. The flavours also add depth and complexity to the drink. The Cognac adds a sophisticated, warm note at the end, with the lime and lemonade balancing out the richness and providing refreshment.
In Conclusion
Many folks may think that cognac is just for classic short drinks such as the Sidecar or the Stinger but they also can work really well in drinks like these punches and add a touch of regality to you jubilee weekend.
Courvoisier VS Cognac is available from al major grocery stores – RRP £23.79 for 70cl
Summer Fruit Cup 