Punch may have come from the word puncheon, a cast made to hold liquids, such as beer. The word may also have come from the Hindu word pantsh, which means five. What does five have to do with anything? British expatriates in India in the 17^th century made a beverage consisting of five ingredients: tea, water, sugar, lemon juice and a fermented sap called arrack.

Regardless of the history or origin, punches of all kinds are an expected beverage at many of today’s social gatherings. If you want to entertain at home or you’re an aspiring bartender or just wants to experiment, here are some exciting and refreshing recipes for you to try for any occasion.

What you need:

• 1 bottle of Malibu Rum
• 48 oz Cranberry Juice
• 6 oz can Frozen Orange juice concentrate
• 6 oz can frozen lemonade or limeade concentrate

How:

1. Combine ingredients in a punch bowl and stir.
2. Garnish with lemon orange slices and cloves.

This recipe serves 12 - 20.

You will need the following:

• 16 oz orange juice
• 16 oz pineapple juice, unsweetened
• 16 oz club soda
• 3 oz lime juice
• 16 oz white or gold Puerto Rican rum

What to do:

1. Pour ingredients into large punch bowl filled with ice.
2. Add sugar to taste.

Serves 12.

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts orange juice
• 2 quarts grapefruit juice
• 1 quart Bacardi light rum

How to:

1. Mix ingredients in large container.
2. Chill for 2 hours
3. Pour mixture over a block of ice just before serving.
4. Add 3 thinly sliced oranges.

What you need:

• 10 oz Ocean Spray Ruby Mango grapefruit mango juice cocktail
• 4 oz orange juice
• ¼ cup crushed pineapple drained
• ¼ cup crushed ice

Procedure:

1. Put all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend for a few seconds on high speed or until ingredients are thoroughly combined.

This makes one serving. Other variation: substitute 1 scoop vanilla yogurt for crushed ice.

You will need the following ingredients:

• 750 ml Southern Comfort
• 16 oz Grapefruit juice
• 8 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 litres 7-up or ginger ale

What to do:

1. Mix ingredients and add ice.
2. Serve from a punch bowl or pitcher.

Note that the first three ingredients can be mixed in advance and refrigerate.

Add the 7 up or ginger ale and ice when ready to serve.