My darling daughter-in-law, Karen, convinced me to share (mind you, reluctantly) my secret Holden punch recipe on my YouTube Channel. She was expecting our little grandson, Stuart IV, and held her glass in great anticipation of enjoying it in the near future after his birth.
"Party time is 'pretty' time!"
-Holly Holden
Pretty party time is anytime! I am going to share my pretty yummy party secret. It's a “pinky swear-able” secret, and one that guests have begged me for years to share. I am going to cup my hands and whisper in your ear... “THE Holden Punch” recipe! A cocktail party is not replete at Fox Hall without a large silver revere bowl, at one end of our dining room table, filled with “THE Holden Punch!”
Of course, other libations are offered, along with a full bar. A reputation has been created through the years, however, so that The Holden Punch MUST make an appearance at our parties!
Offering a punch goes back to British sailors returning from the British East India company in the 17th century, who modified it from a local tradition in India. When these sailors began drinking punch at parties, the practice spread like wildfire and became an established British custom. Why not consider offering one at your next party?
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Millennial Tip
Mummy taught me that traditional punch cups, while delicate and rather diminutive in size, are lovely for a sip or two for a daytime event, such as a Garden Club meeting. But, for a celebratory evening party, punch cups are not as “party-like” as a larger old-fashioned cocktail glass, or my personal favorite option: a crystal brandy snifter (I adore re-purposing!). By pouring a more “festive” amount of punch into a crystal brandy snifter, your guests know it’s “party time!” The sparkle of the crystal, filled with my pink punch, makes it even more enticing to drink. Cheers!