The Perfect Holiday Fruit Punch & Altos Cranberry Margarita


Creating the perfect and trendy holiday fruit punch and a cranberry margarita can be delightful and festive additions to your celebrations. Here are two simple recipes that you can use as a starting point, but feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences!

7 Curious Facts about the History of Fruit Punch

The history of fruit punch is one of adaptation and creativity, with each culture contributing to its development. It has transformed from a simple mixture of fruit juices and water to a versatile beverage enjoyed in various forms around the world.

1. The idea of combining fruit juices with water or other liquids has ancient origins. In India, for example, “sherbet” was a popular beverage made with fruit juices, herbs, and spices. The concept of mixing fruit flavors with water spread to Persia and the Arab world.

2. In the American colonies, punches gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries. These early punches often included a mixture of spirits, citrus fruits, sugar, and spices. The word “punch” is believed to have originated from the Hindi word “panch,” meaning five, referring to the five traditional ingredients used in the drink.

3. Punch recipes were popularized among sailors in the British Navy during the 17th century. The mixture of water, citrus, sugar, and alcohol helped mask the taste of stale water and provided a source of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

4. Large bowls designed for serving punch became popular in colonial America. These punch bowls often featured intricate designs and were used at social gatherings and celebrations.

5. As the 19th century progressed, punches became more diverse, with various recipes catering to different tastes and occasions. Some punches were non-alcoholic, while others were made with spirits like rum or brandy.

6. In the mid-20th century, the popularity of tropical and tiki-themed cocktails, including fruit punches, surged. Tiki bars and restaurants popularized exotic and fruity drinks with elaborate garnishes.

7. Today, fruit punch comes in many forms, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Commercially prepared fruit punch is widely available, and homemade recipes continue to evolve, incorporating a variety of juices, sodas, and fresh fruits.

Before diving into how to make the perfect holiday fruit punch, watch this video for inspiration:

The Perfect Holiday Fruit Punch Recipe

By David Ampudia

@ampudia.david

Ingredients:

(4-5 servings)

  • 2 cups of festive spiced infusion (recipe below*)
  • ½ cup of hibiscus syrup
  • 1 cup of orange juice
  • 1 cup of apple juice
  • 1 cup of diced (e.g. apple, guava, pear, peach)
  • spices for garnish

Instructions:

*For the festive spiced infusion:

Boil 2 cups of water and add 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 peppercorns, 4 whole cloves, 5 pieces of star anise, 4 cardamom pods, and 2 guavas. Simmer for 5 minutes and leave the infusion to cool down for another 5 minutes.

This punch is meant to be served on a pitcher or a punch bowl to share with your loved ones. Mix the infusion with the rest of the ingredients in one of those containers and add plenty of ice. Decorate with diced fruit and spices.

Keep experimenting with the recipe until you find your perfect and authentic combination. Enjoy your holiday fruit punch!

Altos Cranberry Margarita

Our next guest cocktail to close the year brings the DNA of Mexican culture: the Margarita!

By the way, we love celebrating Margarita Day every February 22! Here are some articles highlighting just how special this cocktail is, in case you missed them: 

Tahona Society Newsletter celebrates Margarita Day! 

Give Some Love to the Planet While Upscaling Your Margarita in Celebration of Margarita Day

Squeeze the Juice out of Those Limes, Julio! Celebrating National Margarita Day

Vintage Margaritas: An Excuse to Celebrate Margarita Day!

A Day to Celebrate Margaritas 

And we are also incredibly proud to say that Altos tequila is The Best Tequila for Margaritas 

5 Reasons Why Tequila and Cranberry Are a Delicious Combination 

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1. Contrasting Flavors

Cranberry juice is tart and slightly sweet. The contrast between the boldness of tequila and the tartness of cranberry juice creates a well-balanced and exciting flavor experience.

2. Acidity and Brightness

The natural acidity of cranberry juice can complement the citrus, sweetness, and herbal notes found in many tequilas. This acidity adds a bright and refreshing element to the drink, making it a great choice for a lively and enjoyable cocktail.

3. Versatility

Tequila pairs well with a variety of mixers, and cranberry juice is no exception. The versatility of tequila allows for the creation of different cocktails, from simple and classic to more complex.

4. Visual Appeal

The vibrant red color of cranberry juice can create an aesthetically pleasing drink, especially when combined with the clarity or goldenness of tequila blanco or reposado. This visual appeal adds to the overall enjoyment of the cocktail.

5. Popular Cocktails

The combination of tequila and cranberry juice is a crucial component in several popular cocktails, such as the Tequila Sunrise. This cocktail often includes additional ingredients like orange juice or lime juice to enhance the flavor profile.

Remember that personal taste preferences play a significant role in enjoying any cocktail. 

Some clients appreciate the way the flavors of tequila and cranberry juice complement each other, while others may prefer different combinations.

If you enjoy the tartness of cranberry juice and the distinctive character of tequila, this pairing could be an excellent choice for your taste buds.

With this in mind, it’s time to dive into the Altos Cranberry Margarita recipe. 

Altos Cranberry Margarita Recipe 

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Ingredients: 

  • ¾ cup tequila Altos Plata
  • ¾ cup cranberry juice
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ cup orange-flavored liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • fresh cranberries and lime wedges for the garnish (optional) 

Method:

In a mixing glass, add Altos Plata, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Stir well. Serve over ice. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedges, if desired. Time to drink!