Witch’s Brew

Spice up any autumn get-together with a one, two (pumpkin) punch.
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INGREDIENTS FOR THE PUNCH

  • spiced simple syrup (see below)
  • 750 ml. bottle of spiced rum
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2½ cups sparkling water
  • large pumpkin or punchbowl, for serving
  • dry ice, for serving (optional)

FOR THE SYRUP

  • 6 whole allspice berries
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 6 whole cloves 
  • 1 pod star anise 
  • ½ whole nutmeg
  • ½ cup water 
  • ½ cup sugar

DIRECTIONS FOR THE SYRUP

Toast allspice berries, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves and nutmeg in a pan over medium heat for a minute until fragrant. Add ½ cup water and sugar and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

FOR THE PUNCH

In a large bowl, mix together spiced rum, orange juice, lemon juice and pumpkin puree. Strain spiced simple syrup into the bowl and whisk to combine. To serve, place a few cubes of dry ice in the bottom of a large freezer-proof bowl using a pair of tongs. Never touch the dry ice with your hands. Put a smaller freezer-proof bowl on top of the dry ice and strain the punch into the bowl. Mix in 2 ½ cups sparkling water. Pour warm water between the two  bowls so it covers the dry ice and creates vapor. Serve punch with additional cinnamon sticks as garnish, if desired.

Categories: Bergen Health & Life