Welcome to Bourbon Gospel where we're raising our glasses to gratitude, gatherings, and gobble-gobble good times. We're kicking off November with a month-long celebration of Thanksgiving-themed cocktails.
Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of this political potable, let me explain why we're calling it the Election Day Punch. It's not because it'll knock you out like a surprise upset in a battleground state, though it might if you're not careful. No, this punch is designed to bring people together, much like how we hope our nation comes together after a divisive election. It's got a little bit of everything, just like a good campaign platform, and it packs a punch that'll have you feeling more patriotic than a bald eagle wearing star-spangled bandana.
The concept of election day drinks goes back to the early days of American democracy. In the 18th and 19th centuries, politicians would often provide free alcohol to voters - a practice known as "swilling the planters with bumbo." While we certainly don't condone voting under the influence today, we can appreciate the spirit (pun intended) of coming together over a shared drink after the polls close.
Our modern Election Day Punch is a more refined affair, designed to appeal to voters across the aisle. Here's what you'll need to create this unifying elixir:
Election Day Punch
Ingredients
- 2 cups bourbon (because what's more American than that?)
- 1 cup cranberry juice (for a touch of Thanksgiving flair)
- 1 cup apple cider (to keep the doctor away)
- 1/2 cup honey syrup (to sweeten the deal)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (for when life gives you lemons...)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- Sparkling water to top
- Ice
For the Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- First, make the honey syrup by heating equal parts honey and water until the honey dissolves. Let it cool.
- In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the bourbon, cranberry juice, apple cider, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Throw in the orange and apple slices.
- Stir well and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors mingle like post-debate handshakes.
- When ready to serve, add a generous amount of ice to the bowl and top with sparkling water for some effervescent excitement.
- Ladle into glasses and garnish with additional orange or apple slices if desired.
- Raise a glass to democracy, no matter which side of the aisle you're on!
Now, why is this the perfect cocktail for our Thanksgiving-themed month? First, it embodies the spirit of coming together, which is what both Thanksgiving and, ideally, post-election times are all about. The mix of flavors represents the diversity of our nation, all working together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
The bourbon provides a strong foundation, much like our constitution. The cranberry and apple bring a taste of the harvest season, reminding us of the bounty we're thankful for. The honey sweetens the deal without overpowering, like a well-crafted compromise. The spices add complexity and warmth, perfect for those chilly November nights spent watching election returns.
But perhaps most importantly, it's a punch - meant to be shared. It's not about individual glasses but about gathering around a common bowl, just as we gather around the Thanksgiving table or, metaphorically, around our shared democratic ideals.
The Election Day Punch is more than just a drink - it's a liquid lesson in civics and civility. It's proof that no matter how bitter the campaign trail gets, we can still come together and find common ground... even if that ground is just the bottom of our glass.
So there you have it, folks - the Election Day Punch. It's a drink that'll unite your taste buds faster than a national crisis unites a country. Whether you're celebrating victory, drowning your sorrows, or just glad it's all over, this punch is here to help you wash down that tension and toast to the next four years.
Whip this up for your post-election gatherings or your Thanksgiving festivities. It's sure to spark lively debates about whether the bourbon or the apple cider is the real MVP - a much safer topic than actual politics.
Next week, we'll be shaking up another Thanksgiving favorite, so make sure to tune in. Until then, happy mixing, enjoy responsibly, and remember - in cocktails as in elections, every ingredient counts!
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]