Punch from Mexico

One of the simplest and most tried-and-true methods of serving beverages when throwing a party or other type of gathering for a big crowd is to by preparing a huge bowl of punch.

With these big format recipes, all the planning is done in advance, so you can focus on interacting and managing party guests when necessary, rather than keeping you behind the bar or in the kitchen for the entire evening.

The Mexican Punch is one such punch recipe that is simple to prepare and uses readily available ingredients.

Although it might appear like the kind of thing you’d find more frequently at college parties than at cocktail bars, the James Beard is where it originates. Toby Maloney, a bartender who has won awards and is the co-owner of the well-known Violet Hour in Chicago and the Patterson House in Nashville.

Given its name, it is not unexpected that tequila is the sole foundation liquor used in the Mexican Punch.

The only exception is that you should use a blanco tequila; the rest is your choice. Given the large number of other components that make up the punch, it’s best to keep the price down.

The Mexican Punch has lots of citrus, including quartered lemons, limes, and oranges, as well as seven ounces of lime juice.

The sweetness of the other components, such simple syrup, grenadine, and, surprisingly, a large amount of 7UP, necessitates that acidity.

Even though you may use any grenadine brand you can get in a shop, using a high-quality one will greatly improve the punch. using actual pomegranate and no artificial ingredients. The easiest method is to just make it yourself.

Though it’s certainly more work, your taste will be able to distinguish between the two.

Components

• quartered three limes
• two lemons, chopped into quarters
• a quarter of an orange
• 15 ounces of blanco tequila
• 7 ounces of basic syrup
• freshly squeezed lime juice, 7 ounces
• 6 ounces of grenadine
• 7 dashes of fragrant bitters
• 7UP, 12 ounces
• Lime wedge for garnish

Steps

1. Serves six people.
2. Mix the limes, lemons, and orange in a big pitcher.
3. Put in the lime juice, grenadine, tequila, simple syrup, and bitters.
4. Add ice and mix well.
5. Add the 7Up on top and mix slowly.
6. Divide between 6 rocks glasses and top each one with a lime slice.