The History of Punch

Questions of who might’ve spiked it aside, punch is a timeless and beloved way to bring your Twisted Alchemy cold pressed juices together with your favorite spirits. 

The history of punch cocktails can be traced back to ancient times, with its origins rooted in India and Southeast Asia. The word "punch" is derived from the Hindi word "paanch," which means "five." This refers to the traditional recipe's five main ingredients: alcohol, sugar, lemon or lime, water, and spices. Twisted Alchemy saves you time and space on these ingredients- our Eureka Lemon Sour Cold Pressed Mixer and Persian Lime Sour Cold Pressed Mixer both pull double duty as sweetening and citrusify-ing agents. But we still like the name.

Punch began to gain popularity in the 17th century when European traders and sailors encountered it during their voyages to the East. They were introduced to a variety of exotic spices, fruits, and spirits that were used to create unique concoctions. The sailors quickly recognized the punch's ability to preserve the freshness of ingredients, making it an ideal drink for long sea voyages.

The British East India Company played a significant role in bringing punch to Europe. As the company expanded its trade routes, it brought back a wide range of spices, including nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, which became integral components of punch recipes. The drink became a symbol of the British colonial era, with punch houses and punch bowls becoming popular social gathering spots.

Punch continued to evolve and gain popularity in Europe throughout the 18th century. The ingredients were adapted to suit local tastes and availability. Various spirits, such as brandy, rum, and arrack, were used as the base, while fruits, citrus juices, and sweeteners were added to enhance the flavor. During this era, pineapple juice and orange juice gained popularity as additions to the classic punch recipe. 

In the 19th century, punch reached the height of its popularity, becoming a staple of social events and gatherings. Punch bowls were adorned with elaborate designs, and the serving of punch became a spectacle in itself. Punch recipes were passed down through generations and often kept as family secrets.

One of the most famous punches of the time was the "Fish House Punch" from Philadelphia. It gained notoriety at the Fish House Club, a social club established in the 1730s. This punch recipe, consisting of rum, cognac, lemon, water, and sugar, became a favorite among political figures and influential socialites. They might have saved themselves some time if they had a bottle of Twisted Alchemy Eureka Lemon Sour Cold Pressed Mixer lying around.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in punch cocktails. Bartenders and mixologists have revisited traditional punch recipes, bringing new life to this communal and flavorful libation. Modern punch recipes often incorporate fresh ingredients, artisanal spirits, and creative flavor combinations. Might we suggest a Twisted Alchemy Passion Fruit Cold Pressed Juice rum punch? Or a spicy Twisted Alchemy Watermelon Cold Pressed Juice tequila punch to enjoy under the sun? Grab some friends and your favorite punch bowl to enjoy this time-worn tradition. Cheers!