Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Book Review: Punch Bowls and Pitcher Drinks by Jeanne Kelley and Sarah Tenaglia

With brunch Sunday this past weekend I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try out this new recipe book I received. I love the concept of an entire book dedicated to parties and helping guests quench their thirst deliciously!

Synopsis:
Stir up delicious fit-for-a-crowd cocktails.

Find inspiration in fresh fruit, smoky spices, and potent spirits, and mix a bowl or pitcher of punch for any occasion or season. Whether it's a drink served in champagne flutes at a holiday party or in Mason jars and paper cups in the backyard, you'll take cocktail hour to a whole new level with every one of these drinks:

• CLASSIC COCKTAILS, such as Pimm’s Punch
• SANGRIAS AND CHAMPAGNE-BASED PUNCHES, such as Meyer Lemon Drop Champagne Punch
• TROPICAL DRINKS, such as Kumquat-Tangerine Smash
• HEIGHT OF SUMMER, such as Watermelon-Tequila Punch
• FIRESIDE COCKTAILS, such as Aztec Chocolate Punch
• NONALCOHOLIC PUNCHES, such as Mixed Berry Lemonade

I love the way this book is laid out for every occasion and can't wait to try out more drinks to share with my friends!!

Review

Since I'm still on medication, I went ahead and tried out one of their non-alcoholic recipes at the back. Alcohol and meds don't mix well and I love that they included non-alcoholic drinks.

I tried the Mixed Berry Lemonade in my pink pitcher and let the fruit, lemon juice and sugar sit over night since I was taking it with me in the morning. It really helped a. intensify the flavor and b. keep the mess down in transit since I added the sparkling water once I arrived at my destination.

Mom thought it was a little too tart, but she likes everything super sweet just like she is. I thought it was just perfect, with the exception of the grated lemon. I didn't think it added any flavor and I'm not a big fan of pulp so I'll omit that next time and I will definitely be making this again!