punch

I like to think that there's no such thing as too many berries, but the other day I found myself with a surplus of strawberries. So what was a girl to do? Why, make a spiked sparkling strawberry punch out of them, of course!

This punch is brilliant, because it calls for items — orange juice, Prosecco, berries — that someone like myself often has on hand anyway. And because it makes a lot, it'd be grand at just about any group occasion.

Can't you envision it looking so elegant in a giant punch bowl at a springtime graduation party or bridal shower? For the easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, read more.

While some people believe that punches, especially the sparkling sort, should only be consumed around the Winter holidays, I happen to disagree. A beautiful and bubbly punch is too good to only enjoy once a year! I serve sangria, pitcher drinks, and other punches no matter what month it is. A celebratory dinner that honors a new season, like Spring, is the perfect occasion to bust out the punch bowl and ice block. This effervescent recipe combines red wine with brandy, Champagne, and fresh fruit. It calls for strawberries and raspberries, but I recommend using rhubarb instead of raspberries; they scream Spring. Want the easy recipe? Please read more.

During the Winter months, I love serving (and sipping) hot spiced cider or mulled wine. But at a crowded party full of warm bodies, a hot drink isn't always the best idea, and keeping it heated adds an extra challenge. I was delighted to come across this mulled rum punch, which can be served hot or cold. At first I was skeptical that it would taste good cold, but it was delicious, and when I made it at a recent party, the guests all raved. For a special effect, freeze a bowl of water with some spiced suspended inside — I used star anise, but cinnamon sticks would also look pretty — then place the festive block of ice in the punch. Find out how to make it when you read more

Everyone has different holiday traditions. One of mine, apparently, is becoming obsessed with a festive and seasonal cocktail recipe. Last year I was all about sparkling Shiraz punch. The December before I went gaga for a cranberry-amaretto kiss. 2009's beverage of choice? This sparkling pomegranate punch! It has all the necessary elements of a fabulous holiday drink. It's vibrantly colored, serves a crowd, and incorporates sparkling wine. It's a refreshing, delightful punch that's not to sweet but simply wonderful. Don't skip the pomegranate seed garnish; they are like floating jewels. To check out the recipe, read more

After PartySugar served grapefruit sparklers at last week's Cookie Swap, I felt inspired to offer another fizzy citrus cocktail. This vodka-based variation is just as effortless, and since it's a punch, it's perfect for the masses. Each citrus element — orange, lemon, limoncello, zest — contributes a unique brightness to this refreshment, which winds up being complex yet casual at the same time. For the recipe, read more.

• This week's episode of Top Chef brought to light four myths about vegetarian cooking. — Jezebel
• New York City's food bloggers are playing musical chairs. — Grub Street NY
• Are these 10 items really the world's scariest foods? — Concierge
• Still looking for a cocktail to serve on Halloween? Make full moon punch. — Chow
• A roundup of November's Thanksgiving-themed magazines. — Eat Me Daily
• Top Chef Masters season two has started filming, so Angelenos be on the lookout for competing chefs. — Eater
• Cod with tarragon-anchovy breadcrumbs is a delicious dinner. — Serious Eats
• Learn what people around the world are eating for breakfast. — Woman's Day

It's T minus two days until your big Halloween party! Since nobody wants to spend the entire night mixing cocktails, serve a punch. It's quenches the thirst of a crowd and is easy to make. All you have to do is dump the ingredients into a cauldron and stir. This potent concoction is a mixture of passion fruit vodka, cranberry juice, ginger ale, and sparkling apple cider. To achieve a smoldering affect, you'll have to get your hands on dry ice, but if you don't have time to seek it out, the punch is still enjoyable without the smoke. Also, stock up on beer or order a keg. To check out the apple punch recipe, read more

Not only is my annual pumpkin carving party about creating cool pumpkins, it's also about celebrating the flavors of Fall.

To get people in the mood to party, I'll be pouring a potent punch made from pear nectar and sparkling apple cider. It's fruity, bubbly, and refreshing — what more could you ask for in a punch?

In case people want to imbibe something other than hard alcohol, I've asked my guests to bring an assortment of seasonal ales and sparkling sodas. To check out the easy punch recipe, which would be welcome at any large event, read more

During the main meal at my harvest-themed dinner party, I'll pair the chicken and risotto with wine. However, before we sit down to the table, I want to treat guests to a luxurious champagne cocktail.

Since a punch easily quenches the thirst of a crowd, I'll be mixing a large bowl of classic champagne punch. The cocktail gets its rosy hue from chambord, a raspberry-flavored liquor.

With the poached pear dessert, I'll let guests sip a sweet late harvest wine. To check out the recipe I'll be using for the punch, keep reading.