emphasis on the "PUNCH"
This came out awesome and was greatly enjoyed. And since Christmas was at my house and not driving this year, I got to enjoy it (thoroughly). But wow this will sneak up on you quick since it is really sweet.
The great thing about this is you can pretty much do it however you like, mixing and matching fruit and or alcoholic beverage of choice. So as more of an art than exact science here is roughly what I did and you can have fun doing it your way.
Washed and Peeled a few oranges and cut the peels into strips.
(We had a big crowd so I used three variations: Vodka, Aquavit and Grappa)
Poured a full bottle (and then some) of the vodka over the orange peels and set aside. I didn't have any fresh berries but had a large bag of mixed berries (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry) and mixed this with a can of cranberry. In this I added a cup of sugar and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. (I could not find my vanilla beans but would have used that if I could have)
On medium heat let this simmer until the sugar was fully dissolved and the berries were bursting. Some were still whole when I set it aside to cool.
I had some fresh fruit so cut up a few things. Some apple slices and some very large grapes. Threw these in with the orange peels. After the mix was fully cooled added this to the alcohol mix. Stirred, covered and let sit for a few days. (glass, sealing jars recommended). Christmas Eve I strained out the berries, fruit and raspberry seeds then put the orange peels back. Served cold Christmas day though I'm pretty sure this would also have been nice warmed.
I also made a variation with an Italian blood orange soda (carbonated) which was really good too and less alcoholic.
I'm told that in Italy it is a common practice for restaurants (and families) to have this on hand all the time and just periodically add fruit and/or alcohol when it gets low. Also the fruit can be used in toppings for desserts. My wife has enjoyed just eating the drunk fruit on its own...
I'm going to make another batch this week but let the fruit sit longer (month or more) then try it out in February.
BTW if like our family you are concerned about your cookware/serving ware being "made in China" and having lead, BPA etc; I found a nice beverage dispenser at Walmart ($14.95) Made in USA and "BPA Free." This was actually cheaper than a similar item at Costco which I've been eying but was unfortunately Made in China.
This came out awesome and was greatly enjoyed. And since Christmas was at my house and not driving this year, I got to enjoy it (thoroughly). But wow this will sneak up on you quick since it is really sweet.
The great thing about this is you can pretty much do it however you like, mixing and matching fruit and or alcoholic beverage of choice. So as more of an art than exact science here is roughly what I did and you can have fun doing it your way.
Washed and Peeled a few oranges and cut the peels into strips.
(We had a big crowd so I used three variations: Vodka, Aquavit and Grappa)
Poured a full bottle (and then some) of the vodka over the orange peels and set aside. I didn't have any fresh berries but had a large bag of mixed berries (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry) and mixed this with a can of cranberry. In this I added a cup of sugar and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. (I could not find my vanilla beans but would have used that if I could have)
On medium heat let this simmer until the sugar was fully dissolved and the berries were bursting. Some were still whole when I set it aside to cool.
I had some fresh fruit so cut up a few things. Some apple slices and some very large grapes. Threw these in with the orange peels. After the mix was fully cooled added this to the alcohol mix. Stirred, covered and let sit for a few days. (glass, sealing jars recommended). Christmas Eve I strained out the berries, fruit and raspberry seeds then put the orange peels back. Served cold Christmas day though I'm pretty sure this would also have been nice warmed.
I also made a variation with an Italian blood orange soda (carbonated) which was really good too and less alcoholic.
I'm told that in Italy it is a common practice for restaurants (and families) to have this on hand all the time and just periodically add fruit and/or alcohol when it gets low. Also the fruit can be used in toppings for desserts. My wife has enjoyed just eating the drunk fruit on its own...
I'm going to make another batch this week but let the fruit sit longer (month or more) then try it out in February.
BTW if like our family you are concerned about your cookware/serving ware being "made in China" and having lead, BPA etc; I found a nice beverage dispenser at Walmart ($14.95) Made in USA and "BPA Free." This was actually cheaper than a similar item at Costco which I've been eying but was unfortunately Made in China.