A Bit Curious

Sabrine Dhaliwal’s A Bit Curious. Tara Rafiq photo

Recipe created for the Punch Brunch 2020 by Sabrine Dhaliwal, bar manager of Juke Fried Chicken in Vancouver.

The Punch Brunch, held at Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim on January 26, was the official launch for the inaugural Vancouver Cocktail Week presented by The Alchemist magazine, which will be held March 7 to 10, 2021. For more cocktail recipes from the brunch, see: The Rye of the Tiger, Featherweight Punch Royale, Flapjack Punch and Morning Ritual.

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Featherweight Punch Royale

Sean McGuigan’s Featherweight Punch. Tara Rafiq photo

Recipe created for the Punch Brunch 2020 by Sean McGuigan, head bartender, The Lobby Lounge and RawBar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver.

The Punch Brunch, held at Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim on January 26, was the official launch for the inaugural Vancouver Cocktail Week presented by The Alchemist magazine, which will be held March 7 to 10, 2021. For more cocktail recipes from the brunch, see: The Rye of the Tiger, A Bit Curious, Flapjack Punch and Morning Ritual.

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Scotch Rocks Punch

Justin Taylor’s Scotch Rocks Punch. Dan Toulgoet photo

This flavourful punch was created by Justin Taylor, general manager of The Cascade Room.

• 1 bottle (750 mL) blended scotch
• 1 cup Cynar amaro
• 1 cup apricot brandy
• 1 cup oleo saccharum
• 1 Tbsp Angostura bitters
• 4 cups cold water

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Punch it up with oleo saccharum

This ancient ingredient adds zest to your party drinks

Before you start, assemble your ingredients. Dan Toulgoet photo

Holiday entertaining is right around the corner and having a couple of easy, bold and delicious punch recipes on hand will really help set any party off on the right foot. It all starts with oleo saccharum.

Now, you might be wondering: What the heck is oleo saccharum? It is the Latin term for “oil sugar,” an ingredient that will change your home bartending.

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Limoncello

Justin Taylor’s Limoncello. Dan Toulgoet photo

This simple liqueur from Justin Taylor is a great after-dinner sipper, but also makes a thoughtful host gift.

• 1 cup oleo saccharum
• 1 cup vodka

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The Glenrothes Punch

Glenrothes Punch. Supplied photo

No party is complete without a boozy punch. Make this one for your Kentucky Derby viewing party next weekend. 

• 1 2/3 cups The Glenrothes 10 Year Old
• 1 2/3 cups strong black tea
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup Oleo-Saccharum
• 7 dashes bitters
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• Orange and lemon wheels for serving 

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The secret ingredient to a knockout party punch

When life gives you lemons, add finesse to your festive fizz with oleo saccharum

All you need to make oleo saccharum, the secret ingredient that will take Champagne punch and other cocktails from merely good to simply extraordinary. Photo: Joanne Sasvari
All you need to make oleo saccharum, the secret ingredient that will take Champagne punch and other cocktails from merely good to simply extraordinary. Photo: Joanne Sasvari

The holiday season cries out for festive bubbles, for brunch-time mimosas and kir royales, for corks flying at midnight, for French 75s and Champagne cocktails just about any time.

But of all the bubbly concoctions, there is no more festive fizz than a grand Champagne punch.

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Holiday Champagne Punch

Holiday Champagne Punch. Photo: Joanne Sasvari
Holiday Champagne Punch. Photo: Joanne Sasvari

This festive elixir will happily serve a crowd. Just remember the golden rule of punch: The party isn’t over until the bowl is empty.

2 cups (500 mL) brandy
16 dashes Angostura bitters
½ to ¾ cup (125 to 180 mL) oleo saccharum (see method below)
2 bottles sparkling wine such as cava or Champagne

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