The flowing bowl

When it comes to cocktails, bigger is better and way more social

Rule of 8 Punch Bowl at Toronto’s Dasha. Photo courtesy of Dasha

My early memories of punch are from college parties—party drinks cobbled together from curious arrays of cheap spirits mixed with saccharine juices and sodas and ladled from whatever vessel was large enough to quench the crowd. A mixing bowl in the best of times, a plastic trash can in the worst.

Nevertheless, we’d gather around, clink glasses and share stories over the ever-flowing bowl.

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Rosa’s Punch

Jessica Blaine Smith photo courtesy of Vela

Ingredients:

1.25 cups sugar, plus additional if needed

2 cups water

3 cups (750 mL bottle) Malfy Rosa

3 cups (750 mL bottle) Cocchi Rosa

2 cups lemon juice

3 cups fresh grapefruit juice

2 star anise

2 sticks cinnamon

One lemon, cut into wheels

Garnish: rose petals and your favourite sparkling rosé

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Tea Ceremony

Gabriel Li photo courtesy of MIMI Chinese

Ingredients:

5 oz Grey Goose vodka

1.75 oz Lillet Blanc

0.75 oz Strega

2 oz lemon juice

1.5 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)

2 oz black wolfberry tea

2 oz cold-brewed jasmine tea

3 oz coconut milk

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Rule of 8

Photo courtesy of Dasha

Ingredients:

12 oz Bacardi Ocho

4 oz Rémy Signature Brandy

2 oz Luxardo Amaretto

4 oz fresh lime juice

8 oz pineapple juice

6 oz mandarin syrup (see recipe)

12 oz grapefruit soda

Garnish: edible flowers, dehydrated pineapple, fresh fruit slices or whatever captivates your imagination

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The Alchemist Fall/Winter 2019

Thirsty for cocktail and spirits news? You’re in luck—the fall/winter issue of The Alchemist is out this week.

The Up to Date cocktail, created by Homer Street Cafe lead bartender Rob Scope. Dan Toulgoet photo

As the days get colder and shorter, we turn to dark spirits, deep flavours and slow-sipping cocktails, the kinds of drinks best enjoyed over thoughtful conversation.

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3 cocktails for your Kentucky Derby viewing party

The Glenrothes 12 Year Old and 10 Year Old Scotch. Supplied photo

The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner—May 4th to be exact—and every year at this time the Mint Julep takes first place as the cocktail of choice. We have compiled three cocktails worth considering for your Kentucky Derby party—cocktails with a twist on the classic go-to.

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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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Zombie Punch

Justin Taylor’s Zombie Punch serves a crowd! Dan Toulgoet photo

This tiki punch recipe serves a crowd—so find some friends to help you out!

• 6 oz añejo rum
• 6 oz dark Jamaican rum
• 4 oz high-proof rum (such as Lamb’s Navy 151)
• 3 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1.5 oz freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
• 3 oz falernum
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 2 tsp Pernod
• 10 oz filtered water

Garnish:
• 5 sprigs mint
• 3 cinnamon sticks, snapped in half
• 6 wheels grapefruit

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