Where does punch come from

A.� The basis for most punches is rum. Rum's hidden history starts 10,000 years ago when the sugar cane plant began its migration from its home in the East Indies into China and India. As�the plant spread west into Arabia, then North Africa, it was cultivated for sugar production. Columbus himself planted cane in Cuba and it became the main Caribbean/South American crop. When rum or its early equivalent first appeared is less clear, but since molasses ferments naturally if left to its own devices, it seems likely slaves on�sugar plantations were among the first to try it.� Rum became popular in the UK in the eighteenth century and it was soon an integral constituent of the spiced drinks, containing aniseed, cinnamon, citrus and rum, which formed an early punch.

�

Q.� What's a traditional rum punch recipe

A.� Take 2oz of light rum, 1oz pineapple juice, 1oz orange juice, a splash of Angostura bitters, a sprinkle of nutmeg, some maraschino cherries, lime, and some ice. Prepare a highball glass of cracked ice. Pour over rum, add juices, stir�four times, and add the Angostura bitters. Sprinkle on some nutmeg and garnsh with lime. This can either be prepared individually or in a large bowl for a party.

�

Q.� What other fruity drinks can be made from light rum

A. How about a delicious strawberry daiquiri Use the freshest possible ingredients to produce this frothy standby. Take 1oz light rum, 1/2oz of strawberry schnapps, 1oz fresh strawberries, 1/2 a lime, 1 tsp sugar, a pineapple wedge and some ice. Put rum, strawberry schnapps, lime juice, sugar and fresh strawberries in a blender. Add some ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.�

�

Q.� Can you recommend a summer party punch

A.� Try this one for a barbecue or garden party. Serves six to eight.

�

375ml vodka

125ml white rum

125ml cointreau

2 dashes orange bitters

250ml bitter lemon

750ml fresh orange juice

ice

�

Use a two-pint bowl and garnish with lemon and clementine slices and kumquat flowers.

Put plenty of ice in the punch bowl, add the rest of the ingredients and stir. Float the fruit on top and balance the kumquat flowers on the citrus slices like water lilies.

�

Q.�Is there non-aloholic punch

A.� A Summer Sensation is always a winner. Take 125ml of Elderflower cordial, 125ml Rose's lime juice, 250ml sparkling water, 500ml sparkling apple juice, and some ice cubes. Use a three-pint glass jug or 4-6 highball glasses. Garnish with a lemon bow and an apple and lime, both sliced.

�

For more food and drink questions and answers, click here

�

By Katharine MacColl