Spiced Rum and Tea Punch Recipe

This German drink, called Grossmutters Punsch (Grandmother’s Punch), is usually enjoyed warm at midnight on Christmas Eve.

It can also be served as a refreshing chilled drink. For a festive touch, add a cinnamon stick to each glass.

Makes 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 cups water

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar

2 tablespoons chopped peeled fresh ginger

16 whole cloves

16 whole allspice

1 vanilla bean, chopped

1 tea bag (preferably earl grey)

1 750-ml bottle dry red wine

1/4 cup dark rumcrushed ice (if serving punch chilled)

DIRECTIONS

Combine water, honey, sugar, ginger, cloves, allspice and vanilla bean in heavy large saucepan. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until honey and sugar dissolve. Boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add tea bag; let steep 5 minutes.

Strain syrup into bowl. Add wine and rum. If serving cold, refrigerate until chilled. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

If serving cold, fill 6 glasses with crushed ice. Ladle punch into glasses. If serving hot, bring to simmer in medium saucepan. Pour punch into cups.

Tags: Recipe, Rum, Spiced, Tea