Knockout punch

There's no more ideal drink for sending off summer

- Brian Good

Now's your chance to make your own seriously tasty punch. We're not talking about simply spiking a bowl of juice, or fermenting random fruit in old ice cream containers for weeks in an attempt to make your own homemade cider. The traditional punch bowl has had a recent surge in popularity, this classic concoction considered by many to be the world's first cocktail really is the perfect party drink.

TRY THIS...

Blood Orange Thai Chilli Punch

1 750 ml bottle silver tequila

1 375 ml bottle orange liqueur

2 cups blood orange juice (Can’t find it? Use OJ and pomegranate juice instead.)

½ cup lime juice

1 cup sparkling water 1/3 cup Thai chilli simple syrup

2 oranges, washed and thinly sliced

1 lime, washed and thinly sliced

• Ice (to serve)

• Smoked sea salt (optional for glass rim)

TO MAKE :

1) Add tequila, orange liqueur, blood orange juice, lime juice, sparkling water, Thai chilli simple syrup, and orange and lime slices to a punch bowl and stir until mixed well. Serve punch in a glass filled with ice. Optionally, rim a glass with smoked sea salt and garnish with a slice of orange or lime.

2) For the simple syrup: Combine equal parts water and agave nectar in a small saucepan and stir to dissolve. Add three Thai chillies, quartered, and bring to a simmer for 5-10 minutes. Let cool before using in cocktail.