I punched back!

Geez! I wonder what that means? Did he hit someone? Or???

As you read this, last week’s extreme heat wave is history — thankfully! If ever there was a time when a cooling summer drink was needed it’s now and a tasty, cooling summer punch is always a remedy for a heated body — whether that heat is externally or internally generated.

There are about as many differing types of punches as there are bartenders and it seems punches fall into two categories: an adult version and a more all family-oriented version.

A popular punch made here and in Mexico is Agua Fresca (literally “fresh waters” in Spanish) and a watermelon variety would be so very tasty right now. Who doesn’t enjoy a slice of watermelon and an Agua Fresca based on pureed watermelon is perfect for this time of the year. First puree six cups of watermelon, strain the puree, add three tablespoons of lime juice, a half cup of agave syrup, add ice and top off a glass with a quarter cup of club soda — garnish with mint leaves. It’s refreshing for everyone in the family.

And, I punched back brilliantly!

But, maybe your party is more adult oriented and there’s a desire to have a wine tasting beverage with a bit more “punch.” Have you tried a Brandy/Pineapple Punch?

Brandy is distilled from wine and will have an alcohol content between 40 and 60% — there’s your “punch.” Combine 12 ounces of brandy (I like E&J’s XO brandy) with six ounces of pineapple juice, three ounces of lime juice, three ounces of simple syrup, nine ounces of club soda and a pinch of nutmeg. Garnish with lime and lemon slices, add ice and sip away into comfort land.

This punch not only gives you a nice brandy taste but includes the needed citrus taste for this highly inviting summer punch.

I was walking through Tall Grass Liquor the other day and they were offering samples of various summer beers. One of the offerings was named Sangria and it’s made by Schell’s Brewery of New Ulm. Its pleasing red color attracted me and I was soon sipping a sample. The lager is quite sweet but has enough citrus taste to make it exciting to drink. It got me to thinking about a Sangria.

Not only did I punch back brilliantly but so very timely…

Continuing on with the idea of Sangria, we mustn’t forget the all time classic Sangria Punch. It’s beautiful to behold, smell and drink. Toss together four cups of cranberry juice, one cup of orange juice, one tablespoon of lime juice, three fourths cup lemonade drink mix, three cups of club soda and garnish with slices from two navel oranges and two limes.

Everyone at the party can be refreshed by this Sangria. However, again, if you want a punch with more punch to it, try the Sunset Sangria.

Not only did I punch back brilliantly and timely but it felt so … good!

Imagine you’re at a gathering and the sun is setting over the lake, the patio, the yard, the field or wherever you’re assembled. The setting sun is bringing a wonderful day to its conclusion and you need a punch to cap off the occasion. Here’s …. Sunset Sangria!

Sunset brings together a range of adult beverages and is made by mixing together a bottle of Rosé (I would highly recommend Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Rosé with its nice subtle watermelon taste), one cup of pineapple juice, one half cup of vodka (I like Luksusowa Potato Vodka from Poland), one fourth cup of triple sec (try Cointreau), one half cup of simple syrup, six ounces of raspberries and garnish with slices from lemons, limes and oranges.

The many tastes in Sunset will please your guests and they’ll be reinforced in their belief of what a wonderful host/hostess you are!

But, what’s all this punching about and whom did I “hit”?

Well, I “hit” my sister. After a meeting, I met her in a local coffee shop — would you believe she likes coffee, too? At the moment I joined her, a few friends of mine arrived and we began to give each other a jocular bad time.

My sister told the group I was her least handsome brother. There were some smiles from the group and when I verbally punched back by calling her my least intelligent sister, the group exploded in laughter. My punch was perfect!

So, bring together some neighbors, friends and family and have a punch. You never know where the punch line will fall!

Next week, I am so pleased with them.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!