Christmas Punch
At the award-winning Greenhouse Tavern in Cleveland, lead bartender Dave Taha has created the ultimate holiday tipple that tastes good with or without booze. "This one reminds me of Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's," says Taha. "The fresh ginger gives it a bit of zing, and the tart cherry adds depth and balance, while the allspice and nutmeg lend their holiday spirit." Whether you decide to drink it clean or spiked, it's surely going to get you in the festive spirit.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces light rum (optional)
  • 1/2 ounce cranberry juice
  • 1/4 ounce tart cherry juice
  • 1/2 ounce rich simple syrup
  • 1 dash allspice
  • 1 dash grated fresh ginger
  • 1 dash nutmeg, freshly grated
  • 2 ounces ginger ale
  • Garnish: ground ginger

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients except for the ginger ale in a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, top with the ginger ale, and gently stir to combine.
  3. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground ginger.