Punch

Over the centuries punch, as a beverage, has had different definitions. Since the early seventeenth century the British, particularly those who were sailors, have known and enjoyed punch. America’s founding fathers enjoyed their punch served in Chinese export bowls at their favorite tavern. Throughout the twentieth century nonalcoholic punch was an essential element at every high school prom, dance, graduation, funeral, and social gathering. To every child born after World War II, Hawaiian Punch was one of the most recognizable fruit-juice drinks in America. But for most of its existence a punch was a mixed drink composed of rum, water, a citrus fruit juice and peel, sugar, and a dusting of nutmeg. It was served either hot or cold.