Description
The Claret Cup Craze is a revitalized take on a 19th-century British punch. With red wine, citrus, cucumber, and sparkling water, this refreshing, lightly spiced cocktail is perfect for summer garden parties or stylish sipping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (like Bordeaux or Claret)
- ½ cup brandy
- ¼ cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 2 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Build the Base: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, lemon and orange slices, cucumber, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
- Finish: Just before serving, add chilled sparkling water and plenty of ice.
- Serve: Pour into glasses and garnish with mint sprigs. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Use a light-bodied red wine for balance. You can substitute ginger ale for club soda for a sweeter variation. Add strawberries or herbs like basil for a modern twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: claret cup, wine punch, vintage cocktail, red wine spritz, summer punch