Aunt Sandys Sparking Punch Recipes

CASTAWAY PUNCH

Steps:

• Fill an ice cube tray with cranberry juice and freeze overnight for cranberry ice cubes.
• Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
• Add cranberry ice cubes to punch.

CHAMPAGNE PUNCH

Steps:

• In a large punch bowl or pitcher, stir pineapple, lemon juice, cherry juice, rum, and brandy to blend. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Add Champagne just before serving.

AUNT SANDY'S SPARKING SANGRIA

Steps:

• Put the fruit into a large pitcher and muddle lightly with a wooden spoon or muddler to release the juices. Add white grape juice, seltzer, schnapps and wine. Pour into glasses filled with ice and serve.

PARADISE PUNCH

Steps:

• In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and stir. Serve chilled in iced tea glasses with a wedge of pineapple for a garnish.

LEMON SUGAR COOKIES WITH SANDY'S COLORED SUGAR

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the lemon zest and juice and mix well. In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to butter mixture and mix to combine. Shape into a log and wrap in heavy-duty plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
• Divide the sugar between 2 small resealable plastic bags. Add 8 to 10 drops of 1 color of food coloring to each bag. Shake vigorously to distribute and color the sugar. Put the colored sugar into 2 separate plates.
• Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Dip the cookies on 1 side into the sugar, making 12 of each color. Arrange the cookies on baking sheets, spacing evenly, and bake until lightly browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then remove the cookies from the pans. Cool completely on wire racks before serving.

SPARKING MAGIC LEMONADE PUNCH

Steps:

• Make the lemonade syrup: Peel the lemons into long strips (try not to get too much of the white part, or pith, as it can be bitter) and set aside, then juice the lemons and strain out the seeds.
• Place the juice, lemon peels and sugar into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to combine. When the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes, until the mixture just barely starts to thicken, then remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.
• Make the butterfly pea flower tea: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil and add the tea leaves. Allow to steep for 15 minutes, then strain out the tea leaves and cool completely.
• Make the punch: Mix the lemonade syrup and sparkling water in a large punch bowl (start with 2 liters and add more as necessary to taste). Put the butterfly pea flower tea in a pitcher, and place it next to the punch bowl, as well as bowls of lemon wedges and ice cubes and tall glasses.
• Guests should put several ice cubes in a glass, then ladle the sparkling lemonade into the glass and squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over the top. Then pour about 1/8 cup of the butterfly pea flower tea over the top to see a magical color transformation!

SPARKLING PUNCH

Steps:

• Thinly slice the lemons and the oranges and place in a large punch bowl. Pour in the thawed lemonade. Gently stir in the club soda and the sparkling apple cider. Add sugar to taste. Add ice.

SPARKLING PUNCH

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients; mix until sugar is dissolved. Chill for 1-2 hours. Just before serving, stir in soda.