April 24, 2013

the great gatsby ginger punch

posted by Lauren | 26 Comments »

What is it about the roaring twenties that have us bedazzled?

Was it the unbridled decadence  and elegant parties? Was it the speak-easy and flapper inspired  clothing? Or, was it that life seemed  so carefree back in those days? I believe our infatuation with this time period is a combination of the above, which is why F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby, continues to capture our hearts almost a hundred years later.

I was completely smitten with this book the first time I read it in high school. Besides being a  history nerd, I loved the complexity of the characters and the dramatic plot. I was mesmerized by Nick Carraway because he came from the midwest, graduated from Yale, and was a war hero. Talk about perfect husband material, am I right?

Even though I could read this book over and over again, I am so stoked for the movie to be released on May 13th! I am not surprised to see Leonardo Dicaprio playing Jay Gatsby. If there is anyone more full of himself, it would be Leo. He goes through supermodel girlfriends like he changes underwear. The only character  with which I am not sold  is Tobey McGuire playing Nick Carraway. Was Ryan Gosling unavailable? Seriously, you know that man looks lick-smacking good in a suit.

Well, in honor of the roaring twenties and the upcoming movie, I thought it would be fun to shake things up, literally. If you’re planning on hosting a premiere party (which you totes should), I have the perfect drink that will have you swinging to jazz in your flapper dress and heels. Every party needs a fun cocktail, but, why not kick it old school? Okay, wayyyyy old school and make punch.

This is not your ordinary punch, folks. If you like the spicy, warm flavor of ginger, this drink is right up your bootlegging alley. In my opinion the simple ginger  syrup  gives this punch celebrity star status; and the cognac isn’t too far behind! Plus, the cherries create a fiery, blood orange hue.

So whether you’re going to the theaters or waiting until the movie comes out on Netflix (like yours truly), celebrate a slice of Americana with this cat’s meow punch. Cheers!

Print Recipe
Yield: Serves 4 to 5

The Great Gatsby Ginger Punch

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

for simple syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 water
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated

for the punch:
4 fresh mint sprigs
1/2 ounce orange juice
3 dashes blood orange bitters
1 ounce ginger simple syrup
2 ounces cognac
Ice
Ginger ale
Frozen cherries, thawed

Directions:

for simple syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 water
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated

for the punch:
4 fresh mint sprigs
1/2 ounce orange juice
3 dashes blood orange bitters
1 ounce ginger simple syrup
2 ounces cognac
Ice
Ginger ale
Frozen cherries, thawed

recipe adapted from Food and Wine Magazine

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26 Comments »