the great gatsby ginger punch
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!

The Great Gatsby Ginger Punch
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
All images and text ©
Love love love ginger!!!!!!
Me too! I promise to you make one of these mocktail style:)
I have never read The Great Gatsby (what?), but I think I’ll make one (or three) of these drinks and curl up with the book before I see the movie. Thanks for this post!
You will love the book! A complete American classic. I hope you have a great day!
My friends and I can’t stop talking about the movie premiere!!! So excited! And I’m with you about being iffy on Tobey McGuire. We’ll see how he does…
Your punch looks incredible! I literally just bought TONS of ginger to make ginger beer and punch this weekend. Looks like great gatsby minds… 😉
Right? Totes agree on Tobey McGuire casting. I hope he is does well. And let me know how the ginger beer making goes….I need to make some!
So pretty!! Love this!
Thanks, Tieghan! I hope you have a great day!
This is so fun. Wish we could share one (or seven) of these! Gorgeous photos!
Me too! We really need to get together soon! Miss ya!
Love ginger and love the idea of this drink. Your pictures are just perfect too!
Thank you, friend! We should totally swap cocktails. I have been eyeing your green tea mojito!
This is seriously so fun! I can’t wait for the movie. I was in love with the book in high school too. And really… why Tobey? WHY?! So many better options but I’ll overlook their horrible choice in hopes that they didn’t botch the movie.
Gurrrrll, I completely understand! I don’t look at Tobey and see sexy. Now, Ryan Gosling or Reynolds, yes, that’s sexy. Jeez. Let’s cheers in hopes that the movie is spectacular!
This drink has me craving an alcoholic beverage and its only 8:30am.
Ha! Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I could use one right now too!
I am so excited to see the movie! This punch is the perfect way to celebrate it!
Thanks, Carrie! Can we trade? I am dying over your ragoon dip!!
I didn’t realize they were making another movie, this is so exciting! I loved Robert Redford in the original movie but I’m sure the ol’ DiCaprio will do a fine job too. What a fun idea to kick off the movie with a signature drink!
Julia, I love the Robert Redford version. I heart that man. I hope Leo can pull it off!
This sounds so amazing! All that ginger must give it an amazing punch. (It gives the punch a punch? Sure, why not?) 🙂
OMMMGGGGGGG i cannot contain my excitement for The Great Gatsby. Jason probably won’t see it with me because he thinks they ruined it by making it too modern but whatevssss…I will go see it alone if I have to. Maybe I’ll have 1 too many of these prior and not even remember it..haha jk jk 😉 I should give jason some of this and then he won’t be complaining!
I am SO FREAKING EXCITED for this movie. I actually just finished re-reading the book in preparation and was contemplating some kind of themed post for it. Are you reading my mind? 😉 Gorgeous cocktail and cheers to you my dear.
LOVE this punch!! and I’m dying for the movie.
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How much ginger ale did everyone use?