Nothing seems as celebratory as gathering around the table with loved ones. Laughter rings in the air as silverware clinks against dishes; glasses meet together in salute as toasts ring out. Occasions such as these call for a certain kind of tipple. In this instance, it calls for none other than the Not Your Grandmother’s Punch.
Blending the spiciness of bourbon with the floral, citrusy bite of Earl Grey tea equals a sip both surprising and soothing. The brightness from the lemon juice and the pop of color from the Navel oranges not only add freshness to the drink, but presents another promotional opportunity for domestic citrus to sit center stage at the next holiday meal.
The bourbon and Cognac used depends on your preference; in my opinion, there’s no need to bust out the top-dollar bottles. The flavors will marry together regardless! So kick back, ladle out a glass of punch, and say a toast for all that’s come in 2024—and what’s to come in 2025.
¼ cup loose leaf Earl Grey tea or 4 tea bags
½ cup honey
4 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs rosemary, plus more for garnish
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1½ cups bourbon or whiskey
½ cup Cognac
1 tsp orange or regular bitters (my preference is always Angostura Bitters)
Ice ring, lemon wheels, and Navel orange wheels (for serving)
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Servings: 8
Steep tea in 1¼ cups boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if using loose leaf tea. Let cool.
Bring honey, thyme, 2 rosemary sprigs, and ½ cup water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir to combine ingredients. Let cool before discarding herbs.
Combine tea, honey syrup, lemon juice, bourbon, Cognac, and bitters in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add 2–3 cups of ice and stir until melted and punch is cold.
Serve punch in handled glasses filled with ice and garnished with rosemary sprigs and lemon wheels. Enjoy!
Pro tip: To create an ice ring for presentation, use a ring mold (i.e. a Bundt pan). Put a little water at the bottom of the pan and then lay down the lemon and orange wheels. Put the pan in the freezer until the water freezes. Add more water—however thick you wish the ring to be—and freeze until solid. 
