OK, we’re set.
The house is clean.
The food is in the oven.
The table is looking tablescapey.
And I’ve brushed my hair.
This party is going to be epic.
But wait. Something’s missing. The same thing that’s always missing.
I forgot to think about the drinks.
Why? Why? Why?
Why does my brain always steer clear of consideration of this particular detail? And, actually, beverages are hardly a detail.
I think we all know that, if you’re attending a party, being served the best food in the history of food, hanging out with the best friends of the history of friends, and sipping on, say, tap water, you’re crying inside. Dying a little inside. Planning your exit strategy.
You know it’s true.
It’s like pulling together the most amazing outfit and not thinking about your socks until it’s too late.
Cute dress!
Dapper suit!
Slammin’ accessories!
Handbag! Manbag!
And this…
That’s just not right.
So let’s do ourselves a favor and start thinking about our sock situation and our drink destiny.
Which is why, today, we’re talking about some tasty Pomander Tequila Winter Punch.
This drink is very much inspired by my mom. Not because she’s a crazy tequila hound! No. Because she was the one that taught me about pomanders: clove-studded oranges that have a way of making your house smell better and more festive than anything else I’ve ever found.
Seriously. We’re talking party-in-a-pomander good. You can’t help but smile.
Which is probably why my earliest memory is watching my mom make pomanders at the kitchen table during the holidays.
I’ve used them here to festivify and flavorize some Thanksgiving punch.
And this simple, sweet punch actually benefits from being assembled the day before your event.
Which gives you more time to party with the ones you love. And think about your sock situation.
Happy Thanksgiving and best wishes!!
Pomander Tequila Winter Punch
adapted from Mexican Made Easy
4 c. apple juice
1 c. tequila reposado
1 stick canela (a stick of cinnamon may be substituted)
2 oranges
cloves, dried
Prepare a pomander by pushing the pointed ends of the dried clove buds into the skin of one of the oranges in the pattern of your choosing. Set aside.
Combine the apple juice and stick of canela in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Remove the cooked apple juice, along with the stick of canela, to a large punch bowl. Add the tequila and pomander and allow the punch to steep for awhile before serving. As I mentioned above, I think this punch is most flavorful if you assemble it the day before serving. If your schedule requires or you prefer, you can assemble it as few as 30 minutes before serving.
Once you’re ready to serve the punch, slice the remaining orange into quarter-inch slices. Stud the slices with the remaining cloves, garnish your glasses with the studded slices, and serve (you can serve chilled or at room temperature, whichever you prefer).
YIELD: approximately 4-6 servings
Beautiful holiday drink! And yes, it is a total buzz kill to go to a party with sub-par drinks, no matter how good the rest of the food is!
I used to make pomanders with my kids when they were little; a scent I associate with Christmas.
True Story: Many years ago I had been getting a whiff of a smell in my dining room area next to the kitchen that reminded me of the smell of gas. But not strong and not constant so I ignored it. (Maybe the dog?…but we didn’t have one).
The 2nd day it bother me enough that I had some concerns about whether we had a gas leak in our townhome so I called the local fire department to ask what they thought I should do . Turns out I should have called the utility company but that would not have been as nice as having 2 big trucks and one car show up with half a dozen strapping firefighters who came in to survey the situation.
Of course there was nothing. They poked and walked everywhere and checked everything and as we all gave up and they were leaving, one of them smelled it. By the dining room table. With a centerpiece of pomanders. That, I must admit, had been a bit forgotten. Where one was obviously past it’s prime and putting off bursts of methane gas. It’s true…my emergency was an orange and some cloves. My reward was some pretty adorable firefighters.
Barbara, this is easily the BEST pomander story EVER. I never knew oranges could produce methane gas. Or strapping firefighters for that matter. Now I like them even more. You’re the best! Have a great week!!
You are so creative! Love your post, and those socks are rocking!!! I love your photos too! Have a wonderful week!!!
Thanks so much, Sandra!
This looks so delicious! Great post!
Heh! I can totally identify… with the drinks part of course. My socks always look wonderful *cough cough*
Drinks are usually a blue job (man) at my house, that way I can concentrate on the food. There is usually some consultation about the food so that the drinks can be properly matched. You have fortunate friends for having a lovely party!
Sounds delicious, and I’m completely in love with the garnish idea! Great recipe, I agree that drinks always get forgotten!
I have a habit of forgetting the drinks as well. It is funny how we can put so much effort into the planning of the meal – making sure that everything goes well together and totally neglect the beverage. Water is fine and all but just doesn’t cut it! LOL
Awesome drink recipe! I will definitely have to try it. Pinned! Awesome photos BTW!
I always forget about the drinks too. Either that or I go the easy route with wine. Love this recipe!
Pomander slices are such a beautiful garnish…what an inventive idea! And this cocktail sounds delicious as well~
I have never heard of this! How interesting. Thanks for sharing. I’m really intrigued by the orange and clove combination.
What a great way to add southwestern flair to Thanksgiving fare! And I can smell the pomander now!
new to your site..awesome recipes and love your crystal clear uber ultra sharp pics. I am a sucker for tack sharp images and I want to reach thru the screen and grab your food…Amazing!!
Mmmm can’t wait to try this!
Glad I am not the only one that forgets the drinks, I always say it’s because I am too into the food. So my solution is whenever someone asks what they can bring, I always say it would be a wonderful help if you brought whatever it is you like to drink. Works perfect.
Meagan, I can just see a ‘tablescapey’ perfect setting and festivefied drinks. You are so right – the socks are just the right image to portray the need for co-ordinated beverages! Very clever use of pomanders. You make me laugh as always. I so enjoy your posts.
Thanks so much, Hester!
My mom taught me about pomanders, too. This punch is so cute in the jelly jars, great idea. Happy Thanksgiving!
It must be a mom thing. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Sue!