From 1920 to 1933 Prohibition was in place in the United States. During Prohibition there was a national ban on alcohol. You couldn’t make it, sell it, or consume it. My how the times have changed. Alcoholic drinks are fairly commonplace at most social functions and are often expected. If you’re planning a party it’s a good idea to also include several non-alcoholic beverages for guests that don’t drink alcohol.

Signature cocktails are nice, however if you’re serving alcohol to a crowd, making an alcoholic punch is a very economical option. Always try out new drink recipes before hand if possible. This way you’ll know whether the amount of liquor in the recipe is too much, too little or just right. Here are a few recipes to get you started.


Peachy Pomegranate Punch
2 - 750 ml bottles sparkling wine
12 ounces Pomegranate juice
4 ounces dark rum
2 ounces Peach Schnapps
Sliced oranges or tangerines for garnish, optional

Chill the sparkling wine and pomegranate juice. In a large punch bowl or beverage container with a spigot combine all ingredients except for the fruit for garnish. Mix well and serve with ice. Serves 8.


Hurricane Punch
64 ounces (½ gallon) fruit punch
½ can (6 ounces) lemon or lime frozen concentrate, thawed
1 can frozen orange juice (or pineapple), thawed

Stir all ingredients together in appropriate container and serve with ice.


Blueberry Beer Punch
¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
4 - 12 ounce bottles of beer
1 -12 ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate
¾ cup gin
Lemon slices for garnish

Lay lemon slices in a single layer or waxed paper lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer. Stir together lemonade concentrate, gin and blueberries in a large container and chill overnight. At serving time add frozen lemon slices. Makes 7 servings.


Slushy in the Tropics
1 16 ounce can pineapple juice, drained (reserve the juice)
1 large ripe mango, peeled pitted and cut into chunks
1 cup of vodka

Freeze pineapple chunks and mango until almost frozen solid. Place frozen fruit, reserved pineapple juice and vodka in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Garnish with a maraschino cherry. Serves 6.


Cream Soda Margaritas
2 - 12 ounce bottles of Cream Soda
1 ½ cups tequila
½ cup vanilla vodka
Garnish - maraschino cherries red or green

In a chilled pitcher combine all ingredients except for the cherries. Pour into chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with maraschino cherries. Serves 8.