(Please excuse the lack of rhymes in the English language version)

Zack - now it's that time again, It's getting cold and the Christmas season is approaching

The last year and the one before were for all of us not with much decor. We always had to face each other every morning care for our loved ones and health. Renunciation, loss - a life on the leash and many were often alone. But when one freezes and the mind becomes heavy, usually someone who feels the same way comes along. And for such a meeting fits perfectly, this delicious punch recipe. Alcoholic and with intoxicating aromas it is ideal for two freezing people.

Whether at the icy lake, sitting on a tree stump in the snow or at home by the fireplace corner, in the flickering light under the warm blanket: After enjoying it, you won't be bothered anymore and warm up your stomach and heart together.

After just one glass you come to the conclusion that the next year has to be much better. Together we will do everything but not with lies, selfishness or weapons. All you need is a bit of courage under your hat and tackled together, everything will be fine again.

PS.:

As the author of this punch recipe, you shouldn't embarrass yourself and must try several times in advance for your own safety. Poetry, however - I can say that - then becomes difficult. So come on now – assuming your further interest – the instructions for punch as a recipe and not as a rhyme.

(Please excuse the lack of rhymes in the English language version)

Hot Green Punch with green sugar

Ingredients for the punch:

• A bottle of dry white wine (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Colombard or Riesling) • A cinnamon stick • Zest of a lime (organic/washed off with hot water) • Two cloves • Five peppercorns • Three to four capsules of green cardamom • One or two star anise • 500 ml passion fruit juice • 300ml white rum • 100ml Noilly Prat Vermouth • about 100ml Monin Blue Curaçao • Season to taste with approx. 100g agave syrup, white cane sugar or palm sugar.

Punch tool:

• Stainless steel pot with approx. 2.5 liter capacity • fine metal sieve • Measuring cup • Two transparent cups, other drinking cups made of borosilicate glass or transparent double-walled thermal glasses

Preparation: Heat the wine, cinnamon stick, lemon zest and spices (briefly crushed beforehand) together with the passion fruit juice to approx. 85° (do not boil) and give the spices time to develop (approx. 20-30m). In the meantime, preheat the glasses. Finally add white rum and vermouth and season with agave syrup or cane sugar. Create the desired green color with the Blue Curaçao. Pour through the sieve into the preheated glasses. If desired, rim the glasses with green sugar and serve immediately.

Ingredients for the green sugar

  • A large bunch of fresh mint
  • 200-500g sugar (depending on the size of the bunch)

Tool for the green sugar

  • Blender
  • Pot and colander
  • Salad spinner
  • oven
  • Baking paper
  • airtight mason jars

Preparation of green sugar:

Wash a nice bunch of fresh peppermint, pluck the leaves. Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 seconds and shock in ice water. Spin the leaves in a salad spinner. Place in a blender with the sugar and mix well.

Spread the moist peppermint sugar on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat the oven to 50 - max. 70 degrees and dry the sugar for 3 hours. Not too hot so the chlorophyll stays nice and green. It is better to dry longer than to dry too hot. Loosen up in between if necessary.

Briefly mix the dry sugar again and store in airtight jars.