Ingredients

  • 2 bottlesred Bordeaux wine(or similar claret)
  • 0.5 cupbrandy
  • 0.25 cuporange curacao
  • 0.25 cupsimple syrup
  • 1cucumber(sliced or ribboned)
  • 1 cupsparkling water
  • 1 bunchfresh mint

🔧 Tools

punch bowlladlejigger

Instructions

  1. Combine wine, brandy, curacao, and simple syrup in pitcher
  2. Add cucumber slices and mint
  3. Refrigerate for 1 hour
  4. Add sparkling water just before serving
  5. Serve over ice
  6. Garnish each glass with cucumber ribbon and mint

📜 History

Claret Cup was the quintessential Victorian summer punch, served at garden parties and outdoor entertainments throughout 19th century England. Claret was the British term for red Bordeaux wine. The addition of cucumber and fresh herbs made it remarkably refreshing for warm weather gatherings. The drink was so popular that special claret cup jugs became prized serving pieces.