There's a communal feel to sipping on a glass of punch. It is in many ways the original party drink, and bars have begun to rediscover the art of crafting a great punch. It's also an ideal option for happy hours and lazy afternoons.
The specifics are up for interpretation. Punches tend to be rum-based, but there are plenty of drinks based on whiskey and even gin. But true punches follow a standard ratio of ingredients. It's usually one part sour, two parts sweet, and three parts booze. It's not uncommon for bars to craft punches in batches, with recipes changing depending on everything from the weather or the bartender's taste. The result is a smooth cocktail that's balanced in flavor and has just the right amount of bite.
From swank cocktail bars to neighborhood hangouts, here are a dozen area spots to settle in with a cup or bowl of a great punch this summer.
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