As we approach the last days of 2020, I thought it would be appropriate to end with a celebration drink! This recipe is from a neighborhood friend who brought this delicious recipe back with her after visiting with family in Florida. Everyone in our neighborhood has fallen in love with it. This recipe makes a sizable pitcher and is appropriate to serve any time you want to celebrate. Its versatility is a plus, because you can add your own favorite liquor. In addition, the liquor will keep the concoction from completely freezing, giving you a tasty, icy, easy to scoop drink that looks so delicious in a glass or pitcher. If you want to try something different, top off each glass with some lemon-lime soda or ginger-ale, garnished with sliced fruit and maraschino cherries. Drop in the straw and you’re all set to party!!

Happy New Year! Here’s to a better year ahead.

Amaretto Celebration Punch

Yield:

• approximately 1 gallon

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Total Time:

• 4 hours and 15 minutes (or allow to freeze overnight)

Ingredients:

• 1 can of frozen orange juice concentrate (12 ounces)

• 1 can of frozen lemonade concentrate (12 ounces)

• 7 cups of water

• 2 cups of strong tea (let your tea brew a little longer than normal; decaf is fine as well)

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 cups Amaretto (I prefer Disaronno)

Directions:

Mix orange juice and lemonade concentrate in a large container that has a lid so that it can be sealed in the freezer.

Stir in sugar until dissolved. Add the tea and water, then mix well.

Add Amaretto or other liquor.

Now seal in container and place in the freezer. Allow to freeze until icy. Overnight is best, but I believe 4 hours would be adequate. Because of the alcohol content, mixture will not freeze solid. It will be icy, but easy to scoop.

To serve, scoop out enough mixture to fill the glass almost full. Add lemon-lime soda or ginger-ale until slushy and bubbly. Add garnish and a straw to sip the beverage.

Tips and Tricks:

Feel free to use your favorite alcoholic beverage in place of Amaretto. Rum, Bourbon, Vodka, or Tequila will work well in this recipe.

To make this by the pitcher, scoop the icy mixture into the pitcher until about three fourths of the way full. Fill the pitcher the rest of the way with lemon-soda or ginger ale. Add fresh orange slices and maraschino cherries.

Tools:

I’ve included links to some tools and equipment you might find useful for making this recipe.