Maple Brandy Punch

Name: Maple Brandy Punch
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 20 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/3 cups maple syrup; 2 cups apple brandy; 2 cups Cognac; 2 cups spiced rum; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 teaspoons bitters; 2 bottles (1 liter each) carbonated water, chilled; Ice cubes; Thinly sliced apples and lemon twists

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned brandy punch, this smooth, maple-infused beverage will add pizzazz to holiday dinner parties and other festive occasions. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups maple syrup
2 cups apple brandy
2 cups Cognac
2 cups spiced rum
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons bitters
2 bottles (1 liter each) carbonated water, chilled
Ice cubes
Thinly sliced apples and lemon twists

Directions

Place syrup in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Combine the brandy, Cognac, rum, lemon juice and bitters in a punch bowl; stir in maple reduction. Add the carbonated water. Serve over ice with apple slices and lemon twists.

Originally published as Maple Brandy Punch in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2013