Making Spirits Bright with Christmas Punch!

In the 17th century, employees of the British East India Company discovered punch, a beguiling combination of spirits, water, lemon, sugar and spices that became synonymous with good cheer and festive celebrations all over Europe.  Here, pomegranate and lemon sharpen the sunny New World flavor of cranberries.

Directions:

Combine 2 cups chilled pomegranate juice, 1 cup chilled cranberry juice, 8 ounces (1 cup) vodka, 8 ounces (1 cup) Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur, 1 cup chilled club soda, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from 6 lemons), and 1/2 cup simple syrup (marthastewart.com) in a punch bowl.  Fill glasses with cranberries frozen in ice cubes, and serve.  Garnish with lemon slices if desired.  Serves 12 to 16.

{This post is an excerpt from "Making Spirits Bright" as published in Martha Stewart Living magazine}