Holiday Drink: White Harvest Punch

It was the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring… except a couple drunk kids hopped up on the holiday punch.

I hosted a small dinner with my friends last weekend before we all parted for our respective holiday plans. Joe Feys made his infamous short ribs with a cauliflower mash that will appear on Listen! It’s Vetrano soon, but when Cassadee Pope brought her favorite holiday drink I knew I had to share it with my ‘Listen!’ readers. So, after I consumed the rest of the bowl of delicious goodness and then cured my epic hangover, I bring you the White Harvest Punch recipe that will have your family and friends feeling bright all season long.

This wine-based holiday drink has the all the makings of a Vetrano favorite. Translation: Pinot Grigio and bourbon. The best part of the drink? It doesn’t taste anything like an alcoholic punch or sangria. Instead, it has a delicious sweet and spice flavor that satisfies all your holiday cravings. Santa may be extra good to you if you leave this alcohol treat out for him instead of that stale cookies and milk routine. The reindeer do all the work anyway, right?

White Harvest Punch

Ingredients
2 bottles of Pinot Grigio, chilled
1 cup bourbon
3 cups apple cider
2 honey-crisp apple, sliced
2 pears, sliced
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions
1. Mix sliced apples and pears in punch bowl and coat with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Add honey, brown sugar, apple cider, pumpkin pie spice and bourbon, stirring to combine.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
4. Top with chilled Pinot Grigio for finishing touch.
3. Pour over ice, serve and enjoy.
4. Garnish glass with apple slice. (optional)

Warning: This holiday drink will spread Christmas cheer by packing a big punch (pun intended). It’s easy to make, full of the good stuff: liquor, and will keep your buzz strong long into the after-Christmas sales. So, grab a glass and stock up on these ingredients before the holiday.

Have a favorite holiday cocktail or treat? Share it in the comments below and I’ll pick my favorites to share on Twitter and Facebook.