Printer’s Punch - Favorite Beverage of Benjamin Franklin
As we get closer to Christmas, one thing many of us will be doing is drinking a lot of alcohol! If you are looking to serve drinks at a party with a bit of history, why not consider Printer’s Punch? This was Benjamin Franklin’s favorite drink, and in this post, we are going to reveal everything you need to know about it.
Benjamin Franklin was one of the United States' Founding Fathers. He was a well-known polymath, which means he excelled in several different subject areas, and thus he was known as a leading author, diplomat, statesman, scientist, postmaster, politician, civic activist, inventor, political theorist and printer. You don’t need me to tell you about the history of this incredible man, as there are thousands of articles online exploring his colourful life and achievements.
But, as we love all things cocktail related, one thing I am particularly interested in is Franklin’s favourite beverage, which was the Printer’s Punch. This is a unique cocktail, and there have been a lot of different variations created. There are also some mocktail versions, which are definitely worth looking into. This is especially the case if you have any guests that have been to facilities like Bali Beginnings. It is so important to make sure they feel comfortable and welcome and not like the odd one out, which is why making mocktails of the cocktails you’re serving comes highly recommended.
According to a recipe from Poor Richard’s Almanack, from June 1737, the recipe for Printer’s Punch is as follows… ‘Boy, bring a bowl of China here. Fill it with water cool and clear. Decanter with Jamaica Ripe, and spoon of silver, clean and bright. Sugar twice-fin’d in pieces cut, knife, sieve and glass in order put. Bring forth the fragrant fruit and then we’re happy till the clock strikes ten.’
Nowadays punch is a term that is used for a wide variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The only consistent is that some form of fruit juice or fruit is present within the drink, aside from that the ingredients differ considerably. The term punch was first recorded in 1632 in British documents. But, as Benjamin Franklin was alive from 1705 to 1790, the recipe stated is most likely to be similar or even identical to the one Franklin followed.
Aside from Printer’s Punch, some of Franklin’s favourite foods included Parmesan cheese, turkey, ginseng, potatoes, pickles, cranberries and apples. He is also responsible for introducing scotch kale, rhubarb and tofu to the colonies.
It is always interesting to learn about the history of some of the world’s most famous drinks. So, if you want to create a cocktail to remember, why not make your own version of the famous Printer’s Punch?
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