Punsch

From Free net encyclopedia

Punsch (also known as Arrack Punch, Caloric Punch, Swedish Punch or Swedish Punsch) is a traditional Swedish liquor produced from arrack, neutral spirits, sugar, water, and various flavorings. Arrack, originally a strong Indian liquor, came to Sweden in the 18th century imported from Java and it became the base ingredient for making punsch. The first ready-made punsch was sold in 1845 and initially the custom was to serve it warm, often together with yellow pea soup. In the middle of the 19th century it became popular to have it served chilled as a dessert drink with coffee or tea. Its complex, sweet taste makes it difficult to use punsch as a drink ingredient, and it is rarely available at bars, even in Sweden. However, in Swedish and Finnish student culture it is a prominent and popular drink at more or less formal festivities (e.g. Sitsit), even having a special tradition of songs related to it.