Warm Apricot Punch For Cold Winter Days

Sorry, I've been late for this post.

We traveled to Vienna to spend Christmas  with our family.

Until everything is settled, luggage is unpacked and Internet is reinstalled it takes time.

I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving, missed you all.

It's already very cold here and for Tuesday the first snow is expected.

People crowd at the beautiful Weihnachtsmaerkte (Christmas  markets) where all kind of sweets, hot chocolate, mulled wine and different kinds of punch are served.

 

At least one stall at every market sells for charity.

Many charity organizations, usually with voluntary helpers, are reliant on these donations. 


There are as well live concerts with Christmas music and the ambiance is beautiful and festive.

Christmas wouldn't be complete without the annual "Christmas in Vienna" in the Konzerthaus a great classical music event hosting international singing stars. This concert is broadcast on TV every year.

But before rushing to the next musical event, I would like to share with you one of my favorite punch recipes,  a highlite for every Christmas or winter party.

Apricots add a wonderful, aromatic flavor to this hot drink.


This is what you need:

750 ml apricot juice

750 ml white wine

2 star anise

4 cardamom pods, cracked

1 vainilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped

75 g brown sugar

zest of 1 untreated lemon

3 table spoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 

150 ml apricot liqueur

Bring all ingredients except for the apricot liqueur to a boil, then let simmer for about 10 minutes.

Remove spices and lemon zest and add apricot liqueur.

Serve hot and top with a spooon full of whipped cream ( optional)

Serves 8 

Enjoy!

 

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Hot Berry Punch

Wishing you all a wonderful and Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!

Hot Berry Punch 

This Punch warms you up even on the coldest winter’s day and is a traditional drink offered at the numerous "Christkindlmärkte" (Christmas markets) in Vienna.

It really tastes, as I once read, like Christmas in a glass.
People get together at these Christkindlmaerkte at the evening and often there are live concerts offering typical Austrian Christmas music.

The whole atmosphere is very festive, especially at the smaller, not so crowded markets and the smell of mulled wine, orange and berry punch and gingerbread fills the air. 

The little ones enjoy their children’s punch and gingerbread or Christmas cookies. 
Most of the Christmas tree decoration is painstaking hand made patisserie like this adorable Santa and the tiny angel made from meringue. Nearly too cute to eat,don't you think?

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