Mmm, punch. Today we think of it as a sugary sweet drink for a kid’s birthday party, but punch, especially Christmas punch, has a long and interesting history. Hot mulled wine, called wassail in merry old England, was once popular at winter parties of all kinds. Not only was a hot drink appreciated during a cold winter night, but the spices used were the same that were loved in holiday baked goods. In the food world, nothing says Christmas like the scent of cinnamon and cloves. Our Christmas punch recipe isn’t quite as complex as those of yore, but it’s just as delicious. We recommend making a double batch—keep half warming in a slow cooker set on low—so a hot serving is always ready. If you haven’t got a traditional punch bowl laying around, pour the drink into your prettiest ceramic or pottery bowl, surround the bottom with some greenery and other holiday decorations and you’ve got a wonderfully festive serving container. Don’t forget to provide a ladle so guests can help themselves. When should you serve Christmas punch? Anytime, really but it’s especially delicious with dessert and would pair perfectly with our Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies. It’s also a welcoming refreshment for guests when they first arrive to your home for a holiday get-togther.