The cocktail's roots are in a communal tradition: the punch bowl. By the traveling the globe in exploration, had a pretty great concoction going. A combination of spirits, sugar, water, citrus, and spices, "punch" was something that could be made in any port and on board just about any ship that was transporting goods from the East Indies (and later, the West Indies/Caribbean, depending on the century or your preference for terminology). Beer went flat in the hot temperatures, but just about anywhere a ship landed, there was a local spirit made from some ingredient (sugar, rice, fruit, etc.), a form of citrus on hand, and some new spice to try. Sailors brought this concept home and punches gained popularity in Europe and eventually in America.
A punch originally included only five ingredients, which varied by location and availability: spirits, sugar, water, citrus, and spice. However, in the nearly three centuries since it took hold, the definition, the ingredients, and the making of punches have continued to expand.
From Knox Gelatine: Desserts, Salads, Candies and Frozen Dishes, c.1936
New Theatre (the Lyric) and Store Building for the Blacksburg Realty Company
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm & By Appointment
Contact us:
Email: specref@vt.edu
Telephone: 540-231-6308
Twitter: @VT_SCUA
Information for Visitors
Find us online!
Our website
Our digital collections
Our blog
Our LibGuide (Information about us and our collections)