Punsch, a Swedish liqueur made from Indian drink Arrack, gained popularity in the 18th century. Its name may come from a Hindi word for “five flavors” or the British usage of “punch.” Punsch can be used for hot or cold drinks and is made by various brands, but is difficult to find outside Nordic countries.
Punsch or Punch, also sometimes called Arrack Punch or Caloric Punch is a Swedish liqueur popular in the Nordic countries. It is made from a base of the Indian drink Arrack. Various arrack flavors are produced, but most are based on the fermentation of fruit, often raisins, or sugar or grain blends. Punsch gained popularity in Sweden when the Swedish East India Company imported arrack to Sweden in the early 18th century.
There is little dispute as to whether the name punsch is related to a Hindi word which translates to “five flavours” and describes an alcoholic punch. Alternatively, it could come from the British usage of the word fist, which is actually taken from the Hindi word. Many believe in the British usage of the word, and it was used heavily at the time. Another important factor is that many people used arrack to make various types of hot and cold punches like the British did with other alcohols, so that the product included in the Swedish drink would mix with the name the British had for such a mixed drink: punch. Both punsch (arrack), and the drinks made for it were called punsch in Sweden.
There are many different recipes and ways to use this sweet liqueur for hot or cold drinks. It is initially thought that most mixed drink recipes made by combining things like sugar, tea and citrus with arrack were usually served hot. Later, in the mid-19th century, companies that imported arrack began making punsch with these already blended ingredients, and the drink became more popular when served chilled.
There are many brands of punsch popular today. These include those made by companies like Gronstedt and Carlshamm. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to find these brands in the United States, and in fact, in most cases, it is difficult to find liquor produced by any brand. You might find Batavia arrack in the US and use it to mimic Swedish brands by adding ingredients like tea, citrus, maraschino cherries, and lots of sugar. Fans of Swedish bottled versions say these knockoffs aren’t as good as Swedish brands that are rarely ever imported into the United States, though you can buy them in most Nordic countries if you happen to visit.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
