Spanish cider punch

With the sun beating down refreshing cold drinks are excellent and here´s a recipe for punch using Spanish cider.

Spanish cider is first rate and it generally comes from the north of the country, with many fine bottles being made in Asturias. Though inexpensive, the cider bottles often look rather grand, being wrapped in silver paper at the top with a champagne type cork. On a hot day chilled cider is unbeatable.

One popular brand is Sidra El Gaitero, which features a picture of a bagpipe player on the label. The small pipes, which feature a bag pressed under the arm rather than blown, as in the big Scots pipes, are very popular in northern Spain. They are rather like the Northumbrian pipes.

Here´s a recipe for Spanish cider punch:

One liter of Spanish cider
15cl of dry white wine
Two measures of apple brandy, such as calvados
15cl of fresh strained orange juice
A good squeeze of lemon juice
15cl of apple juice
30cl of ginger ale

Mix everything together in a big punch bowl and swirl in lots of ice. Garnish with fresh soft fruit and slices of apple.

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©Phillip Bruce 2009.