Cocktail Fun

The Fourth-Quarter Comeback

The Fourth-Quarter Comeback cocktail image
The Fourth-Quarter Comeback

Description

A richer, winter-friendly punch bowl that works brilliantly for a Super Bowl party—citrus freshness balanced with deeper flavours like maple and bourbon. It feels a bit more “craft cocktail” than most party punches.

Ingredients

  • 700 ml Bourbon
  • 600 ml Orange juice (fresh)
  • 250 ml lemon juice (fresh)
  • 200 ml Maple syrup
  • 150 ml Black Tea (strong cold)
  • Soda Water to top
  • Ginger Ale to top
  • 4 orange slices (wheels, garnish)
  • 4 pieces Lemon Wheel (slices, garnish)
  • 6 mint sprigs (fresh garnish)

Equipment needed

Instructions

  1. What you'll need: • Large punch bowl (3–4 litre capacity) • Ladle or long spoon • Measuring jug • Citrus juicer • Fine strainer (optional)
  2. Either use a large mould to make a large block of ice (day before), or add ice in periodically to prevent dilution.
  3. Squeeze fresh juice for a fresher taste, or buy shop-bought. • 600 ml fresh orange juice • 250 ml fresh lemon juice
  4. Brew 200 ml strong black tea (2 tea bags, 5 minutes). Remove tea bags and allow to cool fully.
  5. Build the punch base in the bowl: • 700 ml bourbon • 600 ml orange juice • 250 ml lemon juice • 200 ml maple syrup • 150 ml cooled black tea
  6. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until combined.
  7. Too sharp → add a little maple syrup Too sweet → add a squeeze of lemon
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cold punch blends flavours and slows dilution.
  9. <b>Add garnish</b> • 2 oranges (sliced) • 1 lemon (sliced) • Handful of mint (lightly slap leaves to release aroma) • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  10. Finish just before serving • Place the large ice block in the bowl. • Add sliced fruit and cinnamon sticks. • Slowly pour in 1 to 1.5 litres soda water or ginger ale while stirring gently.
  11. <b>Tips:</b> • Start with 1 litre, taste, then add more if needed. • Too strong → add more soda • Too light → add a splash of bourbon • Needs brightness → squeeze in half a lemon

Recommended glassware

Punch Bowl / Punch Cup
Punch Bowl / Punch Cup (recommended)

A serving format for shared cocktails and party drinks.

1200–8000 ml Large communal vessel or matching small cups.

Best for: Rum punch, festive punches, sangria, batched party cocktails.

Garnish: Best with abundant citrus, herbs, frozen fruit, and decorative ice.

Quick facts

10 mins Easy Approx. 7.2% ABV Large ice block Batch friendly
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