Punch    by Colleen Mullaney & Jack Deutsch Order:  USA  Can Chronicle, 2005 (2005) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Colleen Mullaney tells us that 'retro-hip' punch is emerging from retirement and 'again finding favor on the party scene'. She provides a brief history (which informs us that punch dates back to the 1600s) and offers a selection of three dozen recipes. Jack Deutsch's photos of punch in a variety of bowls, jugs and glasses add splashes of color to this vibrant little book. Begin with the Basics, which include sensible Tips for Perfect Punch. Mullaney surveys Liquors, talks about choices in Bowls, Glasses and Ladles, suggests Garnishes (from mint to marigolds), and explains the decorative value of ice cubes and forms. At the back of the book are Basic Recipes for decorative ice, Simple Syrup, and Raspberry Purée. On to the punches! Every one of the Fruity Concoctions looks worth trying to me, but I'll start with Nantucket Lemonade, which combines vodka, cranberry juice, lemonade and ginger ale, with frozen cranberries as garnish. The rum and raspberry purée combo in Fruit Smoothie also appeals to my taste buds. In the Tropical Paradise section, the punches typically add tequila or rum to fruit juices. Mango Tango anyone? Old Standards offers a Bloody Mary Bowl (handy for those mornings after), a Holiday Ho Ho (essentially an egg nog), and many more old favorites. I've always liked bubbly so intend to thoroughly investigate the Champagne Wishes section - Fruity Bubbles uses black currant liqueur, and there's an enticingly updated Mimosa Punch here too. Finally, we have Coffee, Tea & Lemondade selections, like Ginger Tea Punch or a Sparkling Mint and Strawberry Lemonade. Prepare for a long hot summer by trying the festive, thirst quenching recipes in Punch - the selection here covers a wide range of occasions, from casual family get-togethers to formal celebrations. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews