Witches' Brew, A Nick Miller Special

Every year for the past 28 years (except one year when I was living on a ship) I have had a Halloween Party. And, every year I make a special punch. Over the years I have refined and redefined what "Witches' Brew" is, or should be. Several versions follow.

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Basic alcoholic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles of Champagne or local sparkling wine
• 2 bottles of real orange juice, or similar color fruit juice or juice drink
• orange sherbert, a little to cover the top
• peeled black grapes, to float in the punch
• bunches of grapes to decorate the punch bowl
• sugar, to taste, if desired
• small pieces of dry ice to put in punch for 'smoking effect' Warning¹,
• 1 bottle clear soda (pop) (Seven-up, Sprite or similar) - if it is desired to lower the alcohol content
• 1/2 bottle vodka - if it is desired to raise the alcohol content

Warning¹, use caution. While the punch is safe to drink, do not allow guests to put the dry ice in their mouths.

How to make:

• 1. Premix some of the juice, soda (pop) and sugar. Place in a large plastic container or old, washed milk carton. Freeze overnight for use as the 'ice cube'
• 2. Mix the ingredients, liquids, fruits and ice cube, spoon the sherbet over the top, decorate with the grapes and place in a central location.
• 3. Indeed, this punch can be THE centerpiece of the party!
• 4. Add small bits of dry ice on occasion to cause a bubbling effect. Remember the warning - warn all guests of the danger of contact (it is NOT poisonous, just the extreme cold can cause severe burns.)
• 5. Replenish as needed.

Basic non-alcoholic recipe

(suitable for children and non-drinking adults).

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles of clear soda (pop) (Seven-up, Sprite or similar)
• 2 bottles of real orange juice, or similar color fruit juice or juice drink
• orange sherbert, a little to cover the top
• peeled black grapes, to float in the punch
• bunches of grapes to decorate the punch bowl
• sugar, to taste, if desired
• small pieces of dry ice to put in punch for 'smoking effect' Warning¹h

Warning¹, use caution. While the punch is safe to drink, do not allow guests to put the dry ice in their mouths. Keep a special eye on children. Omit the dry ice if it may pose a problem for younger children.

How to make:

• 1. Premix some of the juice, soda (pop) and sugar. Place in a large plastic container or old, washed milk carton. Freeze overnight for use as the 'ice cube'
• 2. Mix the ingredients, liquids, fruits and ice cube, spoon the sherbet over the top, decorate with the grapes and place in a central location.
• 3. Indeed, this punch can be THE centerpiece of the party!
• 4. Add small bits of dry ice on occasion to cause a bubbling effect. Remember the warning - warn all guests of the danger of contact (it is NOT poisonous, just the extreme cold can cause severe burns.)
• 5. Replenish as needed.

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Copyright © 1996, 2002, 2007 by Nick Miller.