PUNCHED TICKET

The Punched Ticket is a play on the classic three-ingredient Negroni. Here the Negroni becomes a modern punch with the addition of prosecco, freshly squeezed orange juice, and macerated cherries. Made before guests arrive, this this self-serve batched cocktail relieves hosts of bartending duty, allowing them to join in the fun. Now, the only thing left to stir up is conversation!

MAKES 12-16 SERVINGS

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

• ICE RING MOLD OR BUNDT PAN
• LARGE PUNCH BOWL

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups frozen pitted dark sweet cherries, thawed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 10 small oranges, sliced into thin wheels
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, strained of pulp
• 1 cup Campari
• 1 cup sweet vermouth
• 1 cup gin
• 1 750-ml bottle chilled prosecco
• 1 1-liter bottle plain seltzer

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make ice mold: Distribute 2 cups of the thawed cherries and 8 to 10 orange slices throughout the ice ring mold or Bundt pan. Fill with filtered water, allowing a bit of the orange slices to peek out. Freeze for 6 hours until solid.
2. Place remaining 4 cups of thawed cherries and the sugar in punch bowl, stirring to combine. Set aside until sugar has dissolved completely and juices have formed—about 15 minutes.
3. Pour orange juice, Campari, vermouth, gin, prosecco, and seltzer into the bowl with the cherries, stirring gently to combine.
4. Unmold ice ring by dipping bottom of pan in warm water for a few seconds. Carefully invert onto a plate, then place in punch bowl with exposed orange slices facing up.
5. Ladle into ice-filled lowball glasses and garnish with remaining orange slices.