Raise a glass to yesteryear during the forthcoming festivities by making a giant punch bowl. Send in pictures of your punch parties to [email protected] or tweet us @useyourlocal.  The most impressive punch-maker will win a crate of lager, supplied by our friends at Heineken. All entries must be submitted before 10th May 2011.

Three world-renowned cocktail experts have shared their favourite punch recipes with us to inspire you; we’re looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

A perfect punch for scorchers…

Rosy Punch by Tony Conigliaro of 69 Colebrooke Row

700ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin

350ml fresh lemon juice

175ml Marashino cherry

175ml Merlet Triple Sec

100ml Sugar Syrup

1.4L Rose Wine

700ml Soda

Combine all ingredients in a big jug with ice, garnish with lemon slices and rose petals.

For less balmy days…

Hot Gin Punch by Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller

Inspired by the writings of Dickens and the hot punches that were popular in the nineteenth century.

 

1 Dried lemon peel

½ Dried orange peel

20 Whole cloves

½ tsp Coriander seeds

1 tsp Anardana dried pomegranate seeds

10 Elaichi green caradmom pods

10 Juniper berries

2 two-inch pieces of Dalchini cinnamon or Ceylonese cinnamon

1 pint of water

Simmer all ingredients in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes. In a tea cup, add 50 ml Beefeater 24 Gin. Pour in the hot liquid. Top with ginger beer.

Cheers!