Looking for a unique and refreshing drink to impress your guests? Try the Picon Punch! Made with orange bitters, lemon juice, grenadine syrup, and soda water, this cocktail is easy to make with a shaker and juicer. Serve in a highball glass and watch your guests ask for seconds. Perfect for beginning bartenders looking to expand their skillset.
Picon Punch Ingredients
- 2 oz orange bitters
- 0.5 oz Lemon juice
- 0.5 oz grenadine syrup
- soda water
Picon Punch Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Picon Punch Recipe
- consider making fresh Lemon juice you can press fruit yourself (be careful - fresh juice stays good only 12 hours)
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
- shake till perfectly chilled
- serve in Highball glass full with ice
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.The Picon Punch: A Delicious and Refreshing Cocktail
If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail, the Picon Punch might just be the perfect choice. This cocktail has a rich history and is known for its unique flavor profile. In this article, we'll explore the popularity, ingredient roles, how to garnish, variations, and common mistakes when making the Picon Punch.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Picon Punch is a cocktail that originated in Basque Country, a region in Spain that spans across the border into France. It was created by a man named Gaétan Picon who was a soldier in World War I. The cocktail was initially made with Amer Picon, a French bitter aperitif that is no longer available in the United States. However, the Picon Punch has evolved over time, and different variations of the drink can now be found in both Spain and the United States.
Famous For
The Picon Punch is famous for its unique flavor profile, which is sweet and bitter at the same time. It is also known for being a refreshing drink, perfect for hot summer days.
Geographic
The Picon Punch is most popular in Northern California, particularly in the Basque community. However, it can also be found in other regions of the United States, as well as in Spain and France.
Appearance
The Picon Punch is a beautiful drink that has an orange color, thanks to the grenadine syrup. It is typically served in a highball glass and garnished with a lemon slice.
Ingredient Roles
The Picon Punch has four main ingredients: orange bitters, lemon juice, grenadine syrup, and soda water. Each of these ingredients plays an important role in the cocktail.
Orange Bitters
Orange bitters are the primary flavoring agent in the Picon Punch. They provide a bitter, yet sweet taste that balances out the sweetness of the grenadine syrup.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds a tartness to the Picon Punch, which helps to balance out the sweetness of the grenadine syrup and bitters.
Grenadine Syrup
Grenadine syrup is a sweet syrup made from pomegranate juice. It adds a fruity sweetness to the Picon Punch, which is essential to its unique flavor profile.
Soda Water
Soda water is added to the Picon Punch to make it a little lighter and to help balance out the sweetness of the grenadine syrup.
How to Garnish
To garnish the Picon Punch, simply add a slice of lemon to the rim of the glass. This adds a nice visual touch and also provides a little extra flavor to the drink.
Variations
The Picon Punch can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin version of the Picon Punch, simply omit the orange bitters and replace them with a few drops of orange extract. You can also substitute the soda water with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for a little extra flavor.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
All of the ingredients in the Picon Punch are gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary.
Vegan Version
The Picon Punch is already vegan, so no substitutions are necessary.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Picon Punch, replace the grenadine syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Picon Punch, simply reduce the amount of grenadine syrup and soda water used. You can also substitute the soda water with sparkling water for a little extra flavor.
Common Mistakes When Making
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making the Picon Punch:
Using Too Much Grenadine Syrup
Grenadine syrup is an essential ingredient in the Picon Punch, but it can be easy to use too much. Be sure to measure out your grenadine syrup carefully and use the recommended amount.
Using Old or Expired Ingredients
Fresh ingredients are essential to the flavor of the Picon Punch. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice and orange bitters, and check the expiration date on your grenadine syrup.
Using the Wrong Glassware
The Picon Punch is traditionally served in a highball glass. Using the wrong glassware can affect the flavor and presentation of the drink.
In conclusion, the Picon Punch is a delicious and refreshing cocktail with a rich history and unique flavor profile. By following the tips and variations outlined in this article, you can easily make the perfect Picon Punch to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you're enjoying it on a hot summer day or at a social gathering, the Picon Punch is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you are going to order Picon Punch in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Picon Punch can be served with different ingredients in different places.
