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Sneaky Peat

By Maggie Hoffman

5.0

(4)

Top view of cranberry cocktail with lemon slices in a large punch bowl.
Photo by Kelly Puleio

Whether or not you string festive garlands of cranberries to trim your Christmas tree, you’ll want to grab a bag or two to make this wintry punch from Laura Newman of Queen’s Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Pairing the tangy fruit with Scotch—plus oolong tea that’s been steeped forever—gives a whisper of smoke and a bitter, malty edge to the drink. The peat level, of course, will depend on the Scotch you choose; if you’re going with a more neutral blended whiskey, you may want to include an ounce or two of something smokier. Batch it up a few days ahead, then call your whiskey-loving friends and spend your preparty time making the ultimate Bing Crosby playlist. If you’d like to double the recipe, it makes a pretty punch bowl.

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