CHRISTMAS PUNCH

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        Placing a big round punch bowl on a buffet table instantly says " party."  A beguiling combination of  fruit juices, spirits, sugar, and spices, the drink has long been associated with celebratory occasions. Every host needs a good punch recipe, especially at the holidays.  This one - a mix of pomegranate, cranberry, and lemon juices spiked with vodka and Cointreau and garnished  with cranberry ice cubes - pleases every time.
        Christmas punch
        serves 12 to 16
        To make the simple syrup, bring a  haft cup sugar and a haft-cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat :  Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves.  Let cool.  For the cranberry ice cubes drop a few cranberries into each section of an ice-cube tray; fill with water, and freeze until solid.
        2   cups chilled unsweetened pomegranate juice
        1   cups chilled cranberry juice
       1/2 cups fresh lemon juice ( from 2 to 3 lemons )
        1   cups ( 8 ounces ) vodka
        1   cups ( 8 ounces ) Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur
        1   cups ( chilled club soda )
      1/2  cups simple syrup
             Cranberries frozen in ice cubes
       Combine all juices, vodka, Cointreau, club soda, and simple syrup in a punch bowl.  Fill glasses with cranberries frozen in ice cubes, and serve.

                                    Martha Stewart Living