Cardinal Punch

Name: Cardinal Punch (Classic Brandy & Champagne Cocktail)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 dz Lemon Juice; 1 Part(s) Old Mr. Boston Five Star Brandy; 1 Part(s) Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum; 1 Part(s) Champagne; 2 qt Claret; 1 qt Carbonated Water; 1/2 Part(s) Sweet Vermouth

Cardinal Punch is a sophisticated wine-based punch that blends champagne, brandy, rum, and claret into a refreshing party drink. The combination of sparkling wine and dark wine creates a rich, celebratory cocktail ideal for gatherings.

🏷️Equipment: punch cup

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

1 dz Lemon Juice
1 Part(s) Old Mr. Boston Five Star Brandy

1 Part(s) Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum

1 Part(s) Champagne

2 qt Claret

1 qt Carbonated Water

1/2 Part(s) Sweet Vermouth

7 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Juice of 1 Dozen Lemons
2
Add enough Powdered Sugar to sweeten.
3
Place large block of ice in punch bowl and stir well.
4
Boston Five Star Brandy
5
Boston Imported Rum
6
Carbonated Water
7
Sweet Vermouth
8
Some prefer to add the strained contents of a pot of tea.
9
Stir well and decorate with fruits in season.
10
Serve in 4 oz.
11
punch glasses.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill all ingredients and the punch bowl beforehand; add ice just before serving to prevent rapid dilution and maintain carbonation in the champagne.
Add champagne and carbonated water as the final step, immediately before guests arrive, to preserve the fizz throughout service.
Taste the punch after mixing the brandy, rum, vermouth, and claret—adjust lemon juice balance before adding sparkling components.
Serve in a large punch bowl with a floating fruit garnish (citrus wheels or berries) for visual appeal and subtle flavor infusion.

Substitutions

Claret → any dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot (maintains the wine-forward body)
Old Mr. Boston brandy → any quality VS or VSOP brandy (similar proof and smoothness)
Champagne → dry sparkling wine or Prosecco (more budget-friendly, slightly lighter profile)
Sweet Vermouth → dry vermouth (creates a less sweet, more herbaceous punch)

Storage & make-ahead

Cardinal Punch is best served immediately after preparation. Pre-mix non-carbonated components up to 2 hours ahead, then add champagne and carbonated water before serving.

Equipment

punch bowl · large pitcher or mixing vessel

Common Questions

Can I make Cardinal Punch ahead of time?

Mix all ingredients except champagne and carbonated water up to 2 hours ahead. Add the champagne and carbonated water just before serving to maintain carbonation.