A Summer Punch Recipe for Every Style of Boozehound

Summer Referendum #7B: whenever possible, work should be kept to an absolute minimum.

This goes for drinking as well. There’s a reason cold cans of beer are so popular on a hot summer’s day — pop, gulp, repeat.

But what of those of us looking to share a refreshing dog-day cocktail? Where is the lazy man’s solution to warm-weather imbibing?

It’s here, friend. This is The Punchlist, our handy compendium of four boozy potables that even the most seasoned fainéant should have no trouble throwing into a bowl (or bucket, as suggested in at least one recipe), carting to the porch and ladling at his leisure.

Drink on, and happy loafing.

For the Tequila Drinker: Ponche Mexicano
William Aporih, Abajo at Añejo Tribeca, NYC

1 can sugar cane
4 guavas
1 apple
2 tamarind beans
2 oranges
4 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp hibiscus flower
4 cups water

Cut fruit into tiny pieces and bring everything to a simmer on a stove until the fruits are tender and have released all their flavor and aroma. Combine two ounces of Milagro Silver to every six ounces of punch. Can be served hot or cold.

For the Bourbon Drinker: Backyard Bourbon Bucket Punch
Johnny Swet, JIMMY at The James, NYC

In a punch bowl or (new) bucket:

1 bottle Jim Beam Barrel Select bourbon
1/2 bottle Amaretto
1 quart orange juice
2 cups lemon juice
10 dashes Angostura bitters

Pour ingredients into bucket. Garnish with lemon & orange wheels, cherries and a big ass block of ice.

For the Vodka Drinker: Porn Star Punch #2
Tim Cooper, Sweetwater Social, NYC

In a punch bowl:

17.5 oz Aylesbury Duck Vodka
7.5 oz vanilla syrup
5 oz apricot eau de vie
5 oz passion fruit purée
5 oz lemon juice
10 oz Tazo Apricot Vanilla Creme Tea (chilled)
10 dashes Angostura bitters

Pour all ingredients over a large block of ice, stirring to start dilution. Serve in a coupe and garnish with orange half wheels or lemon wheels.

For the Rum Drinker: Sunshine’s Killer Bee
Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill, Nevis

Ed. Note: Sunshine’s actual recipe is a closely guarded secret, but anyone who’s had one of his famous libations will tell you that even a passable facsimile is liable to be the tastiest thing you drink all summer. Give this one a rip.

In a (you guessed it!) punch bowl:

1 bottle golden rum (InsideHook HQ is partial to Mount Gay Eclipse)
¾ cup honey
1½ cups orange juice
½ tbsp black pepper
1½ cups club soda
3 cups passion fruit juice or purée

Serve in whatever vessel you like, but make sure to grate fresh nutmeg over serving. Garnish with a lime wedge.

This is but one installment of 37 Things a Man’s Gotta Do This Summer, our annual compendium of everything worth seeing, doing, eating, drinking and generally making time for in your neck of the woods between now and September