The History of Punch

While today we think of this refreshment as a children’s beverage, it was originally invented as a beer alternative by sailors working for the East India Trading Company! The men created the drink from a mixture of rum, citrus, and spices after their stores of beer went rancid in the tropical climate of the Caribbean. When they returned to England, they brought their new drink back with them and it became a staple beverage at parties throughout the British Empire. Non-alcoholic versions were created for ladies and children, and today the drink continues to be popular amongst kids.