5-Spice Bourbon Punch Recipe

Elana Lepkowski
5-Spice Bourbon Punch Recipe

A bourbon cocktail that's great for warmer days. [Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

Five-spice syrup amps up the flavor in this refreshing bourbon pitcher cocktail.

Why It Works

  • Using whole spices to make the five-spice syrup makes for a richer flavor than using a powder—and it's also easier to strain!
  • The club soda loosens up the syrup and balances the richness of the whiskey in this drink.

Read more: This Bourbon Punch Is Summer-Ready

  • Yield:makes 4 cocktails, plus enough syrup for 2 more batches
  • Active time: 10 minutes
  • Total time:2 hours
  • Rated: 4

Ingredients

  • For the Five-Spice Syrup:
  • 1 teaspoon whole Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 whole star anise pod
  • 1 (6-inch) cinnamon stick or 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole fennel seed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • For the Cocktails:
  • 6 ounces bourbon, such as 4 Roses Yellow Label
  • 3 ounces Five-Spice Syrup
  • 2 ounces fresh juice from 2 to 3 limes
  • 8 ounces club soda
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Directions

  1. 1.

    For the Five-Spice Syrup: Toast Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cloves, and fennel in a dry medium skillet over medium heat, tossing and stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cinnamon stick, sugar, and water and place over medium high heat. Cook, stirring, until just starting to boil. Cover and remove from heat. Let rest for 2 hours. Strain into an airtight container. Five-spice syrup last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

  2. 2.

    For the Cocktails: In a pitcher, combine bourbon, 3 ounces Five-spice syrup, and lime juice. Stir well. Add club soda and stir gently. To serve, fill rocks glasses with ice, pour in 4 3/4 ounces of the cocktail and top with lime wedges.

This Recipe Appears In
This Bourbon Punch Is Summer-Ready
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