Claret Cup
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.82 / 5

A vintage-style, wine-based punch that brings together the richness of claret, the sparkle of Champagne, and vibrant citrus and tropical fruits. Inspired by Bertha L.

Turner's early 20th-century adaptation, this cocktail has a deep historical pedigree while remaining light and refreshing. It's ideal for large gatherings, with a flavor profile that balances fruity notes, delicate herbs, and a touch of brandy warmth.

Originally served from ornate pitchers or bowls, this festive drink echoes the traditions of punch service and early Californian hospitality.

Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Red Wine
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1582 calories
Garnish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grapefruit slices
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.5% | 37.96 units *

Pitcher glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
1 tbsp 1 tbsp 1 tbsp
60 ml 2oz 6cl
3 sliced 3 sliced 3 sliced
2 sliced 2 sliced 2 sliced
1 sliced 1 sliced 1 sliced
30 ml 1oz 3cl
60 ml 2oz 6cl
1500 ml 50.72oz 150cl
1500 ml 50.72oz 150cl
480 ml 16.23oz 48cl
1 sliced 1 sliced 1 sliced
Serves:
-
1
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Old Pacific Slope Punch is a fantastical journey of vibrant citrus and tropical flavors, where the depth of claret wine and apricot brandy cosy up with the effervescent elegance of Champagne; it's an orchestration of refreshment and warmth, making each sip reminiscent of a sunny Californian gathering.

Method
How to make a Claret Cup

Serves 30 · Takes 5 minutes
In a spacious mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then add the orange, lemon, and pineapple slices, stirring to coat them evenly
Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to allow the fruit to release its juices
Next, incorporate the apricot brandy, Curaçao, and red wine
Stir thoroughly and refrigerate for at least three hours
Strain through a fine mesh to extract the essence of the fruit, then mix with Champagne and soda water in a punch bowl
Stir gently, add a large ice block, and finish with grapefruit slices for garnish
Serve in small cups or flutes
~ Try using your favorite Bordeaux-style wine and a dry Champagne for the best results. ~

Power tips
Elevate the Claret Cup with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
To enhance the aromatic complexity of the punch, include a small sprig of rosemary or thyme when stirring the fruit and sugar, then remove before adding the apricot brandy. The subtle herbal notes will complement the fruity and brandy flavors.
Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice instead of sliced grapefruit for a burst of freshness and acidity. Adding it right before serving will preserve its vibrant flavor, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the sweetness of the wine and brandy.
Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Stir  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history and origin of the Old Pacific Slope Punch?

The Old Pacific Slope Punch is a vintage-style cocktail that takes inspiration from Bertha L. Turner's early 20th-century adaptation. This drink is deeply rooted in history, embodying the traditional punch service prevalent in early Californian hospitality. The cocktail merges the richness of claret wine, the sparkle of Champagne, and the vibrance of citrus and tropical fruits, much like the punches served from ornate pitchers or bowls at large gatherings. Its composition recalls a time when punch was both a social and culinary highlight, with its delicate balance of fruity notes, herbs, and brandy warmth offering a refreshing yet historical drinking experience.

Serving suggestions icon

How should the Old Pacific Slope Punch be served to best enjoy its flavors?

The Old Pacific Slope Punch is ideally served at large gatherings, where its effervescent blend and refreshing qualities can be thoroughly appreciated. Traditionally, this punch is presented in a large pitcher or a punch bowl, allowing guests to serve themselves elegantly. Its vibrant array of fruit slices not only enhances the presentation but also infuses the punch with subtle flavors over time. To serve, make sure the punch is well chilled to maintain its crispness, and offer it in clear glassware to showcase the drink's beautiful hues and effervescent bubbles, making it a centerpiece at any celebratory occasion.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Can the Old Pacific Slope Punch be made as a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, the Old Pacific Slope Punch can be adapted into a non-alcoholic version. To do this, simply replace the red wine with a non-alcoholic red grape juice, and substitute the Champagne or prosecco with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine alternative. The apricot brandy can be replaced with apricot nectar or juice for the brandy’s sweet, fruity essence without the alcohol. These substitutions maintain the drink's refreshing and vibrant qualities while making it suitable for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, ensuring everyone at the gathering can enjoy the festivities.

Ingredient specifics icon

What role do the fruits play in the flavor profile of the Old Pacific Slope Punch?

Fruits play a vital role in shaping the flavor profile of the Old Pacific Slope Punch. The slices of orange, lemon, pineapple, and grapefruit contribute a fresh, vibrant spectrum of citrus and tropical notes that balance the richness of the claret wine and the effervescence of Champagne. These fruits not only add depth and complexity through their natural sweetness and acidity but also enhance the visual appeal of the punch. As they macerate in the mixture, they release delicate oils and juices, creating a harmonious synergy with the other ingredients, and resulting in a well-rounded and refreshing beverage.

Occasion suitability icon

What occasions are ideal for serving the Old Pacific Slope Punch?

The Old Pacific Slope Punch is ideal for festive gatherings and celebratory occasions. Its large serving size and radiant flavor profile make it perfect for parties, weddings, and family reunions, where it can be served as both a thirst-quencher and a conversation piece. The punch's historical roots and communal style service offer a nostalgic connection to past social traditions, making it an excellent choice for themed events or vintage-inspired parties. Its refreshing blend of wine, sparkling Champagne, and mixed fruits lends itself well to both indoor and outdoor events, especially in warm weather when a cool, effervescent drink is most welcome.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)

Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?

Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.

Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.

Find out more
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image