Ah, bourbon, that sublime nectar of the gods.  We at JBE love bourbon any way you want to serve it.  But for Derby week?  We need a bourbon cocktail recipe that can be made ahead and serve a house full of guests.  Punch is making a big comeback in the cocktail and entertaining world for this very reason.  Dump all of the ingredients in a big bowl and the mixing is finished!  This bourbon punch is sure to be on your list of favorites!

Bourbon Punch

by Jennifer Brian Cheek

2 cups Bourbon

1/3 cup Ruby Port

1/3 cup Cointreau

1 3/4 cups Sherry

1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice

3 bottles sparkling wine, cava, or prosecco

1/2 cup simple syrup

Orange and lemon slices for garnish

Into a freezer safe, lidded container, pour one bottle of sparkling wine.  Add orange and lemon slices and freeze for at least 24 hours or until solid.  To assemble the punch, in a large punch bowl, add all ingredients and stir.  Turn out frozen sparkling wine ice block into the bowl to keep punch chilled.

More Derby Week fun is coming up in our next post!  Stay tuned for our Oak's Day festivities that include a great brunch and backside track access!