Punsch, also Arrack Punch or Swedish Punch, is a traditional Swedish liqour produced from arrack, neutral spirit, sugar and water. Arrack , originally a strong Indian liquor, came to Sweden in the 18th century imported from Java and it became the base ingredient for making punsch. The first ready-made punsch was sold in 1845 and initially the custom was to serve it warm, often together with yellow pea soup . In the middle of the 19th century it became popular to have it served chilled as a dessert drink with coffee or tea. Its complex, sweet taste makes it difficult to use punsch as a drink ingredient, and it is rarely available at bars, even in Sweden. However, in Swedish student culture it is a prominent and popular drink at more or less formal festivities, even having a special tradition of songs related to it.

Common brands

• Carlshamns Flaggpunsch
• Cederlund Caloric
• Grönsteds Blå
• Facile Punsch
• Wasa Punsch

Defunct brands

• Bil-Punsch (Car Punsch)
• Hushålls-Punsch (Household Punsch)
• Kavalleri-Punsch (Cavalry Punsch)
• Sport-Punsch (Sports Punsch)
• Telefon-Punsch (Telephone Punsch)

See also

• Punch - a drink mixed with fruit

External links

• Punsch - at the Swedish Historical Museum of Wines and Spirits
• Cederlunds Caloric Punsch - at a commercial site