Rum, brandy, Champagne, black tea, and lemon — the classic party punch for 10–12 people from a single bowl.
Punch is the original cocktail format — before individual cocktails existed, punch was served in large bowls and shared communally. Named after the Sanskrit 'panch' (five), referring to the five ingredients: spirit, citrus, sugar, water, and tea (or spice). Punch was the dominant drinking format from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Xalapa (also spelled Jalapa) is the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico — a city with historical connections to Spanish colonial trade routes that brought rum, brandy, and citrus together. The Xalapa Punch is a classic rum punch in the colonial tradition. The black tea acts as a tannin base that holds the flavours together and adds body without adding sweetness.
Use two cups of iced tea instead of brewed tea and reduce simple syrup by half. The iced tea adds a commercial familiarity that works at casual parties.
Add the juice of 2 oranges and 2 grapefruits alongside the lemons. More complex citrus profile.
Replace rum and brandy with 2 cups of pomegranate juice and 1 cup of apple cider. Keep the tea and lemon. Top with sparkling grape juice instead of Champagne.