May 29, 2012

Traditional punch gets a redo by four top Baltimore mixologists

Perhaps the first “cocktail” of early America, punch is thought to take its name from the Indian word panch for five, referring to the five ingredients of which it was composed: something sour, something sweet, something strong, something weak and spices.

Homewood Museum puts this historical beverage front and center for its 16th annual Evening of Traditional Beverages, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, on the museum’s lawn (rain location: Glass Pavilion).

Corey Polyoka, chief mixologist at Woodberry Kitchen, will provide some background on the beverage along with three original, high-octane punches, featuring rare or unique Maryland spirits, created especially for this event by members of the newly formed Baltimore Bartender’s Guild: Polyoka, Brendan Dorr of B&O American Brasserie, Doug Atwell of Rye and Perez Klebahn of Mr. Rain’s Fun House. Snacks will be provided by Woodberry Kitchen.

Due to event popularity and limited space, reservations are requested by Friday, June 1; walk-ins are subject to availability. To purchase tickets, which are $35 for museum members and $45 for nonmembers, call 410-516-5589 or go online to brownpapertickets
.com/event/244027. Attendees must be 21 or older.