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Punch (derived from Hindi word Paanch meaning Five) is a general term for any of a wide assortment of mixed drinks, either soft or alcoholic, often containing fruit or fruit juice. Punch is typically served at parties in large, wide bowls known as punchbowls. In a large number of Caribbean, Pacific or Indian Ocean countries, punch is also drunk as an aperitif before meals.
Originally, the word punch was a loanword from Hindi. The original drink was made from five different ingredients, namely arrack, sugar, lemon, water, and tea. Because of this it was named panch which is the Hindi for five. This name was adopted by the sailors of the British East India Company and brought back to England, from where it was introduced into other European countries.
In Germanic culture, punch (or Punsch in German) refers to a mixture of several fruit juices and spices, often with wine or liquor added. Punch is popular in Germany, as well as with many Germans who emigrated to America. The traditional German Christmas often includes a Feuerzungenbowle ("Burnt Punch" or "Burning Fire Tongs Bowl"). This is a punch made from red wine, and flaming rum poured over a sugar hat, a large conical sugar cube placed on the "Feuerzange" which supports it above the bowl.
In Korean culture, sujeonggwa is a traditional punch made from dried persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger.
See also
"Punch (drink)"