Punch: Its History and Where to Drink It in Florence
An evergreen that has crossed centuries of tradition, from the North Sea to the distant Indian colonies. Born to solve a very practical problem during the long voyages of British sailors, Punch has managed to adapt to every era and culture, winning over everyone from noblemen to adventurers. And if you’re wondering where to try it in Florence today, there’s a special spot tucked away on the city’s rooftops.
A bit of history
The origins are exotic, but the motive was strictly practical. Punch was born to save the lives of British sailors on the long voyages to the Indian colonies. Aboard ship, a lack of vitamin C caused scurvy, which claimed countless lives. And here came the solution, prêt-à-porter: Punch. Citrus fruits like lemon and lime were rich in vitamin C, and mixing them with alcohol, spices, and sugar made them more palatable and easier to keep. The word itself comes from the Hindi pañc, meaning “five,” for the five base ingredients: alcohol, sugar, lemon, water (often in the form of hot or cold tea) and spices.
Back home, Punch took off and quickly became a symbol of conviviality. The English, its first ambassadors, carried it from country inns all the way to aristocratic circles. It was a drink that cut across the classes, one everyone could agree on, from the nobleman to the sailor. Meanwhile, Punch spread just as fast through the American colonies, becoming a fixture at parties and celebrations. Today it’s poured pretty much everywhere, hot or cold, reclaiming each winter the fame it deserves.
Where to drink Punch in Florence
The 701 Rooftop Bar is the right place to taste a Punch made the way it should be. Perched on the top floor of the Gallery Hotel Art, a stone’s throw from Ponte Vecchio, this cocktail bar is a kind of secret bar. Born from the conversion of suite 701 — which is where it takes its name — it has an atmosphere that recalls the old English clubs, all dark wood, rattan, and leather, warm and inviting enough to wrap right around you. The main room is bright and welcoming, while the two terraces (one more intimate, the other perfect for socializing) offer a postcard view of Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower. In winter, the interiors make you feel right at home, holding onto that same easy sense of relaxation, only warmer. The drink list is curated by Sacha Mecocci, whose reputation precedes him. But let’s get to the Punch.
The 701 House Punch is a reworking of the classic, but with an unmistakably Tuscan stamp. Chianti Classico builds a robust, faintly herbaceous base, cut with cranberry juice that brings freshness and a touch of acidity. Sacha then adds two fruity liqueurs: Apricot Brandy, sweet with a light note of almond, and Cherry Brandy, which gives the Punch darker, deeper tones. Finally, Orange Curaçao and Alkermes: the first adds a sweet, citrusy freshness, while the Alkermes — a red liqueur with a complex aromatic profile — brings an intriguing spice and a slight intensity of color. To balance it all, a squeeze of lemon juice adds a lively note that lifts the whole thing.
The 701 House Punch is served in the traditional ampoule, created specifically for this drink. The presentation isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it echoes the tradition of Punch, once served in large vessels made for sharing. Here, though, the scale is more intimate, thanks to the ad hoc preparation at the bar. Thanks, Sacha, for getting people talking about Punch again.
