David Wondrich

5 Ninth * New York CityMixologist Dave Wondrich wanted to make Manhattans for some friends but all he had in his liquor cabinet that even came close to the necessary ingredients (vermouth and rye) was Irish whiskey and Lillet Blanc—and so the Weeski was born.Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide

Use this syrup to make The Messenger Punch cocktail.Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide

While on a trip to Australia, David Wondrich met rum expert Lee Potter Cavanagh. The young mixologist came up with this tea-based punch at Sydney's Victoria Room, where he teaches punch-making classes. Cocktail Party Recipes

Created by Death & Co. bartender Jason Littrell and cocktail blogger Hal Wolin, this drink was one of nine punches served at a huge event in New York City in May 2010. David Wondrich, who was the evening's special guest, chose the Messenger Punch as his favorite. Tiki Cocktail Party Recipes

According to David Wondrich, 18th-century punches were made with high-proof, intensely flavored rums. To achieve that "authentic" flavor, he uses Smith & Cross, a widely available Jamaican rum. Cocktail Party Recipes

You can use navel oranges in this smoky, Scotch-spiked punch, but Wondrich likes blood orange juice for its deep red color.Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide

Only recently available in the United States, Batavia-Arrack van Oosten is a spicy, citrusy Javanese spirit made from sugarcane and fermented red rice. More Party Punches

David Wondrich * Brooklyn, New York"Punch Royal dates back to the end of the 17th century," says cocktail historian David Wondrich. "It was drunk by courtiers, pirates and everyone in between." Wondrich's new book, Punch, or the Delights and Dangers of the Flowing Bowl (Perigee Books), pays tribute to punch. Cocktail Party Recipes

You can use navel oranges in this smoky, Scotch-spiked punch, but Wondrich likes blood orange juice for its deep red color.Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide

Only recently available in the United States, Batavia-Arrack van Oosten is a spicy, citrusy Javanese spirit made from sugarcane and fermented red rice. More Party Punches

David Wondrich * Brooklyn, New York"Punch Royal dates back to the end of the 17th century," says cocktail historian David Wondrich. "It was drunk by courtiers, pirates and everyone in between." Wondrich's new book, Punch, or the Delights and Dangers of the Flowing Bowl (Perigee Books), pays tribute to punch. Cocktail Party Recipes

Use this recipe to make Regent's Punch.Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide

Like a martini, this basic punch is entirely satisfying on its own, but it could also be customized or modified in myriad ways. Party Punches

5 Ninth • New York CityMixologist and cocktail historian David Wondrich adapted this recipe from a 1930s drink called the MacKinnon after the family that owned Drambuie.Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide

For hot punches, young Irish whiskeys work best. Heat intensifies the tannic edge of older whiskeys; young ones stay smooth. Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide

Fatty Crab; ManhattanCocktail expert David Wondrich conceived the Fatty Sling as a nod to Donn Beach, the famous owner of the tiki-themed restaurant Don the Beachcomber. Beach, Wondrich says, "liked combining dashes of Pernod and Angostura bitters to give his concoctions a je ne sais quoi." More Rum Drinks

In this pleasantly tart punch, David Wondrich mixes Irish whiskey with gin to mimic the taste of a richer, older style of gin. Cocktail Party Recipes

Mixologists John Gertsen and Misty Kalkofen of Drink in Boston created this sweet, slightly grainy punch. When the milk curdles, says David Wondrich, "it will produce a truly revolting-looking mass." Strain the punch through a very-fine-mesh strainer or, even better, through cheesecloth or a clean white T-shirt. Chill thoroughly before serving as a great, potent after-dinner drink. Classic Cocktail Recipes

Erick Castro created this sparkling punch. It's terrifically light, but the malted grain–based genever adds whiskey-like depth.

This punch was originally served in the mid-1800s at Badminton House, the Duke of Beaufort's manor in Gloucestershire, England, and site of the first badminton game in the U.K. Sangria Recipes