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Living gluten free easily by eating real food and a few gf processed foods

Reindeer Antlers Punch

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Today I’m sharing my Reindeer Antlers Punch. A beloved recipe in our family.

But first, I want to talk about sharing. If you’re like me, you make periodic donations to your local food bank. You probably donate a bag of canned and dry goods when the postal workers collect food for Stamp Out Hunger in the spring or when the Boy Scouts do their food drive in the fall.

You may make food donations through your church or other community organizations as well. Your house is always adequately stocked with food even though the family complains that they can’t find anything to eat. And, truthfully, the hardest decision you face when it comes to food is what to purchase at the grocery store and, once you get the food home from the store, what to eat for lunch or what to make for dinner.

That’s the way it is in our house. I even whine about going to the grocery store. However, many in our country have a much harder time. Many are going hungry.

With that in mind, I’m proud and humbled to participate today in the Share Our Holiday Table, which is Share Our Strength’s (SOS’s) Progressive Dinner event. SOS is a wonderful organization with its focus on fundraising and feeding hungry children. For more information and to donate to SOS, please visit Share Our Holiday Table.

The numbers of those who need help are staggering, but just thinking of even one family, one child even going without food is heart wrenching. Any help you can give will be appreciated;  your contribution will help ensure that no child goes hungry during the holidays and hopefully even past that time period.

A child can be fed three meals a day for more than a month simply by donating $25 dollars. If you can’t contribute, that’s okay … please still enjoy this blogging event and spread the word to others.

Over 50 bloggers are participating in this event, including many of my gluten-free blogging buddies. There’s a gluten-free category for every course of the meal. Be on the lookout for your favorite bloggers’ posts, but you’ll want to check out all the posts because so far I’ve seen some amazing recipes. Most of the recipes shared in this event have been naturally gluten free or easily adapted to be gluten free.

Today’s SOS roundup is focused on Drinks. Without further ado, here’s my beverage. If you’ve followed gfe for a while, you may remember my Reindeer Antlers Punch from last Christmas.

Reindeer Antlers in Pitcher

This is a fantastic holiday cocktail punch that’s worth repeating! You can read the “back story” on the name and why you should always eat the arils left at the bottom of your glass in the original post here. 

Reindeer Antlers Spiked Punch Gluten Free Easily

Reindeer Antlers Spiked Punch Gluten Free Easily
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Reindeer Antlers Punch

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pomegranate juice (I use POM Wonderful)
  • 1 cup grenadine syrup or grenadine liqueur
  • 3 cups orange juice
  • 3 cups pineapple juice
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup rum
  • 1 cup tequila

Instructions

  1. Stir all ingredients together in a very large container. I add my ingredients to a gallon-sized jar, place the lid on it and just shake the jar to mix.
  2. Chill.
  3. Transfer to a beautiful pitcher or punch bowl, if desired.
  4. Serve over ice and top with pomegranate seeds---also known as arils. 

Notes

Pouring the Reindeer Antlers over crushed ice and topping with arils provides a lovely presentation. (Mr. GFE will also tell you that particular application results in sipping versus drinking, which I say is not a bad thing at all. Pacing one's self when it comes to Reindeer Antlers is wise!)

As an alternative you can sprinkle arils on your Reindeer Antler just before serving; the arils will sink to the bottom of your drink and become more potent. Or, you can add festive ice cubes that contain pomegranate seeds that you’ve made earlier.

If pomegranates are unavailable, you can still enjoy your Reindeer Antlers without them--they will still be splendid!

All distilled alcohol is gluten free. That means your basic vodka, rum, tequila, scotch, gin, and the like. Be wary of alcohol that has been flavored after the distillation process. It still may be gluten free, but always check to be sure.

“Real” grenadine syrup or liqueur is actually made from pomegranates. (I don’t know if any of the grenadine products that I’ve used to date have actually contained pomegranates.)

I’ve used both the syrup and the liqueur, interchangeably. The liqueur contains alcohol (2.5% per the label of the Jacquin’s Grenadine that I used).

Usually these products contain high fructose corn syrup and not always pomegranates. If you have some time and want to make your own genuine grenadine syrup, buy some pomegranates and use this recipe. 

If you'd like to make a smaller batch of Reindeer Antlers, just use "parts" when mixing instead of cups. So for example, you can use one part every time 1 cup is called for and three parts when the recipe says 3 cups. Shot glasses or 1/4 cup measures can be great for downsizing this recipe. You'd add one shot every time one cup is required and three shots every time 3 cups is cited.

Courses Beverage

Reindeer Antlers Punch Gluten Free Easily

Reindeer Antlers punch is awesome “holiday cheer”; enjoy and remember to always drink responsibly!

You can check out the other recipes for Drinks from the bloggers below:

Brooke (Food Woolf) with Crab Apple-Infused Vodka

Maggy (Three Many Cooks) with Milk Punch

Alexa (Flo and Grace) with Cashew Horchata

Yesterday’s Appetizer recipes can be seen via the links below:

Lori (Recipe Girl) with Sundried Tomato Polenta Bites

Elaine (The Italian Dish) with Parmesan Gougeres

Marla (Marla Meredith) with Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Mary (Mary Carver) with Tortilla Rolls and Seven Layer Dip

Debra (Smith Bites) with Dates Stuffed with Parmesan Slivers and Walnuts

Rachael (La Fuji Mama) with Endive Boats with Avocado, Pomegranate, & Crab Salad

Finally, this is Day 7 of my 25 Days of Christmas event. If interested, you can see previous posts for this gfe holiday/blog anniversary event via links below:

Day 1 – Gluten-Free Holiday Giveaway Galore x 10—Giveaway of the new book, Mommy, What is Celiac Disease?, plus gluten-free treats and fun stuff. 

Day 2 — Guest Post from Debi Smith (Hunter’s Lyonesse)—My Journey Back to Healthy Living

Day 3 — Corn and Butter Bean (or Lima Bean) Casserole for A Gluten-Free Holiday 

Day 4 — Little Cayman Beach Resort Review

Day 5 — 20 (Plus) Thoughts on International Food Bloggers Conference

Day 6 — Nutiva Products (Coconut, Hemp x 2, & Chia) Review and Giveaway 

Originally published December 7, 2010; updated November 19, 2018.

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Comments

  1. The pomegranate people are going to love the gluten-free bloggers in this event. So far three of us have used pomegranates in our recipes. Those red jewel-like arils are just so festive and Christmasy. Tia will be posting a salad and I have them on my soup later this week. Too bad we can’t all get together and share some of your Reindeer Antlers Punch.

    Reply

    • Good morning Wendy–We’re having our early morning meeting again. 😉 Per usual, I’m just an hour or so behind you. LOL Pomegranates and their arils are indeed perfect Christmas ingredients! I’m a big fan. Seasonal pomegranates are not in my very basic grocery store yet, but luckily I have some arils frozen from last year. (Yes, they are still good.) Can’t wait to see your, Tia’s, and everyone recipes! Oh, we could have an uproaring good time sitting around enjoying this punch. 😉 But, really split among all of us, we’d each get just the right amount. Just visualizing the group of us with Reindeer Antlers in hand, laughing and talking over each other brings a “warm and fuzzy” start to my day—thanks!

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi cat!–Welcome to gfe. 🙂 I like your wording … “sturdy amount of booze.” The combination works well together … one doesn’t taste the booze. 😉

      Thanks!
      Shirley

      Reply

  4. Woohoo! This one would make me grow antlers for sure!! I don’t care the season. The next time we’re together you need to mix up a batch of this elixir. We could probably hit Wendy up for some frozen pomegranate frozen. I love your presentation, too! Thanks for sharing how it goes in your house. I was out grocery shopping last night … dragging my feet at 8:30 pm. After reading your words, I was reminded to be thankful that I even have the liberty and funds to choose what I want (well for the most part) to put in my basket.

    Reply

    • LOL Lexie! I think we’d all enjoy this one … in the summer, I make another version of this punch called Crab Claws. 🙂

      I loved your post, too. We all have so much to be thankful for, and often take it for granted. This event is a good reality check.

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

  5. Haha I read that first line as “If you don’t like me” rather than “if you’re like me.” I thought, who doesn’t like Shirley!? Are they crazy!?

    We’re having a holiday party soon, so I’ll definitely be back to pick a good drink to make!

    Reply

    • Awww, Iris, you’re such a sweetheart! 🙂 There are so many great beverage choices in this event today. Of course, I’m partial to my Reindeer Antlers. 😉

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply

  6. What a cute name! And a delicious looking drink. I love anything with grenadine – takes me back to my Shirley Temple days as a kid! But now I’ve graduated to grown up drinks 😉 The ingredients remind me of a family favorite – The Mary Pickford.

    Too bad to have missed you at Blogher! But yes, I hope you make it to BSP2! It’s going to be a blast.

    Reply

    • Hi Maggie–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 The history behind the name is in the original post, but have you heard about ground up reindeer antlers? 😉 It’s a wonderful punch. Oh, and yes, grenadine and Shirley Temples … yum. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Mary Pickford. Must check that out. A little piece of trivia though … we have friends who live in Palm Springs in a house formerly owned by the Mary Pickford. We’ve visted them there. It was old and needed complete gutting and renovation when they bought it, but it’s amazing now. 🙂

      Yes, bummer on BlogHer, but thanks for the good vibes on BSP2! I’ll stay tuned. 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  8. Shirley, once again you manage to amaze me. I can hardly keep up with you. My sis is in labor today and I am crazily trying to knock off my to-do list so that I can get out to LA to be with her!! I could barely imagine getting up a post each day. Yikes!! You are awesome.
    This punch looks so delish! I am having a holiday party next week and was trying to think of a good cocktail to go with my hot cocoa bar. This one is it, I think!! Yummo! Now off to read your IFBC thoughts.
    xo
    k

    Reply

    • Hi Kim–After this event, I may decide to give up blogging! LOL Just kidding … really, but it’s quite the commitment. Thank you for all your overly kind words, dear! 🙂

      Best of luck in getting away from everything to be with your sister … that’s so wonderful!

      You and all your guests will totally love this punch! I’m making it for a party here on the 17th. 😉

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi Stephanie! It is divine, if I do say so myself. 🙂 Even my husband drinks it and he usually only drinks beer for his spirits. It has an effect, but is not as potent as everyone is speculating. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi Mary–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Love your blog name! Perfectionism IS overrated. 😉 This is a great drink and what a wonderful event where we are all working together for such an amazing cause!

      Shirley

      Reply

  11. Such a lovely punch recipe. I am a huge fan of anything with pomegranate seeds in it. Festive & fun. So glad to be in this important holiday event with you 🙂 xo

    Reply

    • Hi marla–Thanks for stopping by again! You’re right about the pomegranate arils … they are nature’s delicious glitter of sorts. They are so shiny and red, they almost don’t look real. 😉

      Loving this event we’re in and we only just got started! 🙂

      xo,
      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi Carol–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 LOL on getting the party rolling. Well, it’s not as potent as it sounds IMHO, but it does “take the edge off.” 😉

      Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
      Shirley

      Reply

  13. Sounds wonderful. Join me in a toast, Happy Holidays to our gluten free community! You’re all wonderful. Thanks for sharing this great idea! You can make it with or without vodka to please all!

    Reply

    • Hi Carla–I’m all about toasting for the holidays and to the gf community! 🙂 But, if you want to make this punch non-alcoholic, you’ll have to cut out more than vodka. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  14. Just popping in to say, “Hi!” Don’t know why I am taking the “situation” this personally, but I am having a hard time concentrating on anything since last night. Anyway, just want you to know I was here and loved the post. Having thoughts of ALL of us together enjoying the reindeer antlers.

    xoxo,
    Tia

    Reply

    • Gosh, Tia, I was certain I replied to this comment … must have only been in my head. Sigh. 😉 Now with good news we can all sleep better and one day we’ll all enjoy these reindeer antlers together; I’m convinced! 🙂

      xoxo,
      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi Jenn–My 25 Days of Christmas has me behind in replying to comments … so sorry. Thanks so much! It’s really a terrific drink and you’re right, it does looksso pretty for the holidays. Hey, I like saying pom jewels better than pom arils. 🙂 I’m making this for a holiday event we’re having this Friday. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

    • Hi Michelle–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 All the folks on the west coast seem to eat pomegranates constantly … you lucky folks. We only see pomegranates here for a short while and only at the upscale stores. In any regard, thanks so much for the kind words, Michelle! FYI–You can actually make this recipe family friendly, by leaving out the alcohol and doubling the other ingredients. 😉

      It’s been my pleasure to be part of this SOS Share Our Holiday Table event. Hope we make a huge difference!

      Hugs,
      Shirley

      Reply

  17. Hi Shirley – I’d love to include this recipe in my upcoming post “An Allergy Friendly Holiday Tea.” Would you mind if I use one of your photos? I will include a link back to your site, and a nice big caption crediting you 🙂

    Thanks,
    Lisa @ Allergy Free Vintage Cookery

    Reply

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