Today I’m sharing my Reindeer Antlers Punch. A beloved recipe in our family.
PIN this one for later because it’s an amazing holiday cocktail, folks!
One you’ll enjoy until the very last drop. And if you top your glass with pomegranate seeds (also known as arils), you may find a few left at the bottom. More on those in a minute.
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 at No Kid Left Hungry.
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.
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.
More Recipes from the Share Our Table Event
Reminder: Note that this event is not an exclusively gluten-free event so always verify gluten-free status of ingredients or make substitutions if needed.
~ Brooke (Food Woolf) with Crab Apple-Infused Vodka
~ Maggy (Three Many Cooks) with Milk Punch
~ Alexa (Flo and Grace) with Cashew Horchata
And because you should always have some nibbles when you’re drinking, follow these links to the Appetizer recipes shared:
~ 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
More Holiday Beverage Recipes
Here are several more holiday beverages. Enjoy and please remember to always drink responsibly.
~ Chocolate Martinis (from Celiac Family via the Wayback Machine)
![Chocolate Martini. Fabulous holiday beverage from Celiac Family. [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Chocolate-Martini-Photo.jpg)
![Dairy-Free Irish Cream from Allergy Free Alaska. [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Dairy-Free-Irish-Cream-Allergy-Free-Alaska.jpg)
![Homemade Sangria is the best! It's an inexpensive way to serve a group at celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, New Year's, summer events, and more. [from GlutenFreeEasily.com] (photo)](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/P5240020.jpg)
![Homemade Irish Cream from Spabettie. Gluten free and vegan. [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Homemade-Irish-Cream-Liqueur-@spabettie-vegan.jpg)
![Paleo Margaritas from Worthy. Shared on Against All Grain. [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Worthy-Paleo-Margaritas-Photo.jpg)
![Pom-Bom-Spice-Tinis! Ideal for any celebration. Warning: If these cocktails were a Jeopardy answer they'd be in the Potent Potable category. [featured on GluteFreeEasily.com] (photo)](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/POM-Bom-Spice-Tinis-005-1.jpg)
Reindeer Antlers Punch Recipe
Reindeer Antlers Punch is so delicious and so perfect for the holidays! It's naturally gluten free, delicious, and the perfect color! 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). 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.Reindeer Antlers Punch
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Originally published December 7, 2010; updated April 4, 2024.
Wendy @ Celiacs in the House says
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.
Shirley says
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
Kim - Cook It Allergy Free says
Wendy, I am thinking that if we had a few pitchers of this punch to share together, we would surely have some crazy stories and pictures to share afterwards. LOL
Heather @CeliacFamily says
Love the Reindeer Punch, Shirley. I think it’s going to be one of my contributions to the family celebrations this year.
Shirley says
Hi Heather–You and everyone else will love this one! 🙂
Shirley
cat says
wow., I’m absolutely in awe it sounds amazing! I love the sturdy amount of booze :p
Shirley says
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
Lexie says
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.
Shirley says
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
Iris says
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!
Shirley says
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
Maggy@ThreeManyCooks says
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.
Shirley says
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
Lisa says
This punch looks like it will certainly spread some holiday cheer! Yum! ; )
Shirley says
Hi Lisa–So good to see you! You really should try this punch … it’s not as scary as it seems. 😉 Delicious really!
Happy holidays!
Shirley
Kim - Cook It Allergy Free says
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
Shirley says
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
stephanie says
This drink sounds divine! I bet that it packs quite a punch too 🙂
Shirley says
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
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
Oh yum! This is definitely my kind of drink! Thank you for sharing. It’s great to work with you for Share Our Strength!
Shirley says
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
marla says
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
Shirley says
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
Carol Peterman/TableFare says
That is a beautifully festive looking drink and from the list of the ingredients it no doubt gets a party rolling!
Shirley says
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
Carla says
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!
Shirley says
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
Tia says
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
Shirley says
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
Jenn says
Oh this looks so good, love the pomegranate jewels in the drink – how festive!!
Shirley says
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
Michelle (What's Cooking with Kids) says
What a beautiful recipe – we love pomegranates! Our kids were eating them by the handful with dinner tonight 🙂 Thanks for joining our efforts to end childhood hunger! xo
Shirley says
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
Lisa @ Allergy Free Vintage Cookery says
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
swathi says
very nice thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning
Shirley Braden says
Thanks, Swathi! While I think Reindeer Antlers are behind us for a good while now, I do appreciate the sharing! 🙂 Happy weekend!
Shirley