The English word
PUNCH, meaning the drink, comes from the Sanskrit
pancha and Hindi
pancha meaning "five," (compare the Greek root
pent- as in pentagram, pentagon, etc.). The idea is that punch is made of five ingredients; compare the Sanskrit compound word
panchamrita, the "five nectars,"
pancha +
amrita (a word related to Greek
ambrosia) which was made of milk, curd, butter, honey, and molasses.
English punch is made from a mixture of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients, usually wine or liquor mixed with water, fruit (or fruit juice), spices and sugar. It is sometimes served hot. There are also non-alcoholic punch drinks for children.
Punch is traditionally served in a big punch bowl:
