The celebration of Holi is never complete without drinks—whether it’s the intoxicating bhaang thandai, refreshing mocktails, or colorful cocktails inspired by the festive spirit. But have you ever wondered how the idea of mixing ingredients—spirits, juices, and spices—originated? The answer lies in India, in the bustling port city of Surat, Gujarat, during the early 1600s.

A Journey to Surat: The Melting Pot of Cultures

The humid air of 17th-century Surat was thick with the scent of tamarind, jaggery, and the distant, salty tang of the Arabian Sea. This was no ordinary city. Surat, a thriving port, was a gateway for traders from England, Holland, Germany, Persia, and beyond. The docks buzzed with activity as Gujarati artisans, English East India Company officials, and Persian merchants exchanged not only spices, textiles, and gems but also ideas, customs, and, importantly, drinks.

Amidst this cultural confluence, a drink emerged that would go on to influence global drinking traditions. It wasn’t made with shakers or fancy glassware but in a large, communal bowl. This was the birth of “punch.”

The Origins of Punch: A Drink for All

The word “punch” is believed to have been derived from the Hindi word “paanch,” meaning five—a reference to the five essential ingredients that formed the basis of this drink:

• Arak: A locally distilled spirit, often made from palm sap or rice, providing the necessary warmth and kick.
• Water: To dilute the potent spirit and make it more refreshing in the tropical climate.
• Sugar: Jaggery, an unrefined sugar, added rich caramel-like sweetness.
• Lime/Lemon: The citrus element balanced the sweetness with a refreshing tang.
• Spices: Surat’s bustling spice markets provided the final touch—cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg infused the drink with complexity and aroma.

Imagine a long wooden table in a dimly lit Surat warehouse, where merchants and officers gathered for evening discussions. The flickering lanterns cast dancing shadows as conversations in Gujarati, Persian, and English intertwined. In the center sat an ornate bowl filled with fragrant, amber-colored punch—a drink that refreshed, bonded, and became a staple of social gatherings.

From Surat to England: The British Adoption of Punch

For the British officers stationed in Surat, the drink was more than just a novelty; it was a necessity. Traditional English ale and beer spoiled quickly in the Indian heat, and imported wine was scarce and expensive. This local concoction, however, was easy to prepare, refreshing, and social.

By the mid-17th century, the English East India Company had fully embraced punch, carrying the tradition back to London. It became a fashionable drink in coffeehouses and gentlemen’s clubs, evolving into a symbol of sophistication. The simple yet adaptable recipe allowed for countless variations, leading to the rise of Punch Houses in England, where it became a drink of choice among the elite.

The Evolution: From Punch to Cocktails

While punch was initially a communal drink, served in large bowls, the late 18th and early 19th centuries saw the refinement of the concept into single-serving drinks—giving birth to the modern cocktail. The first recorded definition of a cocktail appeared in an American newspaper in 1806, describing it as a mix of spirits (mainly Rum), sugar, water, and bitters—a direct evolution of Surat’s punch.

Today, mixology has become a global art form, with bartenders meticulously crafting drinks with precise measurements and intricate flavors. But at its core, the principle remains the same as it was in Surat centuries ago: balancing sweet, sour, strong, and weak to create a delightful drinking experience.

Surat’s Forgotten Legacy in Global Drinking Culture

While the world credits American bars and European mixologists for pioneering cocktails, few recognize the role Surat played in shaping global drinking traditions. Without the innovative spirit of the British officers stationed in India, who experimented with local ingredients, the world might never have known the joys of cocktails.

The story of punch is a reminder that the history of drinks is deeply intertwined with trade, migration, and cultural exchange. It is a testament to human ingenuity, where people from different backgrounds come together to create something new and timeless.

Raising a Glass to History

As the colors of Holi settle and the echoes of laughter fade, let’s take a moment to appreciate the role India has played in shaping the world of spirits and celebrations. Whether you enjoyed a classic bhaang thandai, a festive cocktail, or a simple homemade punch, you unknowingly carried forward a tradition that began centuries ago in Surat.

So, the next time you raise a glass at a party or a quiet evening gathering, remember the forgotten story of Surat’s punch and its journey across the world. Because long before the world knew of cocktails, India had already perfected the art of mixing drinks!