Delhi's Winter Secret: How Punch Kept British Colonials Warm
Lifestyle
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News18•08-01-2026, 12:43
Delhi's Winter Secret: How Punch Kept British Colonials Warm
- •British colonials found Delhi winters surprisingly harsh, colder than Britain, with limited heating options.
- •Punch, a mixed drink of alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and spices, became essential for warmth and social gatherings.
- •Historical figures like Emily Eden and Fanny Parks documented punch's indispensable role in colonial Delhi's winter evenings.
- •Different types of punch, including Hot Rum, Brandy, and Claret Punch, catered to various social strata.
- •Though the name 'punch' faded, its spirit lives on in modern drinks like hot toddy and mulled wine, and in traditions at old clubs.
Why It Matters: Punch was a vital warming drink and social ritual for British colonials battling harsh Delhi winters.
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