The pandemic has radically altered America’s drinking habits.

The data of alcohol volume in the US in 2020 was up +2.0%, marking the largest gain for alcohol consumption in the country since 2002, according to new findings from IWSR, a website that tracks alcohol trends.

This year, Google Trends data saw spikes in searches for “home cocktail kits” Christmas. The number of searches for kits multiplied by 100 times from the end of January to the first week of February alone.

Those facts alone, make what three St. Louis based entrepreneurs are doing that much more exciting.

Jewish restaurateur Ben Poremba, Chef and Owner of Bengelina Hospitality Group, has partnered with Kevin Lemp, founder and owner of 4 Hands Brewing Co and 1220 Artisan Spirits, and Andy Kim, Founder and CEO of MIKA and Lovewell Group, to introduce Punch 5 Libations, a line of products intended to take the guess work out of home cocktailing.

What is Punch 5

Each expertly-curated and easy-to-use kit effortlessly makes craft cocktails at home. You can use your own spirits, and make your own bitters.

Taking a break from booze? Make a mocktail instead using hot water and allow it to steep for 10 minutes and allow it to cool before serving. One of the best aspects of this product line is that it allows for further experimentation and imagination from you.

Enjoy it how you want and have fun with it!

Lemp explains further, “Craft cocktails at home can be intimidating, but we removed all the guesswork. Punch 5 Libations allows consumers to utilize spirits that they most likely have at home without the need for additional complicated cocktail modifiers. They also make great personal and corporate holiday gifts. Just pick up a bottle of your favorite spirit and the recommended Punch 5 Libation, and you’re set.

Chef Ben Poremba has taken special care to ensure that the ingredients included in each offering create the perfect balanced libation.”

How it works

The formulas for each “punch” have been composed for excellent taste, quality, balance, and sophistication. Each “punch” has a unique aroma with a distinct and bold flavor. The ingredients, which include spices, dried fruits, vegetables, flowers, barks, and botanicals, have been carefully selected and sourced.

The process is easy: FILL your punch with suggested (or desired) spirit, allow it to INFUSE for 24-72 hours, and STRAIN. Once infused, the spirit can be kept at room temperature. It’s recommended to consume the infused spirit within 60 days. The libations are served simply over ice and cut with sparkling water.

Punch 5 Libations’ website and social media accounts contain many recommendations and serving suggestions.

See the instruction video here.