Get a sip of history next week by being among the first to taste the 2024 batch of Bryant's famous Holiday Punch.

For more than 60 years, Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, 1579 S. 9th St., has served up its inaugural batch of holiday punch on the eve before Thanksgiving. And the time-honored tradition will kick off this year with a very special Holiday Punch Release Party on Nov. 27. 

Doors open at 5 p.m. with festivities kicking off with a 6 p.m. introduction to the history of Bryant's and the story of the holiday punch that has enchanted guests for over 60 years.  

At 6:15 p.m. guests will witness the ceremonial first tasting of the punch, a practice that ensures the drink measures up to the standards set for the punch over six decades ago.

For years, it was customary for Shirley Lafferty – a 45 year alum of Bryant's Cocktail Lounge – to sample the very first glass of punch and approve it for public consumption. However, in memory of Lafferty who passed away in May of 2023, the inaugural tasting will be performed by Kim Rohde, another employee with a long, storied history of employment at the cocktail bar.

Tickets for the Holiday Punch Release are $31.07 per person and can be purchased online. Each ticket includes admission to the event, exclusive access to one of the inaugural glasses of Holiday Punch and a charming commemorative Holiday Punch glass designed by Pete Klockau of The Black Lagoon Room (tax and gratuity of 20% included are included in the cost of each ticket).

Stop back in for a sip

Following the official Holiday Punch launch on Nov. 27, Bryant's Holiday Punch will remain available throughout the holiday season (with the last servings of punch sipped on New Year's Eve). Pricing is $12 for a glass of punch or $20 with a commemorative Bryant's Holiday Punch glass.  Glasses can also be purchased sans punch for $12 each (until sold out).