Celona Punch

Ingredients

• 40 mlLicor 43
• 120 mltonic water
• 10 mllime juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Build the drink

   Fill a balloon glass with ice and pour in the Licor 43. Top up with tonic water, then squeeze in the lime.

What is Celona Punch?

Celona Punch is a simple mixed drink made with Licor 43, tonic water and lime, served cold over ice. Its name is associated with the Celona bar mentioned in the recipe description, where the author first tried an alcohol-free version.

This version uses the liqueur for sweet vanilla and citrus notes, while tonic brings fizz and a pleasantly bitter edge. A squeeze of lime helps keep the drink from tasting too sweet.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 155 calories, 0g protein, 25g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates and sugars come from the Licor 43 and tonic water; the liqueur also provides most of the drink's energy. There is very little protein or fat, so pair it with a meal or a savoury snack if you want a more balanced occasion.

Choosing the ingredients

Licor 43: measure it before adding the tonic so the drink keeps its balance. Its sweetness and aromatic flavour form the base of the cocktail.

Tonic water: use it chilled to keep the drink lively and reduce how quickly the ice melts. A classic tonic gives a clear bitter contrast to the liqueur.

Lime: use freshly squeezed juice if possible. It adds a sharper, fresher note than bottled juice.

Build it in the glass

Ice first: fill the balloon glass before pouring in the liqueur. This chills the drink as you make it and gives the tonic room to mix in.

Add the tonic gently: pour it over the liqueur, then squeeze in the lime. A gentle pour helps preserve the bubbles.

Balance and texture

The drink should taste sweet, citrusy and lightly bitter, with a brisk fizz. If the liqueur dominates, a little extra tonic can soften the sweetness; if it tastes too sharp, use slightly less lime next time.

Keep the ice in the glass while serving so the cocktail stays cold. Avoid crushing it, as small pieces melt quickly and can dilute the flavours.

Timing and serving

There is no cooking or resting time, so make the drink just before serving. Chilled tonic and a glass filled with ice are the main ways to keep it refreshing.

Serve it as a single cocktail in a balloon glass. It works well alongside salty nibbles or a light appetiser.

Alcohol-free inspiration

The recipe description recalls first trying an alcohol-free version at the Celona bar, but it does not give that version's ingredients. This recipe is the alcoholic version, made with Licor 43.

For an alcohol-free alternative, use a suitable non-alcoholic vanilla or citrus drink in place of the liqueur, adjusting the tonic and lime to taste.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the tonic water before mixing to keep the drink fizzy and cold.
• Use a glass large enough to hold the ice and the full measure of tonic.
• Squeeze the lime directly into the glass for a fresh citrus aroma.
• Pour the tonic slowly to preserve as much fizz as possible.
• Taste before adding extra lime, as its acidity can quickly change the balance.

Variations

• More lime: add a little extra juice for a sharper finish.
• Lighter sweetness: use less Licor 43 and top up with more tonic.
• Different tonic: try a less sweet tonic for a more bitter edge.
• Alcohol-free style: replace the Licor 43 with a non-alcoholic vanilla or citrus drink.
• Citrus garnish: add a lime wedge to the glass for extra aroma.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Warm tonic: it loses its refreshing edge quickly; chill it before mixing.
• Too much lime: the drink can become overly sharp; start with the stated measure.
• Overfilling with ice: leave room for the liqueur and tonic to fit comfortably.
• Pouring tonic too fast: the fizz can escape; add it gently.
• Making it ahead: the ice melts and the drink goes flat; mix it just before serving.

How to store

This cocktail is best made and served immediately. It does not keep well once mixed, as the ice melts and the tonic loses its fizz.

Frequently asked questions