Felicitation Punch

In this pleasantly tart punch, David Wondrich mixes Irish whiskey with gin to mimic the taste of a richer, older style of gin.

Felicitation Punch
Photo: © Tina Rupp
Yield:
18 drinks

Using demerara sugar gives the concentrated simple syrup a great molasses flavor.

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Ingredients

Rich Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup Demerara sugar

  • 1/2 cup water

Felicitation Punch

  • 12 ounces fresh lemon juice

  • 4 ounces maraschino liqueur

  • 1 1/2 liters chilled club soda

  • Ice, preferably 1 large block

  • 6 ounces Irish whiskey

  • Strips of zest from 4 lemons

  • 1 (1-liter) bottle gin

Directions

Make the simple syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, warm the sugar and water over low heat and stir until a thick syrup forms. Remove from the heat, let cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Make the Felicitation Punch

  1. In a punch bowl, muddle the lemon zest with the whiskey. Add the gin and let stand for 2 hours. Stir in the maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and 3 ounces of simple syrup, and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Just before serving, stir in the club soda and add ice.

Originally appeared: December 2011

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