![Felicitation Punch](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/0yM6d9B-gu2rlCAddSRRvGCudvA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2011-xl-cocktails-punch-felicitation-2000-b106097b60e24500b97f793c26257a30.jpg)
Using demerara sugar gives the concentrated simple syrup a great molasses flavor.
Ingredients
Rich Simple Syrup
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1 cup Demerara sugar
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1/2 cup water
Felicitation Punch
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12 ounces fresh lemon juice
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4 ounces maraschino liqueur
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1 1/2 liters chilled club soda
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Ice, preferably 1 large block
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6 ounces Irish whiskey
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Strips of zest from 4 lemons
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1 (1-liter) bottle gin
Directions
Make the simple syrup
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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
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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.