![Shochu Punch](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/3ih4F8u4Pi-hlwMPvGxQveHafi4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shochu-punch-FT-RECIPE0221-64f1aebff9984cc68b13938edcca2a49.jpg)
Ingredients
Shochu Infusion
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1 (2-inch) piece dried ginseng root (such as W Ginseng Farm)
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1 cup buckwheat honey (such as Weeks Honey Farm)
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1 cup hot water
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1 pound kumquats
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1 (750-ml.) bottle shochu
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1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, smashed
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1 large jalapeño, gently smashed using flat side of a knife
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½ cup dried goji berries (such as Navitas Organics)
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.3333 (1 1/2-x 1/2-inch) lemon peel strips, slightly pounded using mortar and pestle or flatside of a knife to release their bitter aromatics
Chrysanthemum Ice Cubes (Optional)
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2 cups boiling water
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¼ cup dried chrysanthemum flower loose-leaf tea (such as Goofoo)
Additional Ingredients
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Sparkling water, cucumber water (see Note), or juice of choice (optional), to taste
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1 pomelo or Ruby Red grapefruit, peeled and segmented
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¼ cup pomegranate arils
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¼ cup thinly sliced Persian cucumber
Directions
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Make the shochu infusion: Add water to a medium saucepan to a depth of 1/2 inch; fit a steamer basket inside pan. Bring to a boil over high. Place dried ginseng in steamer basket. Cover pan, and reduce heat to medium; steam until ginseng is pliable, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer ginseng to a cutting board, and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.
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While ginseng steams, stir together honey and 1 cup hot water in a small bowl until well combined. Reserve 1 cup honey mixture for chrysanthemum ice cubes; chill, covered, until ready to use. Set aside remaining 1 cup honey mixture. Place kumquats on a rimmed baking sheet. Using the bottom of a measuring cup, smash each kumquat. Transfer kumquats and any juices to a large lidded glass jar. Add shochu, ginger, jalapeño, goji berries, lemon peel strips, reserved ginseng slices, and remaining 1 cup honey mixture to kumquats in jar; stir to combine. Secure lid on jar. Store in a cool, dark place at least 24 hours or up to 1 week, depending on your taste preference. (You should taste the shochu once per day. You should be able to taste a noticeable citrus flavor and a slight bitterness from the kumquats.)
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Make the chrysanthemum ice cubes, if desired: Stir together 2 cups boiling water, dried chrysanthemum flowers, and reserved 1 cup honey mixture in a medium-size heatproof bowl; let cool at room temperature 1 hour. Using a slotted spoon, remove chrysanthemum flowers from mixture. Divide flowers evenly among bottom pieces of 2 (6-cube, 1 3/4-inch) ball-shaped ice cube trays. Secure trays with top pieces; pour honey mixture evenly into trays. Freeze 12 hours.
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When ready to serve, pour desired amount of shochu infusion (the full amount serves 8) through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a small punch bowl; discard solids. If using, remove chrysanthemum ice cubes from ice cube trays, and add to punch bowl. Add sparkling water, cucumber water, or juice of choice to taste. Top punch with pomelo segments, pomegranate arils, and Persian cucumber slices.
To prepare cucumber water, mix 2 cups water with 2 cups lightly smashed Persian cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Strain before using.
Make Ahead
Shochu infusion can be made up to 1 week ahead; store in an airtight container in refrigerator.