Snacember 12

Having a party?  Want to figure out how to deal with the beverage situation, so that you don't need to hock a kidney to give your pals a little tipple? 



How about punch?

No, I'm not talking Nog, you can do that on your own.

No, I'm not talking about that garbage can crap you made in college with the grape Kool Aid and everclear.

I'm talking about elegant, delicious punch. 

The kind of punch that means that you don't have to set up a whole bar.

This one is my fave, you can do it with Vodka if you really hate Gin, but I think the Gin is snazzier...

Gin Punch


Simple Syrup:

1 lb sugar
1 c water

Heat over medium heat till dissolved.  Add 1 T orange flower water if you have it.
2 lemons, peeled, peels reserved, sliced into rounds
1 bottle good gin (I love Northshore #11)
1 c Lillet or White Vermouth
1 c fresh lemon juice
2 liters sparkling water or club soda

Put lemon peels in a large bowl and mash with a muddler or spoon to release the oils.  Pour over the gin and Lillet or vermouthand let steep for an hour.  Add the rest of the ingredients along with 2/3 c of the simple syrup.  Taste, if you want it sweeter, add more syrup, more tart, add more lemon juice.

Yours in Good Taste,
The Polymath