The Social Network Punch
(adapted from the United Service Punch as published in The Bar Tender's Guide by Jerry Thomas)
- 1/2 pint of Batavia-Arrack
- 1 pint Smith and Cross Jamaican Rum
- 1/2 lb sugar
- 6 lemons
- 3 pints hot tea
Add the zest from three lemons to the sugar and allow to sit for at least an hour so the sugar absorbs the essence of the lemon. (This can be done well ahead of time, as the lemon sugar will keep for months in an airtight container). Dissolve the sugar in the hot tea, add the juice of all six lemons, and both liquors. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Serve the punch in a bowl over a big hunk of ice (made the night before by freezing a pint-size deli container or Tupperware filled with water.) Skip the ladle and glasses; rather, present a straw to each member of your Top 8, and get ready for some serious social networking!