Library Punch

Name: Library Punch
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups sugar; 8 lemons, 6 zest peeled in strips and juiced and 2 thinly sliced; 1 pineapple, peeled, cored and chopped; 3 cups simmering water; 4 cups brandy; 2 cups rum; 1 cup absinthe; 1/2 cup grenadine; 1 tablespoon whole cloves; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg; 8 dashes bitters; 2 cups whole milk; 20 sprigs mint

14 ingredients

13 steps

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sugar
8 lemons, 6 zest peeled in strips and juiced and 2 thinly sliced
1 pineapple, peeled, cored and chopped
3 cups simmering water
4 cups brandy
2 cups rum
1 cup absinthe
1/2 cup grenadine
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
8 dashes bitters
2 cups whole milk
20 sprigs mint

Directions

1

In a large pot or bowl, stir to combine the sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and pineapple.
2

Let stand for 30 minutes.
3

Add the hot water and stir to dissolve the sugar.
4

Add the brandy, rum, absinthe, grenadine, cloves, coriander, nutmeg and bitters.
5

Let stand, covered, for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
6

In a medium saucepan, scald the milk, then add to the punch.
7

The milk will curdle when mixed with the lemon juice and alcohol.
8

Let stand for 1 hour.
9

Strain the punch through a double-cheesecloth or a coffee-filter-lined strainer.
10

Transfer to the refrigerator to chill.
11

To serve, fill a large bowl with the punch and add the 2 sliced lemons.
12

Fill a small glass with ice, add a mint sprig, then fill with punch.
13

Repeat for the remaining cocktails.