Charleston Brown Water Society Punch

Makes a vat (about 30 six-ounce servings)

Charleston has become somewhat of a third home to us, and we’ve spent a good deal of time with the fun-loving members of the Charleston Brown Water Society. This convivial crew is a society chartered to share spirits knowledge and raise money for educational scholarships. They created this delicious punch to celebrate Charleston’s rich spirit of hospitality.

• Honey Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
• Demerara Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
• Two 1-liter bottles Old Forester Signature 100-Proof bourbon
• One 1-liter bottle Mount Gay Barbados rum
• 32 ounces fresh orange juice
• 4 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 8 ounces cold club soda, plus more as needed
• Orange slices, for garnish

One day in advance, make an ice mold using a Bundt pan or other baking dish suitable in size to that of the container in which you’ll be serving the punch. (A large piece of ice melts more slowly and won’t water down the punch.)

Pour the honey syrup, Demerara syrup, bourbon, rum, and orange and lemon juices into a large container or punchbowl. Stir to combine. Carefully add the ice block. Add club soda to taste and garnish with orange slices. Ladle into individual glasses and serve.