This punch is a sweet alternative to tea or lemonade for sipping in the swing or maybe just sitting and swinging your feet on those hot, southern, summer afternoons on the porch.
⅔ cup granulated sugar
⅔ cup water
Juice of 4 oranges
2 cups strong-brewed hot tea
1 quart (4 cups) chilled soda water
1 quart (4 cups) chilled cola or ginger ale
Lemon and orange slices for garnish
In a large saucepan combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes to make a sugar syrup. Remove from the heat and allow the sugar syrup to cool. After it has cooled, mix the orange juice with the cooled sugar syrup. Add the hot tea to the mixture and allow it to cool. Just prior to serving, add the soda water and cola or ginger ale. Pour into a punch bowl with an ice ring and garnish with the lemon and orange slices.
YIELD: 3 QUARTS (12 CUPS)