Bombay Presidency Punch

2010

Large party

Source: Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl page: 112

Adapted by David Wondrich from "Order Book of the Bombay Government", August 13, 1694.

8 ounce sugar

Ingredient: sugar

What it is: Additive

Many 19th century recipes specifically called for white sugar, which is more refined and preferred over browner sugars. But modern white sugar is probably too refined, making raw cane sugar the best, easily available choice.

(More about sugar)

[jaggery or palm sugar]

8 fl ounce lime

Ingredient: lime

What it is: Fruit

A number of different fruits (generally citruses), both species and hybrids, which have their origin in the Himalayan region of India, and which are typically round, green to yellow in color, 3–6 cm in diameter, generally containing sour and acidic pulp.

(More about lime)

juice

1 quart Batavia arrack

Ingredient: Batavia arrack

Also Known As: Arrack What it is: Rum

A rum distilled mainly in South Asia and South East Asia from fermented fruit, grain, sugarcane, or the sap of coconut palms. The best came from Indonesia (Jakarta was called Batavia during the Dutch colonial times). Arrack typically has golden amber color, which distinguishes it from the colorless and transparent Middle Eastern arak.

(More about Batavia arrack)

[Sri Lankan palm arrack, or any other palm arrack]

5 cup water

Ingredient: water

What it is: Additive

Ubiquitous chemical substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen and is essential for all forms of life -- also a component of all drinks.

(More about water)

nutmeg

Ingredient: nutmeg

What it is: Spice

Seed from an evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas of Indonesia, or Spice Islands. Nutmeg is the actual seed of the tree while mace is the dried "lacy" reddish covering or arillus of the seed. Nutmeg and mace have similar taste qualities, nutmeg having a slightly sweeter and mace a more delicate flavour. Nutmeg is a tasty addition to cheese sauces and is best grated fresh (see nutmeg grater). Nutmeg is a traditional ingredient in mulled cider, mulled wine, and eggnog.

(More about nutmeg)

Break up sugar and put it into a three-quart Punch bowl. Add 8 ounces lime juice and muddle until sugar has dissolved. Add 1 quart arrack and stir. Add 5 cups water and grate nutmeg over the top.