Dr. Salmon's Punch

Source: Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl page: 130

Adapted by David Wondrich from "Gervase Markham," The Husbandman's Jewel, 1695

2 quart 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)

1 pint 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

³/₄ pound 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)

fine

3 pint brandy

Ingredient: brandy

What it is: Brandy

Brandy (from brandywine, derived from Dutch brandewijn—"burnt wine") is a spirit produced by distilling wine, the wine having first been produced by fermenting grapes. Brandy generally contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume and is typically taken as an after-dinner drink. While some brandies are aged in wooden casks, most are colored with caramel coloring to imitate the effect of such aging.

(More about brandy)

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)

"Take two Quarts of Water, one Pint of Lime Juice, three quarters of a Pound of fine Sugar, mix and dissolve the Sugar, then put three Pints of choice Brandy; stir them well together, and grate in a Nutmeg. This Liquor cheers the Heart, and revives the Spirits beyond any other Liquor, Moderately drink helps Digestion, restores lost Appetite, and makes the Body profoundly Healthful, and able to resist the Assaults of all Diseases. Salmon."

Note: Increase the sugar to one pound and decrease the lime juice to 12 ounces for a less tart punch.