1½ quarts of water
1 large handful of fresh Lemon Balm
1 small handful of Basil (8-10 4 inch sprigs)
½ C. sugar
1 12-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 2-liter bottle ginger ale
Orange slices and myrtle for ice ring
Roses, violas, lavender blossoms, violets, or honeysuckle for garnish

_____________________________________________________

Bring the water to a boil, add lightly crushed lemon balm and basil leaves, stir in sugar, cover, and steep 20 minutes. Defrost orange juice concentrate in a large pitcher, add 1 can water, and then strain the herb-sugar mixture into the orange juice. Chill this and the unopened ginger ale until ready to serve. Make an ice ring in a large ring mold incorporating orange slices and a bit of myrtle. To serve, pour mixture and ginger ale over ice ring in a large punch bowl. At the last moment float roses, (red for passion and desire, red and white for unity) on top of the punch. Depending on the season add violas, lavender blossoms, violets, or honeysuckle. Surround the punch bowl with a ring of ivy, sage, and lady's-mantle.
Back to June 2000