GOTHIC PUNCH

4 bottles "still" [as opposed to sparkling] Catawba wine
1 bottle claret
3 oranges OR 1 pineapple
10 tbs. sugar
1 bottle champagne

Four bottles of still Catawba; one bottle of claret, three oranges, or one pineapple, ten tablespoons of sugar. Let this mixture stand in a very cold place, or in ice, for one hour or more, then add one bottle of champagne.

Bon-Vivant's Companion by Jerry Thomas, 1862.

Comment: This is a very strong punch by the standards of the time. Many of Jerry Thomas' punch recipes call for the addition of nearly as much water, fruit juice or other liquids as of alcoholic beverages, but aside from the sugar and "juice of three oranges or one pineapple" (which would probably not amount to much more than a cup, if that) this is all hooch here. Be [hic!] aware.

No explanation is given for the name of this drink, the only note attached reads "From a recipe in the possession of Bayard Taylor, Esq." which gives no particular clue as to what makes this beverage "gothic." If one feels inspired to don black garments, cut one's hair in spikes and engage in body piercing after drinking this concoction, much will be explained.

Return to Recipe Index