ST. CHARLES' PUNCH

1/2 c. port wine
8 oz. brandy
Juice of 1/4 lemon
1 tbs. sugar
Berries or other fruit, in season

Fill the tumbler with shaved ice, shake well, and ornament with fruits in season, and serve with a straw.

From Bon-Vivant's Companion, or, How To Mix Drinks by Jerry Thomas, 1862

Comment: This is a somewhat unusual drink--particularly a punch-- for this period as it does not call for the addition of a good amount of water, seltzer, milk or other fluid which serves to dilute the alcohol content somewhat. This is straight brandy cut with port wine, and we doubt that the juice of half a lemon is going to have much of a dilutive effect. Load up on the ice as suggested, or prepare to be tipsy in very short order.

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