1 lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 ounce lemon juice
1 oz cointreau or orange liqueur
1 1/2 oz gin (old tom style preferable)
Seltzer water
In the bottom of a collins glass, muddle the sugar and lemon juice to release the lemon oils into the sugar. Add lemon juice and stir to try to melt sugar. If you have time, let this mixture sit for a few minutes to dissolve further. Add cointreau, and gin and fill glass with ice. Top off with Seltzer water, & stir to combine.
Interesting fact: This recipe was adapted for individual servings, but the original Punch recipe dates back to around the Victorian era. It tastes a bit like the Tom Collins that we all know today.
The recipe calls for seltzer, which I assumed was a modern creation, but was actually invented in 1767! Who knew?
This recipe also calls for Old Tom Gin, which is a sweeter, less-botanical style of gin than the more common London Dry style we know today. It was the lynchpin of countless classic cocktails, and was the go-to spirit for mixologists in the 1800s. It largely disappeared thanks to prohibition, but has lately been making a comeback.