We have reached the month of Fructidor! On the first day of Fruit Month, we are celebrating the plum. And what better way to do that than with plum punch? Consider this an homage to the truly delightful David Wondrich and his book, Punch. We once went to an event of his at the Aviary where he spoke about the history of punch and had prepared several punches for everyone to sample – including one with ambergris! Truly, one of my top five drunkest evenings. Below, a gin punch to share with friends.

Plum Punch

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup of plum jam

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp whole cloves

pinch of allspice

1/4 tsp nutmeg

4 cups cranberry juice (I used cranberry/pomegranate)

2 lemons, juiced

1 cup gin

1 bottle of sparkling wine

First, make the plum simple syrup. In a medium sauce pan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Add in the jam, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg and let simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

A day ahead, I made a decorative (and functional) ice ring, alternating lemon and lime slices and frozen in the bottom half of a bundt pan.

To assemble: add the cranberry juice, lemon juice, gin, simple syrup, sparkling wine and ice ring. Enjoy!