Autumn Punch

Ingredients

Candied Grapefruit
2 cups sugar
12 pieces whole star anise (optional)
2 grapefruit

Punch
2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
2 bottles sparkling wine
1 cup Pedro Ximénez sherry

Instructions

Candied Grapefruit
In a nonreactive saucepan, mix 3 cups water, the sugar, and 2 pieces of star anise. Boil the mixture for about 2 to 5 minutes to form a thick syrup. While it boils, peel the grapefruit, keeping the rind in larger pieces, such as quarters, and leaving the white pith on the rind.

Blanch the rind in boiling water for 30 seconds, shock in cold water, and repeat twice, to remove the bitterness. Add the blanched rinds to the syrup mixture, and simmer over low heat for up to 3 hours or until the rinds are consistent in color and the syrup has turned golden. The rinds should be tender and easily pierced and should have a sweet-and-tart flavor.

Punch
Julienne all the candied grapefruit, reserving about a quarter to garnish the champagne glasses, and place the remaining candied grapefruit and the syrup in the punch bowl.

Pour in the grapefruit juice, the sparkling wine, and the sherry. Stir gently until mixed. (If you like it sweeter, add more sherry to taste.) Top with remaining star anise. Place several strips of the grapefruit rind in the bottom of champagne glasses and top with punch.

(Published 2001)