Philadelphia Fish House Punch
Brandy · Punch bowl
The 1732 Schuylkill Fishing Company original — cognac, Jamaican rum, peach brandy, lemon oleo-saccharum, and green tea. America's oldest documented punch; served at George Washington's 'quiet' dinner parties.
| Glass | Punch bowl |
| Garnish | None |
| ABV | 22% |
| Category | batched |
| Flavor | historic, citrus, batched, american |
Ingredients
- Cognac12 oz
- Jamaican Dark Rum12 oz
- Peach Brandy4 oz
- Fresh Lemon Juice6 oz
- Lemon Peels6 pieces
- Sugar0.75 cup
- Cold Green Tea12 oz
- Large Ice Block1 piece
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg1 tsp
Method
- Make oleo-saccharum: muddle lemon peels with sugar, rest 1 hour, add lemon juice and stir to dissolve
- In large punch bowl, combine oleo, cognac, rum, peach brandy, and cold green tea
- Float a large ice block in the bowl
- Garnish with lemon wheels and fresh-grated nutmeg
- Ladle into small cups; yields 12 servings
Pro Tips
- The oleo-saccharum is the soul of the punch — don't skip the 1-hour rest; the peels give up their oil slowly.
- Batch and chill overnight for best flavor integration; the spirits mellow into each other.
- One large ice block (a frozen bundt pan) beats cubes — less dilution, more drama.