The Fourth-Quarter Comeback recipe.

Ingredients

• 700 ml Bourbon
• 600 ml Orange juice (fresh)
• 250 ml lemon juice (fresh)
• 200 ml Maple syrup
• 150 ml Black Tea (strong cold)
• Soda Water to top
• Ginger Ale to top
• 4 orange slices (wheels, garnish)
• 4 pieces Lemon Wheel (slices, garnish)
• 6 mint sprigs (fresh garnish)

Equipment needed

Instructions

1. What you'll need: • Large punch bowl (3–4 litre capacity) • Ladle or long spoon • Measuring jug • Citrus juicer • Fine strainer (optional)
2. Either use a large mould to make a large block of ice (day before), or add ice in periodically to prevent dilution.
3. Squeeze fresh juice for a fresher taste, or buy shop-bought. • 600 ml fresh orange juice • 250 ml fresh lemon juice
4. Brew 200 ml strong black tea (2 tea bags, 5 minutes). Remove tea bags and allow to cool fully.
5. Build the punch base in the bowl: • 700 ml bourbon • 600 ml orange juice • 250 ml lemon juice • 200 ml maple syrup • 150 ml cooled black tea
6. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until combined.
7. Too sharp → add a little maple syrup Too sweet → add a squeeze of lemon
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cold punch blends flavours and slows dilution.
9. <b>Add garnish</b> • 2 oranges (sliced) • 1 lemon (sliced) • Handful of mint (lightly slap leaves to release aroma) • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
10. Finish just before serving • Place the large ice block in the bowl. • Add sliced fruit and cinnamon sticks. • Slowly pour in 1 to 1.5 litres soda water or ginger ale while stirring gently.
11. <b>Tips:</b> • Start with 1 litre, taste, then add more if needed. • Too strong → add more soda • Too light → add a splash of bourbon • Needs brightness → squeeze in half a lemon