DARK AND STORMY PUNCH

Dark and Stormy Punch image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup grated peeled ginger
2 limes, zest removed with a peeler plus 1/4 cup lime juice
Four 12-ounce cans ginger beer, such as Gosling's, chilled
2 cups dark rum, such as Gosling's
2 limes, cut into wheels
1/2 cup high-quality maraschino cherries, such as Luxardo
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

Chill highball glasses in the freezer.
For the punch: Combine the sugar, ginger and lime zest strips with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. Let steep for 30 minutes.
Strain the syrup into a bowl and stir in the lime juice. In a large punch bowl, combine the syrup, ginger beer and rum.
For the garnish: Add ice to the chilled glasses, then divide the lime wheels, cherries and mint sprigs betweem the punch bowl and glasses. Serve the punch in the glasses.