Lemon Thyme Gin Punch

This punch packs a punch. Keep the recipe on hand for summertime celebrations as well as throughout the winter holidays.

6 lemons
1 cup sugar
6 sprigs thyme
2 slices ginger root
1 (26 oz) bottle gin (750 mL)
1 (26 oz) bottle ginger ale (750 mL)
5 cups water (1.5 L)
1 ice ring

Peel 2 of the lemons, avoiding white pith. Juice all lemons.

In saucepan, combine lemon peel, lemon juice, freshly squeezed, sugar, thyme, ginger and water, bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil for 2 minutes. Strain into punch bowl, refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Stir gin into punch. Just before serving, stir in ginger ale, add ice ring.

Float lemon slices and thyme for garnish.