Fruited Brandy Punch

• 1/2 part brandy (I use Christian Brothers brand)
• 1 part lemon-lime soda
• 2 parts fruit juice (Cranberry-Peach blend is my favorite)
• 1/2 bag frozen fruit (Blueberries and strawberries look great)
• 1 fruited ice ring (see recipe below)
• Slices of lemons, limes and oranges, if desired

Mix fruit juice and frozen fruit together in a decorative punch bowl. This one is especially nice because you can use all 8 pieces for other purposes when they are not being used for punch.

Pour in lemon-lime soda, gently stir and then float an ice ring on top (see recipe below). Rather than spike the punch, I serve the brandy on the side so my guests who prefer non-alcoholic punch can drink it too.

To make ice ring

Pour 1-2 cups of the juice mixture from above into a Bundt pan or another mold. Add some of the fruit and/or fresh citrus slices. Freeze overnight.

Just before serving, set the pan into some hot water to loosen the ice ring and then turn it into the punch bowl. It makes a really beautiful presentation, cools the punch and since it's made with juice, it will not water down the punch. Perfect!

Lately, I've been seeing these Drink Fountains at parties. Fruited Brandy Punch is a good choice for a fountain. Just leave out the fruit.