Inspired by the Shakers of New England, Tasha and several friends invented a "religion" called Stillwater (which wasn't so much a religion as an excuse to get together, hold tea parties, and dress up in fancy, antique clothes). "Stillwater connotes something very peaceful, you see, life without stress...Life is to be enjoyed, not saddled with. Joy is there for the taking. That's the first commandment of the Stillwater religion." (Tasha Tudor, The Private World of Tasha Tudor). Every Midsummer's Eve Tasha and her family had what they called a "Stillwater Party" that usually included a marionette show, square dance, and a large bowl of cold, refreshing Stillwater Punch. Enjoy Stillwater Punch after a long day of gardening, swimming, or at your own Midsummer's Eve party. You just might make some new Stillwater converts yourself!
Ingredients
- 1 quart cold black tea, made and cooled ahead of time (we use Tasha's favorite Welsh Breakfast tea, just like she did!)
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- juice of 2 oranges (strained) plus 3 cups of orange juice (strained)
- juice of 2 lemons (strained) plus 1 cup of lemon juice (strained)
- juice of 2 limes (strained)
- 4 sprigs of spearmint, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup of raspberry syrup (try to get Zarex Raspberry Syrup, nothing else tastes as good!)
- 1 quart ginger ale
- 1 small jar of Maraschino cherries (optional)
Directions
Mix the juice of 2 oranges, 2 lemons, and 2 limes with 1 1/2 cups of the sugar. Add the cold tea to this mixture, then add the 4 sprigs of fresh spearmint. Set aside to cool.
Mix the remaining orange and lemon juice with the pineapple juice and the raspberry syrup.
Add this to the tea.
Boil the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. Stir this into the tea mixture. Chill thoroughly.
Serve over a block of ice in a punch bowl, adding the ginger ale at the last moment. Add springs of mint for flavor and decoration. If you wish, you may add a small jar of Maraschino cherries, juice and all.
If you are running short, you can keep adding ginger ale to top it off!