Half Gallon Recipe

Make syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, about 15–20 minutes. Refrigerate if not using immediately.

Combine spirits and citrus

In a large pitcher or half-gallon container, pour in 3 cups vodka, 2 cups white rum, and 1 cup orange liqueur. Add 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.

Add sweetener

Stir in 1 cup cooled simple syrup until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness — add up to 1/4 cup more simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter batch.

Add juices and bitters

Pour in 4 cups cranberry juice and 4 cups orange juice. Add 8 teaspoons bitters (approximately 4 dashes per cup of bitters listed as tsp — adjust to taste). Stir thoroughly to marry flavors.

Chill

Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and to serve chilled. For best results chill 2–4 hours.

Optional carbonate

If a light fizz is desired, gently stir in up to 2 cups chilled club soda just before serving to avoid flattening. For a non-fizzy version omit the club soda.

Prepare serving vessel

Fill a large punch bowl or individual glasses with ice. Add several orange and lime wheels to the bowl or to each glass and tuck in a few mint sprigs for aroma.

Ladle or pour the chilled Half Gallon mixture over ice and garnishes. Serve with a cocktail spoon or straw. Keeps well refrigerated for up to 48 hours; add club soda only when ready to serve to maintain carbonation.