Pimm's Royale Punch

Directions

1. 1.

   Place the peels in a glass pitcher or bowl with the sugar (save the lemons for juicing). Muddle the peels until the sugar looks slightly moistened, then cover and let sit for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

2. 2.

   Add the lemon, cucumber, grapefruit, and orange wheels, Pimm's, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. You can make this the night before to cut your workload down on New Year's Eve.

3. 3.

   When you are ready to serve, transfer the mixture (including the fruit) to a punch bowl and slowly add the Champagne and the ice. Garnish the bowl with the strawberry slices.

4. 4.

   To serve, ladle into punch glasses.

5. 5.

   This punch can also be served Sangria-style in a pitcher and poured over ice.