"A monstrous crowd of people is in the city," Daniel Webster wrote on Inauguration Day, 1829. "I never saw any thing like it before. Persons have come five hundred miles to see General Jackson; and they really seem to think that the country is rescued from some dreadful danger."
After the oath and his address, the old general climbed on his horse and headed for the White House. As one witness told it: "The President was literally pursued by a motley concourse of people, riding, running helter-skelter, striving who should first gain admittance into the executive mansion, where it was understood that refreshments were to be distributed."
The unruly bunch pushed into the White House, clods standing on the silk-upholstered furniture in muddy boots to get a glimpse of the new president (who was trying not to be crushed by his well-wishers). "The reign of King Mob seemed triumphant," wrote Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story, appalled. When the stewards finally delivered buckets full of Orange Punch, the crowd lunged for the pails, overturning furniture, smashing the glassware, and -- perhaps worst of all -- spilling the punch itself. Quick-thinking waiters lugged the remaining barrels of punch out onto the White House lawn, enticing Jackson's admirers to take the party outside.
-From The Wall Street Journal-
In need to wash away the sorrows. Or celebrate? here is a punch for your inaugural activities.
Punches are a parties best friend. They last a long time, usually lower in proof, can be self serve, batched ahead of time and refilled quickly, as the show must go on. It lends itself to decorative ice molds, fruit, edible flowers, just to name a few. Also it gives you an opportunity to pull out that punch bowl you had to have when you got married or that your mom insisted you have cause it was your grandmothers. Maybe you need an excuse to buy a super fancy one that looks like the Kraken and made of pewter! Whatever the occasion dust off the ole punch bowl and serve a punch at your next event.
There are a few recipes out there for this punch but here is my take on it.
-American Orange Punch-
4 oranges
5 lemons
16oz of orange juice
8oz lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 whole nutmeg, grated
8oz of Jamaican Rum
8oz high prof Whiskey
2 (12oz) bottle of Porter Beer
16oz of water
Prepare the oleo 1 day ahead, peel oranges and lemons place in a ziplock and pack the peels in the sugar.
Next day: Heat the water to a boil turn off and add the oleo mixture to it and stir until sugar is dissolved and place in refrigerator until cool. Meanwhile juice citrus and measure out said portions. After the oleo has cooled Strain out the peels add all ingredients to that awesome punch bowl you bought stir and you are ready for entertaining all of your lovely guest!
Don't forget to pull out that awesome ice bucket and have a backup ice chest full of ice. Also if this is the only cocktail you will be serving plan on having around 1.5 gallon per hour for approximately 25 guest. So make a back up. But don't over do it, this punch will last for only a few days in the fridge.