Tipsy Tuesday: Farewell Todd edition

My husband has this amazing friend, Todd.

He's an artist, and an incredibly innovative, idea-driven, and talented one at that.

example: he loves climbing trees, so he had this thought to rig a jumpsuit with lights and climb a tree, wearing illuminated said jumpsuit, while capturing it with a long exposure shot. 
The result was this:

 

i mean. GET OUTTA HERE! right?!

amazing.

Well, Toddy has decided to get his MFA...! Unfortunately, in Buffalo, NY.

::insert sad face here::
::insert even sadder husband face here::

For his going away party, Todd asked me to mix up a cocktail in honor of the occasion.
So, of course I needed to create a unique, sweet, and spicy creation, featuring the state spirit of bourbon and some nature/earthy elements to pay homage to the man of the night.

With inspiration from a pickle recipe by favorite local chef, Edward Lee, I created the "farewell toddy punch", because bourbon jasmine peach chili punch is just way too long. 

click through for the recipe.

and boy oh boy, we'll miss ya Todd!

Farewell Toddy Punch

[This punch has 3 components: the tea, peach puree, and the liquor.]

1. Make the "tea":

in a large pot, bring 16 cups of water to a simmer. 

Drop in 6 Jasmine tea bags 

2-3 Serrano Chili peppers (quartered, but seeds and all!), and 

3 star anise. 

Reduce heat and steep for about 30-45 minutes, then strain.

To the tea, Add 1 + 1/2 cups of honey, stir until dissolved, then allow the mixture to cool.

2. Peach puree

Peel and pit 4 peaches and toss into a blender with the juice of 2 lemons and blend until pureed. 

3. Liquor:

Add 1 + 1/2  700ml bottles of good ol' kentucky bourbon (sorry for the rough measurement on this, I added one bottle, taste tested, and thought it needed some more kick to it!) Also, I used Four Roses bourbon, as i do with all my bourbon punches. No need to spring for the fancy stuff when you're mixing with so many flavors, but you still want something with a good earthiness to it.  

Combine all parts in a large drink dispenser and chill for 4 hours, or overnight. Serve chilled over a nice giant ice cube, and think about Todd.