Makes 1 big pumpkin’s worth of punch

Ingredients

2 cups turbinado or raw sugar
2 cups water
2 cups fresh concord grapes, smashed
3 cardamom pods, crushed
2 cinnamon sticks, cracked
2 teaspoons nutmeg, freshly grated
1 inch piece of ginger, sliced thin
Large Jack O Lantern, seeds removed and cleaned but not carved ( just top)
1 -2 liter seltzer water
Concord Grapes for Garnish
*Concord Grape Balsamic Syrup and Vodka for the adult version

Directions

In a medium saucepan combine sugar, water, grapes, and spiced and stir. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 10 -15 minutes. Take off of heat and allow to cool. Push the liquid through a fine sieve strainer until all liquid moves through. Pour the liquid in the cleaned out pumpkin filled with ice and fill with seltzer water.  Garnish with fresh concord grapes.

*Concord Balsamic Vinegar- In a medium sauce pan, combine  ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, 1 -2 handfuls of sage leaves, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, ½ cup concord grapes, 1 tablespoon black peppercorns (crushed coarsely) and 1 cup balsamic vinegar.  Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to boil gently for about 10 minutes. The mixture should reduce by about one fourth.  Turn off the heat and allow to cool completely.  Strain and chill.