Ingredients

Makes about 10 cups

　　1/3 cup sugar

　　10-ounce package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed

　　1/2 cup fresh lime juice

　　1/2 cup brandy

　　1/2 chilled club soda

　　2 bottles (25.4 ounces each) chilled champagne

　　Strawberries, sliced thin, for garnish if desired

　　Thin lime slices, halved, for garnish if desired

　　

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with 1/2 cup water and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved.

　　

Step 2

Let the sugar syrup cool completely. In a food processor, pur`the strawberries with their syrup and the lime juice, transfer the mixture to a large punch bowl, forcing it through a fine sieve if desired, and stir in the sugar syrup, the brandy, and the club soda.

　　

Step 3

Chill the mixture, covered, until it is cold. Add the champagne slowly just before serving and serve the punch in punch glasses, each garnished with a strawberry slice and a lime slice.