Potsdam Punch

Kaiser Wilhelm's own.

Heat two quarts of water to the boiling point. Add 4 pounds of sugar, then add 4 bottles Rhine wine and 1 bottle rum. Heat the entire brew again to the boiling point, then take from fire and reduce the alcoholic content by setting fire to the liquid. Strain through a cloth into a bowl and add the juice of two lemons.

Serve either hot or cold.