Cranberry Lemonade Punch

First make a lemonade syrup. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon peel and lemon juice, stir, and remove from the heat. Let cool completely. If desired, strain the mixture. I like all the little lemon tidbits in my drink, so I do not strain it. Thoroughly chill the lemonade syrup.

In a punch bowl or other large serving container, combine the Simply Cranberry Cocktail with the chilled lemonade syrup. Add the orange soda and ginger ale. Give it a stir and add the lemon slices right before serving.

Note: To keep this drink cold, I like to make cranberry juice ice cubes a day or two before serving this punch. Just pour Simply Cranberry Cocktail into ice cube trays and freeze. Be sure to give them at least 24 hours to freeze completely. Add the frozen cranberry cubes to the punch bowl or to individual glasses to keep drinks cold without diluting them.