Thirsty Thursdays: Rum Punch Edition

Physically, I may be back in New York; mentally, I'm still in the Caribbean. In fact, I'm not entirely sure why we thought it was a good idea to come home. It may have had something to do with a husband needing his wife and a job requiring my presence ... but right now it seems like a bad idea. It was all I could do not to put on flip-flops when I woke up this morning and, certainly, I was disappointed at the distinct lack of pool, Chez Diva.

Ah well, a glorious vacation it was - and at least I can recreate the taste of the islands at home. Today, I'm featuring a cocktail sure to remind me of the soft sands, the warm breeze, and the cool, clear, turquoise waters I left behind.

Rum Punch:

• 2 oz. dark rum
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz. lime juice - roughly half a lime
• 1 teaspoon Grenadine syrup
• freshly grated nutmeg
• wheel of orange, lime or blood orange for garnish

Fill a martini shaker with ice and over it pour the rum, orange juice, pineapple juice and lime juice. Cover and shake well until the outside of the shaker frosts. Strain into an ice filled highball glass and top with 1 teaspoon of Grenadine syrup. Grate some fresh nutmeg over the top of the drink and garnish with a slice of fruit. Serve and enjoy, repeat as necessary!

I'm certain there are hundreds, if not thousands, of recipes for Rum Punch. Consider this a basic and feel free to experiment. You could substitute some fresh blood orange juice for the regular stuff, or use it in place of the lime. You might also decide to opt for one of those tropical juice blends, in lieu of the pineapple juice. Hell, you could even add another ounce or two of rum if you're feeling frisky. Go ahead, I won't tell. I'll even allow for a festive paper umbrella or two, if it suits your fancy.

Either way, you'll be rewarded with a seductive little drink that's as refreshing as it is classic. Be aware, it goes down smooth and there's a ton of sugar involved ... have a few glasses of water if you're going to indulge. Your head will thank me in the morning ... and, its worth the risk!

Here's where I was when I was sipping my last rum punch:

... Is it any wonder I'm sorry we left? Le sigh.

Oh, and if you're wondering what goes on behind the scenes, Chez Diva ... it goes a little something like this:

Cheers!