WINTER IN THE TROPICS RECIPE
Erica Sagon
Do your tastebuds need a little vacation from holiday drinks? We thought so. Winter in the Tropics is quite the pleasant rum punch, and a refreshing switcheroo from those holiday flavors like cranberry and cinnamon. The recipe calls for blood oranges, which are coming into season, and freshly squeezing them is definitely worthwhile (though you can substitute bottled juice, like Italian Volcano brand).
This punch was created by Cardinal Spirits bartender Chris Resnick, who is the master of Tiki Tuesdays at the distillery. (Chris' Winter in the Tropics recipe was featured in Nuvo during the holidays!)
WINTER IN THE TROPICS
By Chris Resnick of Cardinal Spirits
Serves about 12
1 bottle Cardinal Spirits Tiki Rum
1 bottle Italian Volcano blood orange juice (or 22 ounces fresh squeezed blood orange juice)
8.5 ounces lemon juice
8.5 ounces vanilla syrup (recipe follows)
20 dashes Angostura bitters
Lemon and blood orange wheels, for garnish
Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Combine ingredients in a punch bowl with a large block of ice. Garnish with lemon wheels, blood orange wheels and freshly grated nutmeg.
For the vanilla syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup turbinado sugar, ½ cup water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Simmer until sugar has dissolved. Cool before using. Store in refrigerator.