Thirsty Thursday - Porch Crawler

Spring is the time for yard work. Spending time outside works up a thirst. When it's time to sit on your porch to admire a day's worth of chores, try this tasty punch-like adult beverage.

PORCH CRAWLER

Ingredients

·         5 cherries, pitted

·         1 cherry, for garnish

·         3 leaves mint

·         1 sprig(s) mint, for garnish

·         1 hot chile, such as serrano, halved and seeded

·         Ice

·         2 ounce(s) white rum

·         1 ounce(s) fresh lemon juice

·         1 ounce(s) Basic Simple Syrup

·         2 ounce(s) chilled club soda

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Basic Simple Syrup Directions

Simple syrup is used to make lemonade, various cocktails and for other liquids that need sweetening.

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the 5 pitted cherries, mint leaves, and chile. Add ice and the rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup; shake well. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, stir in the club soda, and garnish with a cherry and a mint sprig.

Ingredients

·         1 cup(s) sugar

·         1 cup(s) water

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Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil; simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

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Tips & Techniques

Make Ahead: The syrup can be refrigerated in a glass jar for up to 1 month.