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

---

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

---

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.

---

Tips & Techniques

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

Humpday Hottie

Drinking enough fluids is important during our hot summer weather

Hot weather can lead to body water loss, dehydration and heat stroke.

What do you drink during hot weather?