It's Noon Somewhere…Sparkling Apple Rum Punch

It's the time of year that people either relish or dread: autumn.  The leaves are changing color, there is that lovely crisp feeling in the air, and the holidays are fast approaching. Summer is over, and we know that we won't get those long sunshine filled days until at least July.  I can't believe it is already mid-November, which means all my domestic goddesses out there will be prepping for their holiday parties that are just around the corner.  Now, you know I love a perfectly executed craft cocktail as much as the next person (well, probably much more), but, for party season, that just isn't practical. You can always do a sangria or stick with beer and wine, but I prefer to serve a cocktail before dinner, so a punch is a wonderful and inexpensive option.  And for punch, rum (surprise!) is the perfect base spirit.  It lends itself wonderfully to a wide range of juices, mixers, and flavors, but it still packs a lovely punch (see what I did there?).

We served this particular punch at our annual Halloween party, and it was a big hit, but I think it could be served all the way through to the new year.  Spiced Rum mixes nicely with the apple cider, and the lemon adds the needed acidity.  Simple syrup infused with thyme adds sweetness and depth of flavor, resulting in that little thing that makes you go, what is in this? Simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar and water, boiled until the sugar is dissolved.  In this case, you also place some thyme in the mixture to infuse the flavor in your simple syrup. 

This cocktail can be made ahead of time in a pitcher: just add the cider at the last minute to preserve the bubbles!  Get ready to live out your Mad Men fantasies by serving your guests out of a crystal pitcher  at your next party (a fancy apron is more than welcome!)

Sparkling Apple Rum Punch:

1 750 ml Spiced Rum

1/2 Cup Lemon Juice

1/3 Cup Thyme Simple Syrup

2 (12 oz) bottles of Sparkling Apple Cider

To make the thyme-infused simple syrup:

Boil 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar with a couple whole thyme sprigs until the sugar is dissolved.
Cool completely and remove thyme sprigs.

In a pitcher mix, all ingredients except the sparkling cider.  Add sparkling cider immediately before serving.  Garnish with thyme and an apple slice.

Enjoy!

Julie