A Refreshing Cocktail

I live in Seattle and we have been lucky enough to be experiencing some wonderful weather this Spring the past few days have been dark, dreary and windy. Where on earth did Spring go? I want to cry.

I did have an "A-ha" moment, however. An idea, a perfect little pick me up that takes me back to my honeymoon in the Bahamas - Rum Punch. We were on one of those snorkeling cruises where they had endless and I mean endless amounts of Rum Punch. Who knows what was in those drinks (I really would rather not know), but they were tasty and strong. Any seasickness I may have had was treated with a heavy buzz and the warmth of the tropical sun.

Although the tropical vacation is far off for me, unfortunately I do make a dynamite Rum Punch to clear up the gloomy weather blues that I currently have. And please, don't feel guilty - there is a lot of freshly squeezed juice in here.

Rum PunchMakes about 8 cups

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups light rum
3 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
3 cups pineapple juice
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons cranberry juice
2 tablespoons grenadine
Ice cubes
1 lime, thinly sliced, for garnish

Directions
In a large pitcher, combine the rum, juices, and grenadine. Stir until well blended. Fill glasses with ice; divide mixture between glasses. Garnish with lime and serve immediately.