This year I’m smitten, not because of a new romance, but because I’ve had the pleasure to love the same man for more than 20 years. With this kind of time comes an understanding of moods, fleeting kisses, cuddles, and the contentment to spend the evening watching television. Little is expected in the way of fancy gifts and expensive roses on Valentine’s Day, it’s a cozy meal and quality time together that means the most to us. And while we would normally reach for a bottle of wine, this year we celebrate our time together with a fruity and flirty Raspberry Rum Punch.
The vibrant colour and fruity taste makes it a delightful cocktail to sip and enjoy with your sweetheart. In fact, it’s even better with your long time love because it’s out of the comfort zone. Something new and refreshing! A slightly fizzy cocktail to “cheers” each other, with a love that is signified with the comfort found in one another. The fact that this cocktail is vibrant with raspberry flavour and rather delicious doesn’t hurt either. It might just mean we’ll have to have two. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Recipe source for Raspberry Rum Punch: Compelled To Cook
- 6 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 ounce white rum
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier
- 3 ounces raspberry syrup
- 2 ounces lemon lime soda or gingerale chilled
- squeeze fresh lime juice
- In a small sauce pan over medium heat stir together all ingredients and allow to cook down, mashing berries as it does, approximately 2-3 minutes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve, pushing on the solids to extract the juice. Can be made ahead, covered and refrigerated until ready to use. Yields approximately 3 ounces.
- Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add rum, Grand Marnier, raspberry syrup and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Shake until cold, about 30 seconds. Divide equally between two cocktail glasses and top up each with an approximate ounce of soda. Serve immediately.