Recipe: Rum punch

Total time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

Note: To make a simple syrup, combine equal amounts of sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool completely. It will keep, stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, for several months. For a slightly different flavor, substitute 1/2 jigger maple syrup for the simple syrup.

1 jigger (1 1/2 ounces) fresh lime juice

1 jigger (1 1/2 ounces) simple syrup

2 jiggers (3 ounces) dark rum, preferably from Barbados

2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

1 jigger (1 1/2 ounces) cold water

Fresh nutmeg

1. Combine the lime juice, simple syrup, rum and bitters in an ice-filled glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add cold water. Shake until it is completely mixed. Taste and add more simple syrup, bitters or lime if you like — it should be tart but still sweet. Pour over ice in a squat glass. Grate the nutmeg thickly over the top and serve. (Components can be scaled up in direct proportion to make a pitcherful.)

Each serving: 278 calories; 0 protein; 23 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 0 fat; 0 saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 1 mg. sodium.