by Bob Etier

Created on: April 27, 2010

Yo Ho Ho and a Goblet of Punch! A cool drink for hot nights.

Thanks to Captain Jack Sparrow, piratemania gripped the country a few years back, and it still hasn’t subsided. This is not a complaint; pirate chic is pretty kicky. With summer soon upon us, the opportunities to bring out your inner pirate increase. As the weather gets warmer and the drinks get cooler, what could be cooler than a pirate-inspired drink? How about a recipe that will satisfy even the roughest buccaneer at your next party or barbecue?

 Here's something I never noticed before: PIRATES is an anagram of PARTIES! From what we know of Captain Sparrow, that's extremely appropriate. For those having pirate-themed parties or just looking for a new beverage experience, here is a mixed drink recipe that is sure to enhance your swashbucklin’ adventures on or off the high seas. 

Bob’s Pirate Punch is one part Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, one part pineapple juice, two parts cranberry juice, and a bit of lemon (a squeeze or a twist). Shake it up, pour it over ice, and serve in on-the-rocks or collins glasses — or a coconut shell if that’s what ye’ fancy.

Of course, not everyone wants or should have alcohol, and a virgin version (virgin pirate?) can be made. For those who'd prefer to skip the rum, substitute ginger ale. It's still deliciously thirst-quenching.

Etymology: There are a number of recipes for drinks called "Pirate’s Punch" or “Drunken Pirate’s Punch.” This recipe is based on a drink Captain Chip and I enjoyed at the wonderful Bistro 1896 in Asheville, NC. I remembered that the drink was named after a flower, but couldn’t remember which one (and no, not because I had too many). It was refreshing and delicious. I went home, experimented, drank, experimented some more… passed out (not really), until I came up with this simple recipe. "Bob" just clarifies that it’s not one of the other well-known pirate punches. However, in an effort to add verisimilitude to this tale, I took the "What's My Pirate Name" quiz and learned I could change the name of this recipe to Captain Bess Rackham's Pirate Punch. I fear, though, that after one or two, it would be difficult to order, so Bob's Pirate Punch it is! If there’s another Bob out there who has his or her own Pirate Punch, maybe we can reach an agreement. But — remember, Bob — no one can pronounce my last name.

I’ve introduced this recipe at a number of parties to “smashing” success. To translate the measurements, Bob’s Pirate Punch for two would be ¼ cup Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, ¼ cup pineapple juice, and ½ cup cranberry juice (or cranberry juice cocktail). It’s low in carbs and I’m pretty sure it will ward off scurvy — just don’t forget the twist of lemon.

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