Water Wine Travel™

Two friends of mine are doing a marathon this summer to raise funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of  America.  Approximately 1.4 million Americans suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.  Affected individuals can suffer diarrhea, pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. In addition, inflammatory bowel disease can be associated with eye inflammation, joint swelling and pain, kidney stones, and an increased risk for colon cancer.

To support their efforts, Big P and I decided to hold a cocktail party last week.  We used Paperless Post to send electronic invites and Eventbrite to sell tickets.  I’m going to declare the event a success.

To decrease our stress level and increase our chances of enjoying our guests, we opted to offer three cocktails – sangria, mojito,  and rum punch.  In addition, we stocked up on non-alcoholic beverages including soda, bottled water and sorrel (a Caribbean drink made from the flower of the hibiscus plant).  Drinks were self serve and placed in large decanters.  Hors d’oeuvres and platters of fruit and vegetables were also placed on a large table buffet style.

Big P’s Best Friend stationed near the Rum Punch

Buffet Table

The night before the party, I made a few batches of simple syrup .  This is great to have on hand to make cocktails.  To make simple syrup, mix 1 part sugar and 1 part water. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir often. After the sugar melts let the syrup cool.  I then place the syrup in a Slom bottle from IKEA and refrigerate.  Its best to use the simple syrup within six months of making it.

The Rum Punch  was made with help from my friend and fellow blogger,  Juli.  Big P also donated a bottle of Wray and Nephew White Rum. I’m not a rum drinker but he swears it is the best.  The recipe below will make about 10 – 12 servings. You can adjust the ingredients to get the taste you want. (Its a tough job but somebody has  to do it.)

Ingredients

1 cup fresh lime juice

2 cups simple syrup

1 cup Wray and Nephew  White Overproof rum

2 cups orange juice

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup manjo juice

4 dashes of bitters

freshly grated nutmeg

We mixed the ingredients in a pitcher and topped if off with a dash of nutmeg. Serve chilled over lots of ice.

For summer entertaining, remember to keep it simple. Use online tools to communicate with guests and don’t be afraid to let your guests “serve” themselves.  Cheers!