Hot Rum Punch
There's nothing quite like a sip of hot rum punch to chase away the chill. This rendition, livened with a touch of cognac and infused with citrus and nutmeg, is the perfect choice for entertaining guests when the temperature takes a dip. You can even set it ablaze for those feeling adventurous, providing delightful entertainment for your company.Use a fireproof bowl; silver or another metal is the safest option, as wood or tempered glass may not withstand the heat. However, even without the fiery spectacle, it remains a luxurious, soothing, and potent libation. For an elegant affair, serve it in small cups.
Instructions
- Take a vegetable peeler and strip the zest from 2 lemons and the tangerine. Place these zest strips into a large heatproof bowl (or use a fireproof bowl to ignite the punch) along with the sugar. Mash them together using a muddler, pestle, or the back of a wooden spoon. Allow this mixture to infuse for at least 3 hours (or let it infuse overnight).
- Cut the tangerine in half and extract its juice into a measuring cup. Likewise, halve the lemons and squeeze their juice into the same measuring cup until you have ¾ cup of juice (unused lemon halves can be reserved for another purpose).
- When you are prepared to serve, boil 1 quart of water. Combine the rum and cognac with the sugar and citrus peels in the bowl. If you intend to set the punch on fire, do it at this point (see note below).
- Include the reserved citrus juice and the boiling water, then stir the mixture thoroughly. Finish by grating nutmeg on top of the punch and serving it in glasses using a ladle.
Notes
If you wish to ignite the punch, ensuring your bowl is fireproof is crucial. Materials like silver or another type of metal, such as wood or tempered glass, are not suitable choices. After completing Step 3, follow these instructions:
- Using a fireproof, long-handled bar spoon or ladle, scoop out a portion of the alcohol mixture.
- Ignite this portion with a flame.
- Carefully return the spoon to the bowl to set the remaining punch on fire.
- Stir the flaming punch gently to help dissolve the sugar; allow it to burn for a minute or two.
- place a metal tray over the bowl to extinguish the fire.
- Proceed with the remaining steps of the recipe.