At all of my dinner parties, I offer guests one signature cocktail with appetizers, followed by a couple bottles of wine with dinner. I am a fan of a full open bar and pleasing my friends with whatever drink floats their fancy, but I do this when a small group is coming over for drinks only. At a dinner party, there are other things to worry about - the food, the mingling of new friends with old, etc. - so it's easier to make one big cocktail that fits the theme. Don't make an endless amount, a few pitchers full is sufficient. For this week's tropical themed dinner party [1], a colorful rum punch is ideal. Fresh raspberries give it a festive look and lime slices act as garnish. Sparkling and still water refreshes guests, and a mixture of fresh lemonade and pineapple juice is refreshing for those who do not consume alcohol. With the mahi mahi main course [1] pour California Chardonnay or an Australian Riesling. If you must have red wine, serve a light bodied Beaujolais. For the raspberry rum punch recipe as pictured at left

Raspberry Rum Punch
From Instyle [2] magazine

1 pint raspberries (or 1 pint frozen raspberries)
1 cup simple syrup
4 cups club soda
4 cups dark rum
4 cups fresh lime juice
2/3 cup superfine sugar
Ice
raspberries, lime wedges, optional for garnish

1. In a punch bowl crush the raspberries and simple syrup.
2. Add the club soda, rum, lime juice, and sugar.
3. Ladle into ice-filled glasses; garnish with the raspberries and lime slices.

Print recipe with images [2] | without images [2]