A Summer Cocktail

With the arrival of June (and the warm weather), it is necessary (some places, even required) to enjoy a nice summery cocktail in the evening. Here's one that can be made in quantity and kept in the fridge and / or served in large pitchers. Whether or not you want to share is up to you.

Thieves' Punch
The Washington Post, May 12, 2010

Summary:
The original recipe calls for white rum, but Spirits columnist Jason Wilson says cachaca gives this punch much richer flavor and more complexity. [Cachaca is the same Brazilian spirit used in the caipirinha.] Don't omit the bitters: They balance the lime juice.

8 servings

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 16 ounces cachaca
• 5 ounces ruby or tawny port
• 10 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 4 limes)
• 5 ounces simple syrup (see NOTE)
• 20 dashes Angostura bitters
  

Directions:
Fill 8 old-fashioned or rocks glasses with ice. Combine the cachaca, port, lime juice, simple syrup and bitters in a pitcher. Add ice, then stir. Strain into the old-fashioned or rocks glasses.

NOTE: To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a slow rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof container and let cool to room temperature.

Recipe Source:
Adapted from a recipe by Duggan McDonnell of Cantina in San Francisco that was published in Food & Wine magazine's "Cocktails '09."