Day 16: Palawan Punch

Willkommen, bienvenue, and welcome to day 16, which means yet another cocktail for your extended vacation. Everyone really seemed to enjoy The Curse of Jean Lafitte, so I thought perhaps another shared bowl would be in order. I'm not sure if this whole quarantine thing is getting to the rest of you, but it's finally hitting me. With that said, I thought a summer-time refresher would be just the thing today. Let's head somewhere warm in our minds the Palawan Punch.

Palawan, the largest island in the Palawan Province, is found in the western part of the Philippines. This area is something out of a picture book. It's full of breath-taking views and magical beaches and coves. When imagining an escape from your everyday life, This is the kind of tropical fantasy that comes to mind. I was fortunate enough to oversee the bars for a few Filipino restaurants when I lived in New York. There's just something about the culture which just screams "you're welcome here, now relax and enjoy what's in front of you." Another thing the Philippines has an abundance of is rum. They produce so much rum. It's no wonder, with all that rum comes so much celebration. I originally put this cocktail on the menu with a different name, but the vessel we served it in, had an inside joke not worth explaining here.

Palawan Punch

3oz White Rum (I would use any rum you'd like for a daiquiri, something with a lighter flavor profile, but not bland. Probitas would be the perfect call in my opinion.)

1oz Aperol

.25oz Absinthe

1.5oz Watermelon Syrup

1.5oz Pineapple Juice

1.5oz Lime Juice

2oz Sparkling Water

Serve in hollowed out Watermelon!

Whip shake and pour unstrained.

Top with crushed ice.

Garnish with mint sprigs, orange slices, and flowers.

I knew we'd be getting into hollowed fruit at some point! I hope the Palawan Punch helps put you in a summery vacation mode, making the best of the current situation. That seems to be all we can do. Until we meet again, my thirsty friends, keep calm and shake on.