This week marks the official start of summer and as we celebrate the Solstice, what better of a way to mark the occasion than with a time-honored warm-weather classic: the Rum Punch. A staple of island life, this electrifying elixir evokes tropical sunshine while living up to its menacing moniker—always delivering a pleasing punch to the dome-piece. With a few easily procurable spirits and fruit juices, it’s easy enough to bring this bad boy to life in your home kitchen. 

All you’ll need to get started is some golden and coconut rums, apricot brandy, pineapple, orange and grapefruit juices and some lime. Of course a pitcher will help out as well unless you’re okay with pouring the ingredients directly down your throat (not recommended).

Combine 1 cup of golden rum with 1/2 cup of the coconut rum and another 1/2 cup of the brandy. Mix in a cup of pineapple juice, 3/4 cup of OJ, and just a nice little splash of pink grapefruit juice—depending on how much tartness you want your punch to have. If you like it less sweet, simply balance it out with more grapefruit juice. But then again, why are you drinking a rum punch to begin with? Take one of those nice large wooden spoons from the silverware drawer and swirl all of that goodness around in the pitcher. Finally, take some freshly sliced lime and throw it into the mix to make the pitcher more colorful, and also to add a little extra flavor. Then comes the easy part: pour out six glasses for you and your buddies and enjoy summer on the beach.