The Covered Dish -Summer Poolside Drink

This column began with a good cup of decaf, (it is late in the evening) and a day of total rest. I can’t say I accomplished a great deal over my weekend, but restful, it has been.
I’ll start by saying it has been a remarkable week. I had the privilege of being a part of the entourage to accompany my son’s fiancee, as she chose her wedding dress. It was an honor, and one that I will always remember. Seeing the smile on her face when she put on what became ‘the dress’, was a memory maker, in the journey towards marriage.
Ervin and I have been lucky to have a son that has blessed out lives to the utmost. Now he is adding to his life with a wonderful mate, and a daughter we have loved since he first brought her home. Indeed, a week to cherish.
During the heat of summer it is rather fun to bring a refreshing beverage to a gathering, especially when the ingredients are simple and easy to prepare. I got a chuckle at myself when I read the note in my own cookbook saying this recipe came from one of my Baptist friends! Perhaps it’s a good thing that I have no idea who that friend was at the time.
I’m sure you could switch out the Sprite soda for another white sparkling drink. For the pineapple coconut rum I would probably reach for the Rum Chata brand. If you make a full batch of this beverage you will have enough for 13, 8-ounce cups. The one thing you will want to remember is if the soda pop is put in from the very beginning you won’t be able to save the leftovers. So; I’m thinking I’ll type out the full recipe for you and then only a quarter of the recipe. Remember the pineapple juice can be purchased in small cans too. With many warm days left ahead I’m sure you’ll have no problem using up the remaining dry lemonade mix.
How do we make this into a non alcoholic beverage? Probably implement some coconut milk and rum extract. You can also use a product called Cocovana which would solve the alcohol free issue. Another nice entertaining tip would be to freeze some of the first 3 ingredients: pineapple juice, lemonade and water. This is like freezing ice tea cubes, it keeps the beverage from diluting.
For an easy garnish I would consider a pineapple spear with toasted coconut on the rim, perhaps a cherry for a pop of color.

Summer Poolside Drink
13 Servings 3 servings
48 ounces pineapple juice 12 ounces pineapple juice
1 cup dry lemonade mix 1⁄4 cup dry lemonade mix
2 cups cold water 1⁄2 cup cold water
2 cans of sprite soda (12oz ea.) 3⁄4 cup sprite soda pop
Pineapple Coconut Rum Pineapple Coconut Rum
Start with 1 1⁄4 cups 3-4 ounces to start/6-8 tablespoons
Single servings
1⁄2 cup pineapple juice
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry lemonade mix
2 tablespoons water
4 tablespoons sprite
2-3 tablespoons of Pineapple Coconut Rum
Do the sip and taste method on the addition of the alcohol. I started the recipe with 1 1⁄4 cups of rum chata but you could increase to as much as 1 3⁄4. One last tip, don’t use diet soda, you will be dissapointed.
Simply yours, The Covered Dish.