Rum Punch: An Ancient Drink Fit For A Country's Birthday

With the 4th of July just around the corner many are already planning their backyard festivities--probably composed of something on the grill and a variety of alcohol. After all, what's more American than a burger and a Bud on the lawn, right? But (yawn) hasn't that been done before?

Instead of the old standby why don’t you make this year's party both memorable and traditional by creating a batch of one of the most American of drinks: rum punch.

As we come into the full swing of the Christmas and Hanukkah season we are reminded of and partake in some of our most cherished traditions.  From decorating the Christmas tree to decorating the house, the lighting of the menorah, spinning the dradle and holiday gatherings spent with friends and family, it truly is a season of traditions and holiday spirit.  Of course with holiday gatherings come holiday drinks with none more popular than Eggnog.

Ask just about anyone what Chartreuse is and they’ll tell you it is a color, a shade of green as a matter of fact.  Few people know that Chartreuse is actually a spirit created by monks high in the French Alps which has a history over 400 years in the making.

It was announced last week that the Lenox Lounge is closing.

The Lenox Lounge is a jazz bar in Harlem, New York that was originally opened in 1939.

The place played host to such rising acts as Billie Holliday, Miles Davis and John Coltrain. It was also a favorite hangout spot for celebrities like Malcolm X, James Baldwin and Langston Hughes.

As a bar it's importance can't be understated. In the black community it provided an outlet for young performers to polish their skills before moving on to bigger venues. For the working men and women of Harlem, it was a spot they could go to in their community, where they were safe and sharing in their culture, beliefs and values.