Cocktail Thursday: Missouri Edition

Are your Georgia Bulldogs taking on a high-quality SEC opponent and looking to avoid another hangover following a big road victory? Then you could probably use a drink.

I can help you with that.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Kirby Smart’s team went on the road and decisively handled a top 10 opponent. It was a result which prompted national media and SEC opponents alike to immediately fete them as the top team in the country. Adulation all around. Fireworks. Champagne dreams. Confetti from the sky.

We saw how that turned out last time. So suffice it to say that I am withholding just the tiniest amount of excitement headed into this Saturday. Maybe the Red and Black’s unfortunate stumble against Auburn was the result of everything going wrong all at once in a way that is unlikely to repeat itself. But I’m keeping this team on probation until the ‘Dawgs prove that they aren’t going to beat the ‘Dawgs.

And what’s the drink for keeping your enthusiasm on probation? Probationer’s punch.

It’s an effervescent refreshment that will still allow you to stay clear-headed and, if you’re a Tennessee fan, able to pass whatever tests your probation officer may have for you.

You’ll need:

3 cups pineapple juice

2 cups orange juice

1 cup of cranberry juice

¼ cup fresh lime juice

6 tablespoons grenadine syrup

Citrus slices (For garnish)

Maraschino cherries (Ditto)

This recipe makes six servings. So feel free to double, triple, or octuple the measurements as needed.

Prepare your garnishes beforehand by skewering citrus slices and cherries on toothpicks or cocktail sticks.

In a large pitcher mix the pineapple, orange, cranberry and lime juices.

Into each individual serving glass pour in one tablespoon of the grenadine syrup. Fill the glass with ice. When ready to serve, pour the rum punch into each glass to create a sunset effect And if you want, you could throw in an ounce and a half of dark rum. Assuming you’re off probation, obviously. . Enjoy responsibly, and….

Go ‘Dawgs!!!