Simple-Talk is about technology and beer, but we’re going to expand that a bit to include mixed drinks as well.  My wife and I frequent a local Bennigans and have been hooked on a drink called the Pattio Punch (or Paddy-O Punch).  It’s a tropical drink served in a giant glass meant for two, though you could easily take one down by yourself if you’re feeling ambitious.

Unfortunately, it appears to have slipped off the drink menu.  Now when you ask for one, you get responses from servers ranging from “Oh, I think the bartender still knows how to make one” to “What the heck are you talking about?”  On a recent visit we had the hostess and a couple of servers walk by our table, stop, turn back around, and come ask us what it was we were drinking.  As I said, it’s served in a big glass, so it easily beomes the centerpiece of your dining experience for the night.  My fear is one day the bartenders are going to stop knowing what it is and it will be even more difficult to get without an exact explination of exactly what it is.

So, if you’re looking for a good tropical mixed drink, here you go …

Bennigans Pattio Punch (or at least a close approximation) 

• 4oz. Coconut Rum (Malibu or Parrot Bay seem to be the favorites)
• 2oz. Melon Liquor (Midori or DeKyupers Melon)
• 2oz. Blue Curacao
• 7oz. Pineapple Juice
• 7oz. Sweet and Sour
• Mix ingredients and pour over a lot of ice to get it cold.

You can also use a mixture of lemon juice and sugar instead of the sweet and sour, but make sure you check the tast to make sure it’s not too sour.  Enjoy!