Valentine’s Claret Punch

This cocktail comes courtesy of Helen Cassin Kinkaid (née Helen Sherburne Ross), descendant of Revolutionary War Major John Samuel Sherburne.

She met Thomas Cassin Kinkaid while he was an ensign at the Naval Academy in Annapolis and they were eventually married. According to Wikipedia: “Their marriage produced no children. They enjoyed playing contract bridge and golf, and Helen was the women’s golf champion for the District of Columbia in 1921 and 1922.” Kinkaid went on to be an admiral during World War II. I don’t really understand war but the Wikipedia entry about Mr. Kinkaid is quite extensive if you want to know more.

Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph

For those not in the know: “claret” is Bordeaux. The original recipe called for ½ pint of Jamaica Rum but I went full pint. It also specified a “gill” of maraschino. That is a half-cup.

I’m not sure why this is called Valentines Claret Punch. I did find this reference to claret punch in “Puck’s Annual” almanac from 1880:

I say go forth, make this punch and drink away the irritation that Valentine’s Day begets.

Recipe:

• 1 quart tea
• ½ lb sugar
• 1 cup Jamaica Rum
• 1 quart Claret
• ¼ cup Maraschino
• juice of 3 lemons
• juice of 3 oranges

Strain all ingredients and serve with ice. “Liquors can be increased.”

Adapted from Maryland’s Way, “Helen Cassin Kinkaid’s Book, Hanover Street”