Instructions: It started with rum and Coke and that first fraternity party where your best friend locked herself in the bathroom with the date who was supposed to be with you. The next move was to drop the pop, take it straight to the dance floor, and discover the rumba. Rum, relationships and dancing seem to create a stir whenever they meet. The action gets even better when you jettison the jerks

(both of them) and concentrate on exotic combos and contagious grooves. Cocktail wizard Jeanne Subotnick gives this jumping number a purple haze and lime perfume. Multiply proportions to fit the crowd.

5 ice cubes
3 ounces dark sweet rum, such as Goslings Black Seal 1/2 ounce cassis
2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lime juice, strained 1 1/2 ounces chilled cranberry juice

1 lime wedge for garnish

1. Put the ice in an (8-ounce) double old-fashioned glass. Add all the ingredients except the garnish.

2. Squeeze the lime over the top. Give a quick stir, drop the lime into the glass, and serve.

Serves 1

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