Christmas Punch

1 C sugar
1 C lime juice
½ tsp mint extract
1 C rum
48 oz cranberry juice
(or cran-raspberry, cran-apple, cran-grape...)

Combine all ingredients, stirring well until sugar is completely dissolved. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, cranberries, or lime slices.

For a non-alcoholic, sparkling alternative, skip the rum and add gingerale instead.