Rum Punch

No one can resist this Rum Punch recipe! Here are the classic ingredients that make a perfectly balanced tropical flavor.

Here’s a cocktail recipe that’s so pristine, it’s no wonder it’s got a long history. Try this Rum Punch recipe! The concept of rum punch goes back to the 1600’s, though this one is closer to a Planter’s Punch from the early 1900’s. The balance of the ingredients is ideal: instead of overly saccharine is perfectly sweet tart, fruity, and tropical. In fact, it’s so good you won’t be able to resist another sip. Try this easier spin on the Mai Tai: and prepare to be amazed.

What is rum punch?

What’s rum punch? A punch is any drink that includes fruit juices, either non-alcoholic or alcoholic, often served in a large bowl with glasses. The first printed record of a punch dates back to 1632 in English documents, a concept borrowed from India. Modern punch evolved in the 1650’s with Jamaican rum. The single serving punch, called a sling, came about after that (the most famous of which is the Singapore Sling).

Some of the oldest punches are rum-based, and were made using the following recipe in a rhyme: “One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak.” This rum punch recipe is similar to Planter’s Punch, which originated in Jamaica and was first published in an 1878 London magazine. Our recipe adds pineapple, orange and grenadine, which is traditional in many rum punch recipes you’ll find today. The rum punch ingredients you’ll need are:

• White rum
• Dark rum
• Pineapple juice
• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Grenadine

Types of rum

Many rum punch recipes use more than one type of rum. Why is it necessary? Different types of rum add a lot of nuance in flavor. Taste the different varieties, and you’ll find that they almost taste like different liquor. You can use only one type if it’s all you have, but it’s worth seeking out two types for the flavor difference. Here’s an outline on types of rum:

• Dark rum has a deep, caramel flavor and notes of cinnamon and spices (see Dark Rum Drinks)
• White rum has a straightforward flavor rum with the signature fruity finish
• Aged rum, aka golden or añejo rum, has notes of vanilla, coconut, almond, citrus, or caramel
• Coconut rum is a sweet coconut-flavored liqueur made with rum (Malibu is the most popular)

Because Malibu rum is so sweet, make sure to use it in combination with another rum. But if all you have is white rum or dark rum, you can use just one type of rum in a pinch.

Buy grenadine or make homemade

Got grenadine on hand? Grenadine is a red non-alcoholic syrup with a sweet tart flavor, commonly used in cocktails and mocktails. Many people think it’s cherry flavored, but it’s actually made from pomegranate juice! It’s been used in grenadine cocktails for hundreds of years, from the Singapore Sling to the Shirley Temple.

Much of the grenadine on the market today has artificial sweeteners and colors. Look for an all natural grenadine, or you can make homemade grenadine! It’s easy to make with pomegranate seeds.

How to make rum punch

This rum punch recipe is for a single serving drink, in the tradition of the classic Singapore Sling or Hurricane. But you can serve it in a punch bowl, too! Here’s how to make rum punch (or jump to the recipe below):

• Stir: In a hurricane glass, add 1 ounce each white rum and dark rum, 2 ounces pineapple juice, 1 ounce orange juice and ½ ounce lime juice.
• Top with grenadine: Top with ½ ounce grenadine, which will settle to the bottom and make a gradient effect. Serve garnished with an orange slice and cocktail cherry!

Or, serve it in a punch bowl

If you’re making rum punch for a crowd, the best way to serve it is in a punch bowl! It’s easy to multiply the quantities for 8 drinks. Simply replace each ounce with 1 cup of the ingredient! Here’s what to do:

• Add all ingredients, including the grenadine, to a punch bowl.
• Add a few handfuls ice to cool.
• Garnish with orange slices!

And that’s it! This rum punch has risen to the top of our favorite drinks to make: we hope you’ll love it too! It’s great as a tropical drink or beach drink, and works in any season.

More rum drinks

Love rum? Here are a few more top rum cocktails to try:

• Try more punches, like the Hurricane, Mai Tai or Zombie
• Try the Classic Daiquiri, or our list of Top Daiquiri Recipes
• Opt for a Classic Mojito, or our list of Top Mojito Recipes
• Grab a Classic Piña Colada, El Presidente or Between the Sheets Cocktail
• Go for a Dark and Stormy

01

Hurricane Cocktail

02

Zombie Cocktail

03

Mai Tai

04

8 Great Daiquiri Recipes

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