Rum Punch Cocktail Drink

Rum Punch

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This Rum Punch recipe is your ticket to a delightful cocktail! It’s simple to make and packed with delicious ingredients for a drink that will impress.

Rum Punch Recipe

Try this simple Rum Punch recipe! It combines light rum, dark rum, tropical fruit juices, and a touch of grenadine for a refreshing cocktail.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

170 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 oz Light Rum
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • 1 dash grenadine
  • Ice cubes
  • Grated nutmeg, optional
  • Pineapple slice or cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass or Hurricane Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill your highball glass.
  • In the shaker pour 1 oz orange juice, ½ oz lime juice, and 1 oz pineapple juice.
  • Drizzle 1 dash grenadine into the shaker.
  • Measure and pour 1 oz Light Rum and 1 oz Dark Rum.
  • Fill your shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain the mixture in your highball glass over fresh ice.
  • Sprinkle some nutmeg on top of the drink.
  • Garnish with a pineapple slice or cherry.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Dark and Light Rum: If you are out of rum, brandy or whiskey can indeed be excellent alternatives. Both can add a unique and delicious flavor to a punch cocktail.
  • Grenadine: A simple syrup mixed with pomegranate juice can substitute if you're out of grenadine.

Making a Pitcher of Rum Punch:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of each type of rum and the juices, 4 oz of lime juice, and a splash of grenadine.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual ice-filled highball glasses, add some grated nutmeg and garnish with a pineapple slice or cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum substitute; these are available in most supermarkets and do a good job of mimicking the flavor of rum.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Ingredients: Most of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan. However, some brands of grenadine may contain animal products. Check the label or opt for a homemade version using pomegranate juice and sugar (make sure the sugar you use is vegan-friendly).
  • Proceed As Usual: After ensuring all your ingredients are vegan-friendly, follow the original steps to enjoy a delicious vegan rum punch.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
170
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.5
g
1
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.3
g
2
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
3
%
Fiber
 
0.4
g
2
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Potassium
 
115
mg
3
%
Protein
 
0.4
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.04
g
Vitamin A
 
66
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
21
mg
25
%
Calcium
 
11
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.2
mg
1
%

 

Rum Punch Cocktail Drink

Rum Punch Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Try this simple Rum Punch recipe! It combines light rum, dark rum, tropical fruit juices, and a touch of grenadine for a refreshing cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 170

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 oz Light Rum
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • 1 dash grenadine
  • Ice cubes
  • Grated nutmeg - optional
  • Pineapple slice or cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass or Hurricane Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill your highball glass.
  • In the shaker pour 1 oz orange juice, ½ oz lime juice, and 1 oz pineapple juice.
  • Drizzle 1 dash grenadine into the shaker.
  • Measure and pour 1 oz Light Rum and 1 oz Dark Rum.
  • Fill your shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain the mixture in your highball glass over fresh ice.
  • Sprinkle some nutmeg on top of the drink.
  • Garnish with a pineapple slice or cherry.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Dark and Light Rum: If you are out of rum, brandy or whiskey can indeed be excellent alternatives. Both can add a unique and delicious flavor to a punch cocktail.
  • Grenadine: A simple syrup mixed with pomegranate juice can substitute if you're out of grenadine.

Making a Pitcher of Rum Punch:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of each type of rum and the juices, 4 oz of lime juice, and a splash of grenadine.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into individual ice-filled highball glasses, add some grated nutmeg and garnish with a pineapple slice or cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum substitute; these are available in most supermarkets and do a good job of mimicking the flavor of rum.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Ingredients: Most of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan. However, some brands of grenadine may contain animal products. Check the label or opt for a homemade version using pomegranate juice and sugar (make sure the sugar you use is vegan-friendly).
  • Proceed As Usual: After ensuring all your ingredients are vegan-friendly, follow the original steps to enjoy a delicious vegan rum punch.

What is a Rum Punch?

A Rum Punch is a rum-based cocktail made of light and dark rums, fresh fruit juices such as orange and pineapple, and grenadine for sweetness, and often garnished with slices of fruits or cherries. It’s not difficult to make; however, it requires careful balance between the intense flavors of the rum and the sweet-tartness of the fruit juices.

This drink isn’t directly derived from another well-known cocktail but shares similarities with many tropical cocktails due to its fruity profile. An exciting aspect of Rum Punch is that it follows an old rhyme used by Caribbean locals for measurements: “One sour, two sweet, three strong, four weak.” This refers respectively to lime juice (sour), sugar syrup (sweet), rum (strong), and water or juice (weak).

A side shot of a Rum Punch cocktail in a highball glass on a wooden coaster placed on a wooden table surrounded by a jigger, a green bowl with orange pieces, and a green placemat, in front of a green plant.

What is a Rum Punch made of – The ingredients

If you want to concoct a Rum Punch, here are the necessary ingredients:

  • Dark Rum: Provides a strong, robust base for the punch. Its rich, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor adds depth to the drink.
  • Light Rum: Balances out the dark rum with its lighter, smoother taste. It adds complexity without overpowering other flavors.
  • Orange Juice: Adds a sweet and tangy citrus note. It helps to cut through the strong rum flavor and brings freshness to the punch.
  • Pineapple Juice: Contributes a tropical sweetness that complements the rum. It also adds a bit of tartness to balance out the overall sweetness of the drink.
  • Lime Juice: Provides a sharp citrus tang that brightens up the flavors. It’s essential for adding acidity and balancing out the sweetness of other ingredients.
  • Grenadine: Gives a sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color to the punch. It enhances the visual appeal while adding an extra layer of fruity sweetness.
  • Nutmeg: Used as a garnish, it provides a warm, nutty aroma that complements the tropical flavors in the punch. It also adds a touch of spice that contrasts nicely with the sweet and fruity components.

Dark Rum, Light Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, orange and lime laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Rum Punch?

With our step-by-step guide, crafting a Rum Punch has never been easier:

1
<p>Make sure your highball glass gets chilled.</p>

Make sure your highball glass gets chilled.

2
<p>In the shaker, first start with the juices by pouring 1 oz of orange juice. </p>

In the shaker, first start with the juices by pouring 1 oz of orange juice.

3
<p>Continue pouring 1/2 oz of lime juice into the shaker.</p>

Continue pouring 1/2 oz of lime juice into the shaker.

4
<p>Finish with the last juice by pouring 1 oz of pineapple juice. These tropical fruit juices will give your rum punch a refreshing, fruity flavor, perfect for summer parties.</p>

Finish with the last juice by pouring 1 oz of pineapple juice. These tropical fruit juices will give your rum punch a refreshing, fruity flavor, perfect for summer parties.

5
<p>Add a dash of grenadine. This sweet, red syrup will give your rum punch its signature color and a delightful hint of pomegranate flavor.</p>

Add a dash of grenadine. This sweet, red syrup will give your rum punch its signature color and a delightful hint of pomegranate flavor.

6
<p>Now, it's time to add the star of the show, add 1 oz of light rum, providing the first part of the alcohol base for the cocktail.</p>

Now, it's time to add the star of the show, add 1 oz of light rum, providing the first part of the alcohol base for the cocktail.

7
<p>Add 1 oz of dark rum, providing the second part of the alcohol base for the cocktail.</p>

Add 1 oz of dark rum, providing the second part of the alcohol base for the cocktail.

8
<p>Ice up the shaker.</p>

Ice up the shaker.

9
<p>Shake the ingredients until they are well combined and chilled.</p>

Shake the ingredients until they are well combined and chilled.

10
<p>Strain your drink into the highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes. </p>

Strain your drink into the highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes. 

11
<p>Sprinkle some nutmeg.</p>

Sprinkle some nutmeg.

12
<p>Add a pineapple and a cherry for garnish for the final touch.</p>

Add a pineapple and a cherry for garnish for the final touch.

Variations

Curious about other possibilities? Here are some of our favorite choices:

  • Christmas Rum Punch: Combines dark spiced rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and a dash of bitters. The blend of citrus flavors with the spice from the rum creates a festive, warming sensation perfect for holiday gatherings. The addition of Christmas sprinkles around the rim of the glass adds a fun, celebratory touch. I particularly enjoy the festive feel it brings to any holiday party, making it a joyous experience.
  • Caribbean Rum Punch: Traditionally includes a mix of pineapple juice, orange juice, and rum, often with grenadine for sweetness and a vibrant red color. The tropical fruit juices blend seamlessly with the rum, offering a refreshing and smooth taste that transports you to the islands. I love the balance of sweet and tart in this version; it’s perfect for a summer day by the beach.
  • Barbados Rum Punch: Focuses on the use of Bajan rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters. This combination gives it a distinct, rich flavor that’s enhanced by the bitters. Nutmeg sprinkled on top adds a hint of spice and aroma, rounding out the drink beautifully.
  • Trinidad Rum Punch: Features dark rum, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters. It stands out with its striking red and yellow colors, representing the Trinidadian spirit. The mix of sour lime and sweet grenadine creates a vibrant taste experience. This particular version captures the essence of Trinidadian culture and is both visually and tastefully appealing.
  • Pineapple Fruit Punch: Mixes pineapple juice, coconut water, and citrus juices with coconut rum and grenadine. This blend gives it a tropical flair that’s both sweet and tangy. The use of coconut water adds a refreshing element that I find incredibly satisfying, especially on a hot day. The combination of pineapple and coconut flavors makes it feel like a tropical escape in a glass.

History and Origin of the Rum Punch

Punch, in its original form, dates back to the early 17th century. The word “punch” is believed to have originated from the Hindi word “panch,” meaning five, referring to the five key ingredients: alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices. With its traditional rhyme ’One sour, two sweet, three of strong, four of weak,’ Punch became popular in England in the late 17th century and spread to other European countries and the American colonies.

Rum punch specifically, as the name suggests, features rum as its primary spirit. Rum was introduced to the Caribbean in the 17th century, where it was produced from sugarcane. Rum punch recipes evolved in the Caribbean islands, incorporating local ingredients like tropical fruits and spices. Rum punch quickly became associated with tropical flavors and seaside relaxation.

The exact origins and evolution of rum punch recipes vary across different cultures and regions, but this drink has remained a popular choice for centuries, enjoyed for its refreshing and lively flavors.

A Rum Punch cocktail, shot from above, in a highball glass on a beige surface surrounded by Dark Rum, Light Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine,. nutmegs, orange and lime

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Rum Punch?
A standard serving of Rum Punch contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific recipe and the types and amounts of fruit juices used.
How strong is a Rum Punch cocktail?
The strength of a Rum Punch can vary based on the ratio of rum to other ingredients. Typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 20-25%, translating to 40-50 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Rum Punch?
Rum is the primary alcohol used in a Rum Punch, as suggested by its name. Feel free to experiment with different kinds of rum and different rum combinations.
In what kind of glass is a Rum Punch served?
Traditionally, a Rum Punch is served in a highball or a hurricane glass.
What does a Rum Punch taste like?
A well-made Rum Punch offers a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors. The sweetness comes from the rum and fruit juices, while lime juice provides a tangy counterpoint. The overall taste is fruity, refreshing, and slightly spicy due to the addition of nutmeg.
What is the ratio in a Rum Punch?
The classic Caribbean ratio for making a Rum Punch is 1 oz Dark Rum, 1 oz Light Rum, 1 oz Orange Juice, 1 oz Pineapple Juice, 0.5 oz Lime Juice and a dash of Grenadine.
How is a Rum Punch served with ice?
Rum Punch is typically served over ice to keep it chilled and dilute the drink slightly, enhancing its flavors. It's not usually served "up," which means without ice.

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