Planter's Punch
One of the oldest and most foundational rum cocktails, the Planter's Punch is a historic tropical drink from Jamaica. It follows a simple, memorable rhyme that creates a perfectly balanced and deeply flavorful rum punch.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Dark Jamaican Rum
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Club Soda or Water, to top
- Garnish: Pineapple Wedge & Mint
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the dark rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake Well: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker is ice-cold.
- Strain and Top: Fill a tall Collins or highball glass with fresh ice. Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Add Soda: Top with a splash of chilled club soda or water to lengthen the drink.
- Garnish: Garnish lavishly with a pineapple wedge and a fresh sprig of mint.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Classic Rhyme: The traditional formula for any punch is "One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak." This recipe is a modern adjustment for today's palate, which prefers less sweetness. Feel free to adjust the simple syrup to your liking.
Use Jamaican Rum: For an authentic Planter's Punch, a funky, flavorful dark Jamaican rum is essential. Its rich notes of molasses and tropical fruit (often called "hogo") are the signature of the drink and cannot be replicated by lighter or spiced rums.