Planters Punch cocktail

The Planter’s Punch is a classic Jamaican cocktail that embodies the tropical spirit of the Caribbean. Dating back to the 19th century, it’s said to have originated at the Planter’s Hotel in Charleston or perhaps even earlier in Jamaica itself. Fruity, colourful, and refreshing, it’s built on a balance of rum, citrus, sweetness, and spice.

This punch is often served long, making it ideal for hot days or festive gatherings. It’s considered one of the forerunners of many other tiki-style rum cocktails, like the Mai Tai and Zombie.

  • Prep Time:
  • Total Time:
  • Servings: 1
  • Type: Cocktail
  • Units: 2.4

Equipment

  • 1 Highball or hurricane glass

Ingredients

  • 60 ml dark Jamaican rum
  • 30 ml lime juice
  • 15 ml sugar syrup
  • 60 ml orange juice
  • 60 ml pineapple juice
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash Grenadine (For colour)
  • 1 orange slice, cherry, mint sprig

Instructions

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the rum, lime juice, sugar syrup, orange juice, pineapple juice, and bitters.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Add a splash of grenadine, and garnish with orange, cherry, and mint.
The Planter’s Punch was first printed in a London magazine in 1878, cementing its place as one of the earliest written rum punch recipes.

FAQ

Where did the Planter’s Punch originate?

It’s widely linked to Jamaica, but some claim it was first mixed at the Planter’s Hotel in Charleston in the 1800s.

How strong is a Planter’s Punch?

At about 2.4 UK units, it’s a medium-strength cocktail. It’s lighter than a Zombie, but punchier than a Rum Punch.

What cocktails are similar?

If you like Planter’s Punch, you’ll also enjoy the tropical Mai Tai, the fruity Chi Chi, or the creamy Piña Colada.

What’s the traditional punch formula?

An old Caribbean rhyme goes: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.” Planter’s Punch follows this balance of lime, sugar, rum, and juice.

Please note that the units field is an estimation, and will vary depending on the type and quantity of alcohol used. Please drink responsibly and legally.
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