Planter’s Punch

DifficultyBeginner

Discover the perfect Planter’s Punch cocktail recipe — a traditional Caribbean rum drink featuring dark rum, lime juice, grenadine, and a touch of spice. Balanced, bold, and refreshing, it’s the ideal sipper for summer parties or relaxed evenings.

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Yields1 Serving
Prep Time4 minsTotal Time4 mins
 2 oz dark Jamaican rum
 ¾ oz fresh lime juice
 ½ oz simple syrup
 ½ oz grenadine
 2 dashes Angostura bitters
 1 oz orange juice (optional, for a fruitier twist)
 Ice
 Garnish: Mint sprig, orange slice, cherry
1
  1. Fill a shaker with ice.

  2. Add dark rum, lime juice, simple syrup, grenadine, bitters, and orange juice (if using).

  3. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.

  4. Strain into a tall glass (like a Collins or hurricane glass) filled with fresh ice.

  5. Garnish with a sprig of mint, an orange wheel, and a maraschino cherry.

Pairing Suggestions
2
  • Jamaican jerk chicken or ribs

  • Grilled mahi mahi or shrimp

  • Fried plantains

  • Spicy mango salsa & chips

  • Coconut flan or banana fritters

 

The Planter’s Punch’s dark rum and spice profile complements smoky, tropical, and spiced island cuisine.

Tips & Notes
3
  • Use high-quality dark Jamaican rum — it’s the soul of this drink.

  • Grenadine adds color and sweetness, but you can reduce it for a drier finish.

  • For extra depth, try demerara syrup instead of simple syrup.

  • Add a splash of soda water for a lighter, more refreshing version.

  • Orange juice is optional, but adds a juicy, brunch-friendly feel.

Side Info
4

The Planter’s Punch dates back to the 19th century in Jamaica and follows a poetic formula:
"One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak."
Originally served at plantation bars, it's considered one of the ancestors of the tiki movement and rum punch family.

Ingredients

 2 oz dark Jamaican rum
 ¾ oz fresh lime juice
 ½ oz simple syrup
 ½ oz grenadine
 2 dashes Angostura bitters
 1 oz orange juice (optional, for a fruitier twist)
 Ice
 Garnish: Mint sprig, orange slice, cherry
Planter’s Punch