I purchased this punch bowl nearly five years ago. Every year I make a point to validate its space in my cabinet by using it at least once.
Christmas Punch is lightly fizzy and features apple cider, sparking wine, and rum or brandy.Champagne Punch is glittering with raspberries.Skinny Margaritas are begging to be made by the pitcher (er, punch bowl).
This year, I wanted to return to the punch bowl’s roots and make a traditional rum punch, but with one important twist. This rum punch is not overly sweet. In fact, all of our friends agreed that it was hands-down the best rum punch they’ve ever had!
The Best Rum Punch
Traditional Caribbean rum punch is made of rum, tropical juices like pineapple, orange, lemon (and/or lime), and grenadine. It is typically served chilled. While I may have been that person who decided she needed a punch bowl on her wedding registry, rum punch pitcher-style is equally refreshing. It’s also how you’ll see this recipe photographed since I know a rum punch bowl isn’t something most folks own.
Usually, the grenadine amount in Jamaican rum punch is (in this refreshing, NOT cloyingly sweet drink lover’s opinion) beyond excessive. A full, 12-ounce bottle or more!I scaled it back significantly. Just 4 ounces of grenadine made this punch taste tropical without turning it into liquid sugar.I also added pomegranate juice, which may not be as traditional as fruit punch, but it balances the drink’s sweetness and added some punch (pun intended).
How to Make Rum Punch
Choosing a big-batch cocktail for a crowd can be tricky, especially if you don’t know everyone’s tastes. When English sailors from the British East India Company were traveling through the Caribbean in the 17th century, they made alcoholic drinks from whatever they could find locally. In the Caribbean, this meant fruit juices, warm spices, and rum. However, this easy rum punch recipe is the ideal crowd-pleasing drink (Mulled Wine is another).
It is sweet enough for those who like their drinks on the fruity side.It is WELL BALANCED. I usually avoid rum and tiki-style drinks because I find them too sweet, but I couldn’t stop sipping this punch!It is EASY. Just stir and refrigerate! You can prep it hours in advance.
Simply put, this Caribbean rum punch tastes like paradise!
The Ingredients
Pineapple Juice. Sweet and 100% tropical, pineapple juice is delicious in this punch. Plus, pineapple juice is a good mix with rum.Orange Juice. Orange juice has a crowd-pleasing sweet, fresh, and citrusy flavor that pairs well with the other juices and rum. And, let’s remind ourselves that it contributes to your daily dose of vitamin C.Lime Juice. Just like in the best Skinny Margarita, lime juice helps make the punch extra refreshing.
Pomegranate Juice. The perfect mix of sweet and sour flavors. Rum. I used both dark and light rum for this recipe. Light rum has a more delicate flavor, while dark rum has a rich, bold flavor. The combination makes this punch shine.
Grenadine. Made from pomegranate juice (not cherry), grenadine is beloved for the sweetness it brings to cocktails and mocktails (it stars in Shirley Temple drinks).
Nutmeg + Cloves. Warm spices make the punch taste extra special and inviting. Ground or freshly grated both work well here.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate leftover punch for up to 2 days.
Recommended Tools to Make Rum Punch
Punch Bowl. A fun way to serve drinks to a crowd. A pitcher will also work well for this recipe. Ladle. The easiest way to serve the punch. Jigger. For perfect measurements.
Three cheers for easy rum punch! Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe. By the time the bowl is empty, you and your guests will be singing its praises (maybe literally).
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