(Note: this post was originally published on August 12, 2021. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
I'm excited to introduce you to a very historic tiki cocktail recipe that happens to be one of my favorites: the Planter's Punch. It's strong, citrusy, intriguing, and fun, plus it's easy to vary based on your own tastes.
This historical rum punch has a rhyme to describe its ingredients: "One part sour, two parts sweet, three parts strong, and four parts weak" (if you're interested in learning more, check out the "Smuggler's Cove" tiki cocktail book by Martin Cate). While my riff on this classic cocktail is decidedly non-traditional, it uses that same rhyme to dictate the flavors and ratios.
If you love tropical ingredients, rum, a tiki aesthetic, and an island vibe, then this one is for you!
The Planter's Punch is a historical tiki cocktail recipe of Caribbean origin. According to Martin Cate's Smuggler's Cove, the oldest versions date back to the 1690's. This rum punch has been interpreted in many different ways though, such that virtually every tiki bar has their own "house" recipe, often using rums from their own region.
As a point of example, the Smuggler's Cove version features lime juice as the "sour," demerara simple syrup as the "sweet", Jamaican rum as the "strong", and crushed ice as the "weak". It also introduces some additional complexity through both allspice and bitters.
My version of this classic tiki cocktail recipe focuses on building complex flavors. For the "one part sour", I use lime juice. For the "two parts sweet", I love a combination of grapefruit juice and macadamia liqueur; the former adds bitterness while the latter adds a wonderful, luscious richness. For the "three parts strong", I like to use a combination of spiced rum and dark rum, with the former having more warming spices and the latter (served as a float on top of the cocktail) having more vanilla. And for the "four parts weak", I use abundant crushed ice.
Here's the rundown in terms of amounts:
The end result is an intriguing and complex combination of tart, sweet, bitter, rich, and spiced flavors. I think this combination really exemplifies the magic of rum punch.
There are lots of ways to vary this rum punch, so you can have fun creating your own "house" version.
Flavor-wise, one of my favorite ways to change this drink up is to add a dash of Campari; it really brings in another dimension. A portion of the photos in this post (the ones with the more pink drink in the tiki mug) have the Campari addition. You can also experiment with adding a splash of pineapple juice and/or a couple dashes of bitters (Angostura would be the most traditional).
One final choice: to float or not to float? Most of the photos here show a dark rum float. While it's not traditional in a Planter's Punch, adding a final splash of dark rum (which sits on top thanks to its low density) feels like the perfect finish for this drink. If you prefer not to use the float, you can omit the dark rum entirely or shake it into the cocktail (just be aware that it will change the color).
Here's what you'll need for this rum punch recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
There are so many ways to enjoy this whimsical rum punch. It's great for a summer party, especially since it's so photo-worthy. But because it has some spice notes, it can transcend seasons and work during the cooler months as well. We've even been known to make this drink in the dead of winter when it's cold and dark; it brings such a bright spot of tropical warmth.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you're a tiki cocktail lover or a tiki cocktail newbie, the complex flavors in this one are interesting and fun to experiment with. This is a go-to for us and I hope it will be for you too.
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
As with all my cocktail recipes, please enjoy responsibly!
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Disclosure: Koloa Rum is a long-term partner and I receive free product. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.
A classic and very historic tiki cocktail, the Planter's Punch has the perfect balance of sour and sweet ingredients. My version incorporates a few additional flavors for a very special, surprisingly complex drink.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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