Jamaican Rum Punch
This celebratory Jamaican drink will convince you that you’re the best dancer at the party.
Serves8
Makes10 cups
Prep20 minutes to 25 minutes
Rum punch is the celebratory Jamaican drink that graces every party, wedding, funeral, get-together, and large family dinner. When I was growing up, I saw the bright-red punch being poured at many gatherings; the other kids and I would eagerly wait to see who the “spirits” would overcome first. This often led to hilarious moments of mindless and erratic dancing, ensuring that everyone truly gets to party.
The drink has a long history and is believed to have been invented on the island by Wray and Nephew rum as early as 1985. Originally called the Sugar Wray Rum Punch, it featured Jamaican white rum, Jamaican fruit juices, allspice, and nutmeg. However, even before this version, there was Planters Punch from the 1930s, made following the rhyme of “1 part sour, 2 parts sweet, 3 parts strong, and 4 parts weak.” The sour was lime juice, the sweet was sugar or sugar syrup, the strong was Myers’ Fine Old Jamaican Rum, and the weak was water. That same recipe is still used today. Nevertheless, over time, the drink evolved to include imitation strawberry syrup, pineapple juice, bitter lemon or Angostura bitters, spices, and the much stronger overproof rum. More sophisticated and less potent versions can be made with aged dark rum, which is smoother on the palate.
This Juneteenth, I am proud to celebrate the beauty and long history of this drink. Jamaican rum is, of course, a product of our long colonial history, and Planters Punch was created to keep Jamaican plantation workers “cool” during their arduous days of work. The drink has come a long way from plantation cooler to party must-have. It’s special because it incorporates so much of what is uniquely ours — pimento (also known as allspice), nutmeg, pure fruit juice, and rum. It truly sets the tone for every family gathering, and promises that it will definitely be a good night.
Why You’ll Love It
- Everyone can enjoy this festive cocktail with minimal effort and skill. Most of the “work” comes from slicing and juicing the fruit. The rest of the drink comes together quickly in a pitcher.
- It’s affordable to make and deceptively strong. All you need is some citrus fruit, pineapple juice, store-bought strawberry syrup, spices, and overproof rum, which cleverly masks the drink’s sweetness.
This is part of Family Legends, celebrating Juneteenth favorites that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Jamaican Rum Punch Recipe
This celebratory Jamaican drink will convince you that you’re the best dancer at the party.
Prep time 20 minutes to 25 minutes
Makes 10 cups
Serves 8
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1
medium orange
- 3 to 4
medium limes
- 4 cups
water
- 2 cups
100% pineapple juice
- 2 cups
Jamaican white rum, such as Wray & Nephew
- 1 1/2 cups
Grace Strawberry Flavored Syrup
- 10
allspice berries
- 1/8 teaspoon
grated nutmeg
Ice
Garnish options: Lime wedges, fresh mint, and/or maraschino cherries
Instructions
Trim and slice 1 medium orange into rounds and place in a 3-quart or larger pitcher, jar, or bowl.
Juice 3 to 4 medium limes until you have 1/2 cup. Add the lime juice, 4 cups water, 2 cups pineapple juice, 2 cups white rum, 1 1/2 cups Grace Strawberry Flavored Syrup, 10 allspice berries, and 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg to the pitcher and stir to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Serve over lots of ice, and garnish with lime wedges, fresh mint, and/or maraschino cherries if desired.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions:
- Substitute the rum with Myer’s Dark Rum or Appleton Estate Aged Dark Rum.
- Substitute the strawberry syrup with Rose’s Grenadine Syrup.
Make ahead: This is a great drink to make a day ahead or the night before serving. The longer it sits, the better it is.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 2 days.