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Rum Punch

A favorite sweet and tart cocktail that gets topped with an orange wedge and Maraschino cherry for the ultimate festive drink.

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    Rum punch in two tall glasses topped with cherries and a slice of orange.
    Photography by Gayle McLeod

    Rum Punch With A Cherry On Top

    Rum punch is our favorite use for Maraschino cherries and grenadine, after a Shirley Temple, of course! This classic drink has been around since the 1600s–one of the earliest known cocktails, since rum, sugar, and lime juice were all found in abundance across Britain’s colonial territories–and has stood the test of time. We love that it can be easily scaled to make in large batches for entertaining. It’s a light and refreshing drink that is as tasty on a summer’s day, as it is festive for a holiday party. We hope you fill up a rum punch bowl for your next get together. Traditional rum punch is enjoyed throughout the holiday season throughout the Caribbean, with recipes simply described in parts by the ingredient type–sour, sweet, strong (that’s the rum), and weak (the ice!).

    ingredients for rum punch including ice, rum, oranges, cherries, orange juice, bitters and pineapple juice.

    Some Thoughts On Rum Punch Ingredients

    What rum is best for rum punch? We use both white and dark rum to add a layer of flavor to this typically fruit juicy drink. White rum is most frequently used in mixed drinks, since it’s a bit lighter bodied than dark rum, which has a more complex flavor profile. Orange and lime juices are used in equal parts to grenadine in this rum punch recipe, so we encourage you to seek out a grenadine that is not overly sweet. Grenadine syrup is pomegranate-based and it’s absolutely possible to make your own with pomegranate juice, pomegranate syrup, and sugar if you want to put in a little extra leg work. There’s also pineapple juice for tartness, and a splash of Angostura bitters to balance it all out.

    Glass pitcher pouring pineapple juice into a large pitcher of rum punch surrounded by bitters, lime juice, pineapple juice.
    rum punch in a glass pitcher, surrounded by ice, oranges, bitters and cherries in small bowls.

    How To Make Rum Punch

    We love this easy rum punch recipe because it basically makes itself. It only requires a little measuring before you have a bright and cheerful cocktail to serve your guests, and hopefully a glass for yourself! Just measure and combine all of the ingredients in a punch bowl (now’s the time to get out your grandma’s cool pressed glass one!) or a glass pitcher. We recommend a glass serving vessel because the rum punch is a lovely rosy color from the combination of grenadine and juice. Serve over ice and finish with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a garnish of Maraschino cherry and orange wedge.

    large glass of rum punch topped with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

    Tools You’ll Need

    Get Out The Cocktail List, Because We Have More To Add

    We’ve had a lot of fun adding to our repertoire of cocktails that are fun and easy to craft as home bartenders. We hope that you give them a try too!

    • Holiday Sangria is another great batch cocktail recipe to make for a crowd.

    • If you want more tropical fruit flavors, you can try our Piña Colada recipe.

    • Looking for more rum recipes? You can make our classic Mojito.

    • If you’re craving a cozy nightcap, we recommend adding this Irish Cream Liqueur to a little snifter of whiskey.

    Rum punch in two tall glasses topped with cherries and a slice of orange.

    Looking For A Full Menu For Your Next Rum Punch Party?

    For a classic crowd-pleaser, you can always follow our tips to make The Classic Cheese Board. We love a spread of great finger foods and White Bean Hummus, Baked Buffalo Wings, and Swedish Meatballs are some of our favorites. In addition to beautiful snacks, the most important thing is that everyone’s glass is full of homemade rum punch, and that the conversation is flowing. Vive la fête!!

    Did You Fall In Love With This Rum Punch Recipe?

    We thought you might! We’d love to see the pictures from your rum punch festivities. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Cheers!

    Rum Punch

    • Serves: 8
    • Prep Time:  5 min
    • Cook Time:  0 min
    • Calories: 180

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup white rum
    • 1 cup dark rum
    • 1 cup pineapple juice
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • ½ cup grenadine
    • ½ cup lime juice
    • Angostura bitters, for serving
    • Maraschino cherries, for serving
    • 1 large orange, cut into wedges, for serving

    Method

    1. In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the white rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and lime juice.

    2. To serve, fill 10-ounce glasses with ice and pour in the punch. Top with 3-4 generous dashes of bitters. Garnish with a cherry and an orange wedge.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories180
    • Protein0 g
    • Carbohydrates22 g
    • Total Fat0 g
    • Dietary Fiber0 g
    • Cholesterol0 mg
    • sodium16 mg
    • Total Sugars20 g

    Rum Punch

    Questions & Reviews

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    • Jenn

      This is so yummy. Mad bit for an early Christmas celebration and not a drop left!

      Thanks Jenn, glad everyone enjoyed it!