Planter’s Punch Cocktail Recipe – Rum, Citrus & Tropical Flavor

Tropical, refreshing, and steeped in history, the Planter’s Punch is one of the most iconic rum cocktails to come out of the Caribbean. With roots in 19th-century Jamaica, it follows the famous rhyme: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.” Blending dark Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, grenadine or sugar syrup, and tropical fruit juices like pineapple and orange, this punch-style cocktail is balanced with a few dashes of bitters and served tall over ice. In this post, we’ll share the authentic recipe, explain its Jamaican origins, and give tips for perfecting sweetness, acidity, and presentation.

10/3/20251 min read

📖 Ingredients (1 serving):

2 oz dark rum (Jamaican rum is traditional)
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz grenadine (or simple syrup if you prefer less red color)
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange juice
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice cubes

🍍 Garnish:

Pineapple slice
Orange wheel
Maraschino cherry
Mint sprig (optional)

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Hurricane glass or highball glass
Bar spoon

🍹 Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz grenadine (or syrup)
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice (hurricane glass is traditional).
Garnish with pineapple, orange, cherry, and/or mint for tropical flair.

✨ Tips for the Perfect Planter’s Punch:

The traditional Jamaican rhyme goes: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.” → lime, sugar, rum, and water (or juice).
Dark Jamaican rum gives the best authentic flavor—rich and molasses-forward.
Adjust sweetness with grenadine or syrup depending on your taste.
Some recipes top with soda water for a lighter, fizzier version.

✅ Flavor Profile:

Fruity, refreshing, and complex. The tart lime balances the sweetness of grenadine and fruit juices, while dark rum provides warmth and depth. Bitters add spice and balance.