Rum Punch

Rum Punch, a timeless tropical drink, beckons with its bright colors and delicious flavors. Over time, it has transformed from a mere convenience to a popular drink synonymous with leisure and escapism in the sun-drenched, palm-fringed paradises of the world.

Rum Punch - one of the oldest mixed drinks in the western world

Its roots go back to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest known mixed drinks in the western hemisphere. It was invented by British sailors sailing the azure waters of the Caribbean. This classic cocktail served a dual purpose: on the one hand, it was intended to conserve precious water supplies. Secondly, the rum punch was intended to mask the not-so-pure taste of the rum on board their ships.

What does punch actually mean?

The name "rum punch" is probably derived from the Hindi word "panch", which means "five". This refers to the five ingredients that originally made up the drink: lime or lemon juice, sugar, rum, water (or tea) and a little nutmeg or other tropical spices.

Rum punch recipe

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 12 cl white rum (or other rum)
• 12 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
• 6 cl freshly squeezed lime juice
• 6 cl sugar syrup
• Nutmeg and/or cinnamon powder
• Orange and/or lime slices

Preparation:

1. Pour all the liquid ingredients into a shaker (or blender). Add a little nutmeg and/or cinnamon powder if desired.
2. Shake/blend vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed.
3. Pour the mixture into 2 highball or cocktail glasses and add a few ice cubes to each. (You want to achieve a slightly watered down effect. Too much cold will diminish the taste experience)
4. Garnish each with a slice of orange and/or lime.

Rum punch: regional variations

Rum punch is also known for its countless regional variations. In Barbados, for example, it is often prepared with Bajan-style rum and contains a shot of falernum. In Jamaica, it is made with overproof rum and a dash of bitters, while white rum and soda are used in Cuba.

In Grenada, on the other hand, local spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon are used to give the drink its finishing touch. And in Puerto Rico, a dash of coconut milk or coconut cream is added to the rum punch, which gives the already tropical drink an extra touch of the exotic.

Which rum for rum punch?

As you have already seen, different types of rum are used for Rum Punch depending on which corner of the Caribbean you end up in. The choice of rum will, of course, have a significant impact on the flavor and character of the cocktail. Here are some general guidelines:

• Light Rum: Light or white rum is a popular choice for the Rum Punch. Its fresh aroma allows the other ingredients to stand out well. A good choice for a classic, refreshing rum punch.
• Dark rum: Dark rum, e.g. Jamaican or Demerara rum, gives the rum punch a richer and stronger taste. It brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that can complement the tropical fruit juices and spices quite well.
• Aged rum: If you want to enhance your rum punch, you should use an aged rum. These rums have a complex, smooth and mellow character with hints of wood and vanilla. This gives your cocktail depth and sophistication.
• Spiced rum: Spiced rum adds extra spice and warmth to the classic rum punch. The spices in the rum can complement the aromas of tropical fruits.
• Overproof rum: Some connoisseurs enjoy the extra kick that overproof rum offers. But be careful, overproof rum can be very intense and overpower the other ingredients. Therefore, use it sparingly.