Planter's Punch

Planter's Punch is a historic rum cocktail with roots in Jamaica. It is celebrated for its simple yet perfect balance of flavors, famously summarized by the rhyme: "One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak." While recipes vary widely, the core is always a quality rum complemented by fresh citrus and a touch of sweetness. This combination creates a quintessential tropical and refreshing long drink.
Planter's Punch

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Planter's Punch is classified as a classical cocktail. It belongs to the 'long drink' and 'tiki' sub-categories, known for its refreshing qualities and historical significance in rum-based mixology.

Serving

Serve this cold, spirit-forward cocktail in a tall Collins or Highball glass filled with ice. With an alcohol content around 20-25% ABV, it's a moderately strong yet refreshing long drink.
Serving size
Approximately 200-240 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins or Highball
Glass treatment
None, but a chilled glass is recommended.

Backstory

The exact origin of the Planter's Punch is debated, with claims tied to Jamaican planters and the Planters Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. The first known printed recipe appeared in an 1878 issue of the London magazine "Fun." The drink's fame grew with its association with the Myers's Rum brand, which printed a recipe on its bottles starting in the 1920s, cementing its place in cocktail history.
Origin
Jamaica, 19th Century. The first recipe was published in 1878.

Planter's Punch

The drink is most commonly known as Planter's Punch. It is sometimes referred to as a Jamaican Planter's Punch to highlight its Caribbean origins and distinguish it from other punch-style drinks.
Original name
Planter's Punch
Alternative name
Jamaican Planter's Punch

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a beautiful amber hue and a rum-forward aroma with notes of fresh lime and spice. The flavor is a classic balance of sweet and sour, leading to a clean, warming finish that is perfect for summer.
Flavor
Rum-forward, citrusy, sweet, sour, tropical, slightly spicy
Aroma
Rum, fresh lime, aromatic bitters
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Warming, clean, rum finish, hint of spice
Fizziness
Still, or very lightly effervescent if topped with soda
Color appearance
Amber, reddish-brown, clear
Texture
Smooth, liquid, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, tropical

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by a strong balance between sweetness from the syrup and sourness from the lime, with a noticeable alcohol strength from the rum. Bitterness and spiciness from the bitters are subtle but present.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients for a Planter's Punch are a quality dark Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice for sourness, and simple syrup for sweetness. A few dashes of Angostura bitters are essential for adding aromatic complexity.
  • Dark Jamaican Rum75 ml / 2.5 oz
    A quality aged Jamaican rum provides characteristic funk and depth.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Can be substituted with sugar cane juice.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters3 dashes
    Adds complexity and a hint of spice to balance the sweetness.

Ice type

  • Cubed or crushed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to properly chill and dilute the drink. A jigger is necessary for measuring ingredients accurately, and a strainer will ensure a clean pour into the glass.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) to separate ice after shaking.

Instructions

Preparation involves shaking the rum, lime juice, syrup, and bitters with ice until chilled. The mixture is then strained into an ice-filled highball glass and garnished generously.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the dark rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Fill a Collins or Highball glass with fresh ice (cubed or crushed).
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an orange slice.

Garnishing

A lavish garnish is traditional for a Planter's Punch. A fresh sprig of mint provides a wonderful aroma, often accompanied by a slice of orange and a cocktail cherry for a vibrant look.
  • Mint sprig, slapped to release oils and placed in the drink.
  • Orange slice or wheel, placed on the rim or in the glass.
  • Maraschino cherry (optional), dropped into the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is also caffeine-free, vegan, and vegetarian, and can be considered gluten-free assuming a gluten-free rum and bitters are used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains approximately 260 calories per serving, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate content is around 18 grams, with most of that being sugar from the simple syrup.
Calories
Averagely 260 kcal / 1088 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 16g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, barbecues, or relaxing on a beach. Its refreshing nature also makes it an excellent choice for happy hour or any casual social gathering.
  • Summer party
  • Beach vacation
  • Happy hour
  • Barbecue

Pairing suggestions

Planter's Punch pairs wonderfully with Caribbean and spicy cuisines, such as jerk chicken or pork. Its sweet and sour profile also complements grilled seafood and appetizers like coconut shrimp. For a lighter pairing, a fresh tropical fruit platter is an excellent choice.
  • Spicy jerk chicken or pork
  • Grilled seafood like shrimp or fish tacos
  • Tropical fruit platters
  • Coconut shrimp

Planter's Punch: A Taste of Caribbean History

Planter's Punch is a cornerstone of classic rum cocktails, embodying the tropical spirit of its Jamaican origins. Its beauty lies in the simple, rhyming formula that balances strong rum with sour lime, sweet syrup, and the 'weak' element of water from dilution. While recipes have evolved, the core principle remains, delivering a consistently refreshing and satisfying drink. Perfect for summer sipping, it's a versatile and historic cocktail that every rum enthusiast should know.