A classic cocktail that never fails, Rum Punch is the perfect fruity, sweet and sour drink. Not to mention, it is also a pretty drink that is Instagram-worthy.

This Rum Punch cocktail is a mix of golden spiced rum, pineapple and citrus juices (from limes and oranges), grenadine, and angostura bitters with a secret ingredient (that we’ll tell you more about below)!

It’s not only refreshingly perfect for summer but all year-round.

Table of Contents

What is a Rum Punch?

Punch drinks can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic and contain fruits and/or fruit juice. Rum punch is one of the earliest known cocktails with roots dating back to the 17th century. Its origins come from the British sailors of the English East India Company who reinterpreted an Indian beverage. From there it was introduced to other European countries.

Nowadays there are many variations of this classic cocktail. No matter what, it always contains rum and fruit and/or fruit juice. Typically, punches are made in big batches and served in punch bowls. However, it is also possible to make them in single cocktails.

So today we give you both possibilities. This way, you can enjoy this delicious cocktail alone or with a group of friends.

If you want the tastiest tropical rum punch cocktail that has a creamy mango base, pineapple juice, coconut water, and a dash of lime citrus freshness, then try this easy Bacardi Rum Punch recipe.

rum punch recipe - recipe used to make a rum punch

What Kind of Rum Goes Into the Rum Punch?

As mentioned, there are different versions of the rum punch. Some rum drinks use white rum or light rum, others use golden or dark rum, and some call for both types.

We highly recommend opting for only a single type of rum since there’s no need to amp up the alcohol content and you don’t have to worry about the rum flavors overpowering one another.

Because so, the choice of rum selected is crucial since it’s the sole alcoholic ingredient. We personally think the best rum punches feature a spiced golden or dark rum, (but it’s up to you!)

For this particular recipe, our rum brand of choice is Golden Captain Morgan, a Caribbean rum with delicious vanilla notes and spices. However, feel free to use any brand you have on hand or the one that you prefer.

rum cocktails - red-orange colored served drink

Ingredients Needed to Make a Rum Punch

Golden spiced rum — Preferably a golden spiced rum like Captain Morgan.
Fresh orange juice — Citrus juices are much better when freshly squeezed so go with fresh orange juice instead of bottled.
Fresh lime juice — Same goes for lime juice.
Pineapple juice — You can make it at home for best results or use bottled for convenience. Bottled pineapple juice, unlike bottled citrus juices, is much better without a difference in flavor.
Grenadine — A ruby bright red syrup made from pomegranate juice with a sweet and tart taste. It is used in many cocktails so it’s a convenient ingredient to have on hand.
Angostura bitters — A cocktail-making essential, angostura bitters are a concentrated bitter mix, made of herbs and spices dissolved in alcohol. It adds a nice bitter touch, balancing any sweetness and adding depth to the flavor. If you don’t have any, it’s not a major disaster. But using it makes a difference. Angostura bitters are used in many cocktails like Coffee Old Fashioned, in very small quantities (a few drops per drink). So a bottle goes a long way.

Grated nutmeg — The secret weapon of this recipe, and best if freshly grated. A pinch of this delicious spice will round up the final cocktail to add subtle touches of aromatics and spice.
Garnishes — A pineapple triangle, a thin wheel of orange slices, and a maraschino cherry (a common cocktail garnish of preserved cherries in sugar.

Useful Tools to Make a Rum Punch

The rum punch can be made without any fancy cocktail equipment. But having the right tools massively improves the cocktail-making experience. To make a rum punch, you are going to need:

Cocktail shaker — To mix and chill the ingredients by shaking them with ice.
Jigger — To measure the pour of each liquid ingredient.
Juicer — To get fresh fruit juices.
Knife — To cut the fruits and garnishes
Cutting board — For the same above purposes.
Cocktail pick — For the final garnishes.
Hurricane glass — Though more for traditional and decorative purposes, rum punches are typically served in hurricane glasses. The flared wide top allows more room for garnishes and for the fruity aromas to rise. You can use any glass just make sure it’s a tall glass that can hold plenty of ice.
Strainer — To strain out any fruit fibers, but optional if you don’t mind a few fruit bits in your final cocktail.

mixed drinks with rum - how to make rum punch

Variations

Some recipes call for adding fruit juices or syrups to the mix, while others include different types of rum. Some of these rums include dark rum, light rum, and spiced rum.

Each of these rums will provide a different flavor to the cocktail, so it is important to choose one that you think will best complement the other ingredients.

For a fruity twist on the classic rum punch, try adding some muddled strawberries or raspberries to the mix. Or, for a richer rum punch, use 1 oz of dark rum and 1 oz of spiced rum.

The most important thing to remember when making a rum punch is to use fresh ingredients and to adjust the proportions to taste.

How Long Can Rum Punch Sit Out?

A good rule of thumb is that rum punch will last for about two hours before it starts to lose its flavor. After that, it’s still safe to drink, but it won’t taste as great.

Can Rum Punch Go Bad?

As with any cocktail, rum punch can go bad if not stored properly. If your rum punch has been sitting out for too long, or if it has been exposed to heat or light, the flavors may start to degrade and the drink will become less enjoyable.

Try Our Other Cocktail Recipes

If you’re a fan of this rum punch recipe, below are a few of our other favorite cocktail recipes from the archives —

Esmeralda Fizz — Featuring rum, brandy, absinthe, and champagne, this is the perfect cocktail for a warm sunny day.
Martini Spritz — The classic aperitif cocktail that never fails to impress and refresh.
Coffee Old Fashioned — Combines both your favorite coffee and favorite cocktail into one delicious drink.
Detoxing Activated Charcoal Cocktail — The ultimate morning-after Thanksgiving stomach ache remedy!