If you need a fast, delicious poolside cocktail, this rum punch is perfect for summer parties. This is one of my favorite fruity mixed drinks with rum and reminds me of Jamaica, or any sunny beach in the Caribbean!
Why this recipe works
This rum punch recipe comes straight from the Caribbean – and each island seems to have its own version of this classic cocktail. It takes us back to white sand beaches and sunny days!
What’s different about Jamaica’s version is the inclusion of lime juice and the heavy use of grenadine syrup. Feel free to skip the grenadine if you’re looking for something less sweet.
Related – You may also like to try my Ice Cream Cone Rum Chata Shots. And being that summer is hot, hot, hot, be sure to have plenty of ice on hand. You can also try our Pineapple Rum Slush!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitute Suggestions
RUM – A quick note about dark rum vs. light rum. You can definitely use white or light rum, but dark rum has been aged longer and has a bolder flavor than its light counterparts. It’s actually more typical to find a light or white rum in mixed drinks, while dark rum is usually for sipping. Use whatever you have on hand!
GRENADINE – If you don’t have grenadine, you can use the liquid from the jar of maraschino cherries.
How to Make a Rum Punch Cocktail
- Prepare your garnishes beforehand by skewering citrus slices and cherries for a cute, tropical garnish and also to let guests know what flavors they will taste in their drink.
- In a large pitcher, mix the pineapple, orange and lime juices. Add the rum and set aside.
- For each individual serving glass, pour in one tablespoon of grenadine syrup (or simply the syrup from the maraschino cherry jar).
- Fill the glass with ice.
- When ready to enjoy, pour the rum punch into each glass to allow for a sunset effect. The drink will be red and the bottom and gradually fade to orange at the top.
- Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips
I have taken this punch to a pool party more than once, doubling the recipe and transporting it in a big 1-gallon thermal jug or, for a single recipe, a 1/2-gallon jug! Make sure you have plenty of extra ingredients (I thread them onto drink skewers and put them into a container before I arrive), I promise people will be asking for more and more and more!
Either light or dark rum will work well here, it really comes down to personal preference. I use dark rum (Myers Dark Rum) for its bolder flavor but have certainly made it with light rum as well! If you want a sweeter flavor, you can even substitute with Malibu.
Serving Suggestions
One serving of rum punch is 8-ounces, but hurricane glasses are usually 16-ounces. So keep that in mind when making these. This recipe makes 6 servings. So in other words, if you’re going to be serving this in big red Solo cups, don’t expect to get 6 full plastic cups.
This recipe makes enough cocktails to almost fill a 2-quart Pitcher, about 1.5 quarts. It’s prettiest served in hurricane glasses with orange and lime slices and bright red maraschino cherries. But don’t worry, if you don’t have hurricane glasses it tastes just as good in plastic cups!
More Summer Cocktail Recipes
- Pina Colada
- White Sangria
- Blue Lagoon Cocktail
- Blue Mermaid Cocktail
- Tropical Rum Punch
- Blue Hawaiian Mai Tai
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Rum Punch
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ cups gold or dark rum
- 3 Tablespoons grenadine syrup
Garnishes
- Citrus slices
- Maraschino cherries
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- This recipe makes enough cocktails to almost fill a 2-quart Pitcher, about 1.5 quarts.
- One serving is 8-ounces, but hurricane glasses are usually 16-ounces. So keep that in mind when making these. This recipe makes 6 servings. So in other words, if you’re going to be serving this in big red Solo cups, don’t expect to get 6 full plastic cups.
- A quick note about dark rum vs. light rum. You can definitely use white or light rum, but dark rum has been aged longer and has a bolder flavor than it’s light counterparts. It’s actually more typical to find a light or white rum in mixed drinks, while dark rum is usually for sipping. Use whatever you have on hand!
- If you don’t have grenadine, you can use the liquid from the jar of maraschino cherries.
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, mix the pineapple, orange and lime juices. Add the rum and set aside.2 cups pineapple juice, 2 cups orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 1/2 cups gold or dark rum
- For each individual serving glass, pour in one Tablespoon of grenadine syrup. Fill the glass with ice.
- Prepare your garnishes beforehand by skewering citrus slices and cherries on toothpicks or cocktail sticks.
- When ready to enjoy, pour the rum punch into each glass to allow for a sunset effect.
- Garnish and serve.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- I have taken this punch to a pool party more than once, transporting it in a big 1-gallon thermal jug! Make sure you have plenty of extra ingredients (I thread them onto drink skewers and put them into a container before I arrive), I promise people will be asking for more and more and more!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on July 5, 2016 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.
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H says
Enjoyed this drink! Simple and refreshing!
Brian says
Too good
Kathleen Bailey says
Yum, thank you!
Katie says
I want to make this for a party and put it in a beverage dispenser- can I just throw all
Of the ingredients into the dispenser? If so, how much grenadine would you suggest? Thanks !
Amanda Formaro says
You can drag the slider where it says “servings” on the pink recipe card. That will adjust the ingredient amounts for you.
Beth Cossins says
Do you use a spiced rum for the dark rum?
Amanda Formaro says
I use Myers Dark Rum, which is not a spiced rum.
diane kaemming says
Do you dilute the pineapple concentrate?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Diane. Our recipe does not call for concentrate. We use pineapple juice.
Michael says
I’m an ex bartender and I know this is a sure ladies drink
Des says
Has anybody tried this with Malibu rum
Amanda Formaro says
Yes it’s good with Malibu.
Mila says
Love it.
Kyla says
Great! I cut it down to 1 cup of dark rum as I used plantation rum. I think more would make it way too strong. Everyone said it had a kick already with the 1 cup. We also forgot to use the grenadine. Still great
Kyla says
I also forgot to mention I have about a 2.2 quart pitcher. The recipe says it will fill a 2 quart pitcher. This recipe filled a little under half of my pitcher. So I would double the ingredients fyi.
Amanda Formaro says
Ahh yes well the grenadine is a syrup, so it will add sweetness, counteracting the rum. I’m glad you liked it though!
Sue @ The View from Great Island says
This is such a classic, I’m a dark rum girl all the way!!
Amanda Formaro says
I love it too!