Rum Punch is a classic Jamaican drink that is enjoyed by many around the world. This delicious cocktail offers up a refreshingly sweet, sour, and strong taste note. Not for the weak.
What is Rum Punch?
A punch is referred to as a non-alcoholic and alcoholic containing fruits or fruit juice usually served at events and is placed in a large bowl. The word punch comes from the Indian word ‘panch’ which means ‘Five’. Put the Rum in front of Punch and you get ‘Rum Punch’. Rum punch became a thing in 1655 when Jamaican rum became very popular in the western world and was used in Punches.
Jamaican Rum Punch
Rum Punch has been a part of Jamaica’s culture from far as I know. Rum Punch was usually made and drink during Christmas and special occasions/events. Then it became a staple drink at many restaurants across the island including daiquiri, sex on the beach, mudslide, and many more. Jamaican’s are very particular and like what they like. They love ‘Flava’ so, if it isn’t flavourful with a little sugar, it won’t be a hot ticket for them.
I have been noticing that many people have been circulating recipes that claim to be Jamaican Rum Punch but it’s truly not. Classic Jamaican Rum Punch consists of Lime Juice, Fruit Punch, and or Syrup, with White Rum. I have never seen Jamaican Rum Punch with dark Rum, coconut flavor rum, liqueurs, or anything else. Don’t make it complicated. If it’s complicated chances are it’s not a classic Jamaican Rum Punch.
How to make Rum Punch?
The rule of thumb for a strong Jamaican Rum Punch is to use your ingredients in these proportions: 1 of sour this represents the use of the lime, 2 of sweet is the sugary syrup, 3 of strong is the real Jamaica rum. (However, you can use a rum of your choice), 4 of weak which is water or juice. For this recipe, I used the fruit punch I made.
Fruit Punch Ingredients for this Recipe
Pineapple Juice, cherry, and guava juice. If you are using fresh fruits, blend them together or juice to get the amount you desired.
What kind of Rum is used in Jamaican Rum Punch?
Traditionally, Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum. However, there are different variations of Rum Punch. Every Caribbean Island has its own variation of Rum Punch it just so happens that Jamaican Rum Punch is more popular. Hawaii has its own Rum Punch and in the US it also variations. Some use Bitters, Coconut Rum, Coconut Flavour, and both dark and white rum.
Are you making a Rum Punch or Painkiller?
I have seen recipes with pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream/coconut rum, dark rum, and white rum. This sounds a lot like a Painkiller Cocktail rather than a Rum Punch Cocktail.
Fruit Punch or Syrup?
Traditionally, we use Jamaican brands of syrups and fruit punch drinks to make the punch. You can use both or either or you can make your own fruit punch by using pineapple, orange, guava, papaya, mango, and or cherry juice. A typical Jamaican fruit punch drink. Because rum punch is made with fruit punch the color of the drink varies. It depends on what fruits you add to our punch.
How to make a single serving of Rum Punch
- 4 oz Fruit Punch
- 3 oz Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum
- 2 oz Grenadine
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- Ice
Instruction
- Pour ice in your glass of choice
- Pour grenadine into the glass
- Mix lime, rum, and fruit punch
- Slowly pour fruit drink on top of the ice and grenadine
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry
Tip: Don’t drink it too fast; it will creep up on you and remember guys!!! ‘Drink Responsibly’
CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME RECIPES FROM US
Follow us on YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM, and FACEBOOK

Jamaican Rum Punch Recipe
Equipment
- Glass Punch Bowl
- Bar Tools
Ingredients
- 4 oz fruit punch
- 3 oz Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum or rum of choice
- 2 oz Strawberry Syrup or any flavor of choice
- 1 oz lime juice
- Ice Cube
- Maraschino Cherries Garnish
Instructions
- Add rum, fruit punch, and lime juice to a cocktail mixing glass and stir.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour strawberry grenadine into the glass of ice. Then add rum, fruit punch, and lime mixture.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.