Jamaican Rum Punch
A cultural cornerstone of Jamaica, this punch follows the simple, memorable rhyme: 'One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak'.
16%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“Jamaican Rum Punch is a historic drink with roots in the 17th century. Its formula is famously captured in the rhyme: 'One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak.' This simple mnemonic has allowed the recipe to be passed down through generations, making it a cornerstone of Jamaican culture and a symbol of hospitality.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1 oz
2 oz
4 oz
2 dashes
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a highball or large tumbler glass.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the lime juice, flavored syrup, both rums, and water or fruit juice.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds.
Fill the chilled glass with fresh ice and strain the punch into the glass.
Add two dashes of Angostura bitters on top.
Garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.
Glassware
Served in a highball or a large, heavy-bottomed tumbler
Garnish
Orange slice and maraschino cherry
A slice of orange and a high-quality maraschino cherry
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
The '1-2-3-4' formula is a masterclass in balance, but feel free to adjust the ratios to your personal taste.
Using a blend of funky overproof rum and a quality aged rum provides critical depth and complexity.
For parties, the punch can be batched in a large container. Add the fresh lime juice just before serving to maintain its vibrancy.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Jamaican Rum Punch.
Planter's Punch
A very similar cocktail, often used interchangeably with Jamaican Rum Punch. The IBA recipe for Planter's Punch specifies Jamaican rum, lime juice, and sugar cane juice.
Changes
Barbados Rum Punch
A similar punch that traditionally uses Barbados rum, which is typically smoother and less funky than Jamaican rum.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Chilcano
Peruvian highball—pisco, lime, and ginger ale over ice with a dash of bitters for a bright, snappy refresher.
Corn 'n' Oil
Barbadian classic—blackstrap rum with falernum and a dash of bitters over ice.
Planter's Punch
Dark rum punch with citrus and spice—the Caribbean's signature party drink.