Planter's Punch
The authentic Jamaican formula following the classic 'one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak' rhyme, featuring quality Jamaican rum, demerara syrup, and aromatic allspice dram for the true Caribbean experience.
23%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
collins
Glass
History & Heritage
“First documented in London's Fun magazine in 1878, Planter's Punch originated on Jamaican sugar plantations as a simple thirst-quencher for planters. The famous rhyming recipe 'One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak' became the template for countless rum punches. This version honors the Jamaican roots with authentic ingredients like allspice dram and quality Jamaican rum, moving beyond the overly sweet tourist versions to showcase the drink's sophisticated heritage.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1 oz
0.8 oz
0.3 oz
2 dashes
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Fill shaker with 12 ounces of crushed or pebble ice
Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds until well-chilled
Open pour entire contents (including ice) into a tall Collins glass
Top with additional crushed ice if needed to fill glass
Gently slap mint sprig to release oils and garnish
Glassware
Open pour over crushed ice in Collins glass
Garnish
Large mint sprig, gently slapped
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
Use a blend of aged and dark Jamaican rums for complexity
Crush or pebble ice is essential for proper dilution and temperature
The mint garnish provides crucial aromatics—don't skip it
Demerara syrup adds rich molasses notes that pair perfectly with rum
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Planter's Punch.
Traditional 1-2-3-4 Formula
Follows the classic rhyme with water as the 'weak' element.
Changes
Rum-Forward Version
Adjusts ratios for a stronger, more adult version.
Changes
Multi-Fruit Punch
Adds orange and pineapple juices for a crowd-pleasing party version.
Changes
Spice-Infused Syrup
Uses cinnamon and allspice-infused demerara syrup for extra complexity.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Queen’s Park Swizzle
Trinidad classic—demerara rum swizzled with mint, lime, and demerara syrup over crushed ice with Angostura bitters.
Tropical Fruit Punch
A vibrant rum punch celebrating the golden age of punch with tropical fruit juices, following the classic 'one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak' formula.
Three Dots and a Dash
Donn Beach's WWII tribute—rhum agricole and Demerara rum layered with falernum, allspice dram, citrus, honey, and a dash of bitters, served tall over crushed ice.