Trader Vic's Planter's Punch
Trader Vic's definitive version of Planter's Punch - a harmonious blend of bold Jamaican rum, bright citrus, and just enough sweetness to create a refreshingly complex tropical experience.
18%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
collins
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
History & Heritage
“The history of Planter's Punch as a category is murky, with claims of origin from Jamaica to the Planters Hotel in Charleston. However, Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron's specific codification appeared in his 1946 "Book of Food and Drink," where he acknowledged the myriad recipes for Planter's Punch, stating he would give his own version among others. His 1947 "Bartender's Guide" solidified his preferred recipe. Bergeron's genius was taking a loosely defined concept and applying his signature touch of balancing strong spirits with fresh juices and quality sweeteners, all while maintaining respect for the drink's Caribbean roots. This became instrumental in popularizing Tiki culture in mid-20th century America.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1 oz
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.3 tsp
2 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a Collins glass with crushed or cracked ice and set aside to chill
In a cocktail shaker, combine the Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, grenadine, and superfine sugar
Fill the shaker with cubed ice
Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled and the sugar has dissolved
Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared Collins glass filled with fresh crushed ice
Top with a splash of soda water for a touch of effervescence
Garnish lavishly
Glassware
12-ounce Collins glass, pre-chilled
Garnish
Reserved from juicing
Large, vibrant sprig
Quality cherry
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use freshly squeezed citrus juice - bottled juice is unacceptable
Pre-chill the Collins glass for superior drinking experience
Use quality, house-made grenadine made from real pomegranate juice
Shake hard and fast for 10-12 seconds only to prevent over-dilution
The garnish is essential - don't skip the aromatic elements
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Trader Vic's Planter's Punch.
Spicier Version
Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters for aromatic complexity.
Changes
Sweeter Profile
Increase grenadine to 0.75 oz for those with a sweeter palate.
Changes
Less Boozy Option
Reduce rum to 2 or 2.5 oz for a lighter drink.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Sea Breeze Cooler
The original Sea Breeze from the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book—a complex gin-based cooler with apricot brandy, lemon juice, and grenadine, topped with sparkling water.
Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai
The tourist-friendly evolution of Trader Vic's original Mai Tai, featuring the addition of pineapple and orange juices that transformed it into a globally recognized symbol of tropical leisure.
Don the Beachcomber's Planter's Punch
Donn Beach's 1937 masterpiece that transformed the rustic Jamaican punch into a complex tiki classic with three distinct rums, falernum, grenadine, and Angostura bitters.