Planter's Punch
A distinguished classic within the realm of tropical cocktails, Planter's Punch offers a refreshing harmony of dark rum, citrus juices, and the almond nuances of orgeat syrup. Capped with a float of aromatic bitters, it is a perfect cooler for warm days.
What it tastes like
This drink leads with the scent of cloves and cinnamon from the bitters float over a base of bright tropical fruit. The palate is dominated by sweet orange and pineapple balanced by the rich, nutty depth of almond syrup and molasses from the rum. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and smooth, finishing with a sharp, spicy dryness that cuts through the fruit sugars.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Dark Rum1.5 oz
- Orgeat Syrup0.75 oz
- Fresh Orange Juice3 oz
- Fresh Pineapple Juice1.5 oz
- Angostura Bitters3 dashes
- Cocktail Cherry1 whole
- Pineapple1 wedge
Preparation
- 1
Pour the dark rum, orgeat syrup, orange juice, and pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- 2
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- 3
Strain the mixture into a large Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- 4
Float the Angostura bitters on top of the drink.
- 5
Garnish with a cocktail cherry and a wedge of pineapple.
Substitutions
- Orgeat SyrupSimple Syrup — This removes the almond flavor profile, resulting in a cleaner but less complex sweetness.
- Dark RumJamaican Pot Still Rum — Using a funky Jamaican rum adds intense notes of overripe fruit and fermented esters.
- Fresh Orange JuicePassion Fruit Puree — This swap significantly increases the tartness and adds a sharp, tropical aromatic quality.
- Angostura BittersPeychaud's Bitters — Changing the bitters replaces warm baking spices with lighter notes of anise and floral cherry.
Variations
Sparkling Planter
Reduce the orange juice to one ounce and top the drink with two ounces of chilled club soda for a lighter, effervescent texture.
Smoky Punch
Split the rum base with a half-ounce of mezcal to introduce a dry, earthy smoke that complements the pineapple.