History & Heritage
“Originating on Jamaican sugar plantations in the 1800s, Planter's Punch followed the mnemonic "one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak." The drink migrated to American bars in the late 19th century and became a tiki staple after Prohibition, appearing on menus at Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's. Its simple formula has spawned countless regional riffs and remains a template for Caribbean rum punches.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
Strain into a collins glass filled with ice
Garnish with orange slice and cherry
Glassware
Served over ice in a collins glass
Garnish
Fresh orange slice
Maraschino cherry
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Follow the 1-2-3-4 rhyme for easy batching
Blend different rums for extra depth
A few dashes of bitters keep the sweetness in check
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
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Planter's Punch.
1-2-3-4 Formula
One sour, two sweet, three strong, four weak classic ratio.
Changes
Sweeter Party Punch
Adds orange and pineapple juices for a fruitier crowd-pleaser.
Changes
Jamaican Rum Punch
Large-format version built for parties, often with grated nutmeg on top.
Changes
Bahama Mama
Tiki-era offshoot adding coffee liqueur and coconut rum.
Changes
Don the Beachcomber's Planter's Punch
Adds falernum, grenadine, and multiple rums for tiki complexity.
Changes
Trader Vic's Planter's Punch
Trader Vic's house take with grenadine and soda water.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Jungle Bird
Malaysia's 1970s tiki gift: blackstrap rum, Campari, pineapple and lime shaken into a bittersweet tropical sipper.
Pisco Sour
Peru's frothy national cocktail blending grape brandy, lime, sugar, and egg white with a bitters finale.
Daiquiri
A crisp Cuban rum sour that showcases perfect balance—just rum, lime and sugar shaken icy cold.