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
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
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Planter's Punch.
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'.
Bahama Mama
Tropical vacation glass—light and dark rum, coconut, pineapple and citrus with a hint of coffee liqueur.
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.
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.
Other Variations
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
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.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Old Cuban
A modern classic—aged rum, lime, mint, and Angostura bitters shaken and topped with brut Champagne.
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.