1. Rum Punch
The best thing about a real rum punch? It’s strong but easy to drink. Here’s our favorite recipe for the Caribbean’s best rum punch.
Rum Punch Recipe
Serves 1
- 1.5 oz. dark rum
- 1 oz. overproof rum
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- fruit juice to taste (try a blend of grapefruit, orange, pineapple, sour orange, and lime)
- grenadine
- Angostura bitters
- fresh nutmeg
Add rums and simple syrup to a tall, ice-filled glass. Fill glass with fruit juice. Add a couple shakes of grenadine and Angostura bitters. Stir and grate fresh nutmeg on top.
2. Santo Libre
A favorite in the Dominican Republic, this rum-based cocktail is refreshing and simple, perfect for a little day-drinking.
Santo Libre Recipe
Serves 1
- dark rum
- club soda
- fresh lime
Start with a tall ice-filled glass. Combine a couple ounces of dark with club soda. Add a squeeze of fresh lime.
3. Sailor Mule
The Sailor Mule is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. Here’s how to make it at home.
Sailor Mule Recipe
Serves 1
- 1 oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. ginger simple syrup
- 1 1/2 oz. Sailor Jerry spiced rum
- 3 1/2 oz. ginger beer
Add lime juice, ginger simple syrup and rum to shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a copper mug. Top with ginger beer.
4. Rum and Coconut Water
This tropical cocktail is so simple and tasty, it’ll be your go-to for summer parties and island living.
Rum and Coconut Water Recipe
Serves 1
- 2 oz. golden rum
- fresh coconut water
- Angostura bitters
Pour coconut rum into a glass and add fresh coconut water to taste. Top with a couple dashes of Angostura bitters.
5. ‘Ti Punch
The national drink of Martinique, ‘Ti Punch literally means “small punch,” but we’re not sure if it’s referring to the size or the kick from this rum cocktail made with lime juice and simple syrup. Here’s how to make your own with our favorite ‘ti punch recipe.
‘Ti Punch Recipe
Serves 1
- 1.5 oz. white rum
- 1/4 oz. cane syrup
- 1/4 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
Add all ingredients to a glass and stir with a bois lele. Add ice if desired.
6. Painkiller
The Painkiller was invented at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Patrons usually swim up from a boat anchored in White Bay, and pay for their drinks using wet dollars, hence the name of the bar. Here’s how to make one at home.
Painkiller Drink Recipe
Serves 1-2
- 2-4 oz. of Pusser’s Rum
- 4 oz. pineapple juice
- 1 oz. cream of coconut
- 1 oz. orange juice
- Grated fresh nutmeg
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add first four ingredients and shake. Pour into cocktail glasses over ice and top with grated nutmeg.
