Chefs' Recipes

Bajan rum punch

A festive Christmas time cocktail from the Bahamas.

By Paul Carmichael
"My dad was a bartender for 30 years; he doesn't partake himself but makes a mean drink," says Paul Carmichael. "Around Christmastime he would always make Rum Punch for our neighbours - jugs and jugs of the stuff. When I was old enough he taught me how to make it and in Barbados the recipe is in the form of a poem. Make sure to use nice dark Bajan rum here; the spice referred to is nutmeg. So if you like a poetic drink, this is the one for you."
One of sour, two of sweet
Three of strong and four of weak
A dash of bitters and a sprinkle of spice
Serve well chilled with plenty of ice

Ingredients

  • 1 part lime juice
  • 2 parts demerara sugar
  • 3 parts dark bajan rum
  • 4 parts soda water
  • dash bitters
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Method

Main
  • 1
    Combine all ingredients with ice in a punch bowl, serve immediately.