Photo Credit - iStock/bhofack2

For many of us, punch has been a large part of our party beverage options since we were children. A mere mention of the word probably conjures memories of super-sweet concoctions full of an assortment of fruit juices with 7up and sherbet.

But, punch has a long and delicious history full of potions that are certainly not safe for children. The original punches were introduced to Great Britain from India in the early 1600s and were a combination of five ingredients: alcohol (probably gin), sugar, lemon, water and tea. British sailors brought the concoctions with them to the new world and when Caribbean rum began being used in the mid 1600s, the modern punch was born.

There are dozens of rum punch variations available now, but the classics remain our favorites. Bajan Rum Punch is one of the oldest recipes and even comes with its own rhyme to help you remember how to make it: “One of sour (Lime), Two of Sweet (Sugar), Three of Strong (Barbados rum like Mt Gay Eclipse), and Four of Weak (Water). You can add Angostura Bitters and/or Nutmeg, if you like.

Time to visit your favorite pub, and enjoy a classic. Might I suggest a Planters Punch with Papa’s Pilar 24 Dark Rum? If you are lucky, your bartender will be able to delight you with the history and lore behind this cocktail.

“An education has never tasted so good”.