There are two camps of thought when it comes to Planter's Punch. Sure, they both have rum and fruit juice but the ingredient in question is grenadine.
Grenadine is essentially a reduced syrup of pomegranate juice, sugar and orange flower water. This shockingly red syrup lends both color and sweetness to many a drink. But sometimes you get that cloyingly sweet drink.....it's the one that used the $3.00 bottle of grenadine from the grocery store. Please, don't buy it. Don't use it. Yes, the better bottles of grenadine will cost about $20 if ordering online but it's worth it! (Some of our favorites include Jack Rudy, Liber & Co and Small Hand Foods).
We actually like the Planter's Punch recipes that call for grenadine but I'm sad to say, we're out. Hey, it happens. Maybe we'll circle back to those recipes in the next few weeks when the bar is restocked. In the meantime, the following two recipes obtain their sweetness solely by fruit juices. Taste before mixing. You're pineapple may be too tart or your orange is too sweet. Either way, play around and have fun and remember you can always add a splash of simple syrup if needed. Also, we listed specific juices for each recipe but use what you have and use what's seasonal. (Think watermelon in the dead of summer or Louisiana Satsumas in winter).
His Cocktail
1 1/2 oz dark rum (Myers's)
2 oz fresh pineapple juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add ingredients and shake until chilled. Pour into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with fruit - if you feel like it.
Her Cocktail
2 oz dark rum (Myers's)
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz fresh orange juice
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Dash of Angostura bitters
Dash of Peychaud's bitters
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add ingredients and shake until chilled. Pour into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. No garnish....you just hand juiced 4 fruits. You're good.
Find a cool place to relax and happy drinking!