While you should never need an excuse to pour something fruity, boozy, and made for sharing, National Rum Punch Day on September 20 is a great reason to mix up your usual cocktail hour. Rum punch is a crowd-pleaser that can go from breezy backyard sipper to bold party centerpiece, all depending on how you mix it.
What Makes a Rum Punch?
At its heart, rum punch is a blend of rum, fruit juices, and sweetener, often with citrus for brightness and something fizzy or juicy to lighten it up.
- Rum is the backbone, with light, dark, aged, or spiced styles each bringing their own personality.
- Juice gives it body and flavor—pineapple, orange, guava, mango, and passion fruit are all classics.
- Sweeteners like grenadine, simple syrup, or honey balance out the tartness of citrus.
- Optional fizz from soda water, ginger beer, or sparkling wine keeps things lively.
The beauty of rum punch is that it’s fully customizable. Mix and match based on your favorite rums, seasonal fruit, and the mood of the party. There are no wrong answers!
Rum Recommendations for Punch
There’s a near endless variety of rums out there, and really it’s hard to find a bad option. But here are a few rums we recommend:
Light & White Rums
- Bacardi Superior – Crisp, clean, and perfect for tropical fruit punches.
- Cruzan Aged Light Rum – Smooth and slightly sweet, with vanilla undertones.
- Plantation 3 Stars – A floral, citrusy blend from Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad.
Spiced Rums
- Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum – Vanilla-spice warmth that works beautifully with pineapple and citrus.
- Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum – Bolder spice with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- The Kraken Black Spiced Rum – Deep molasses and rich spice for darker, moodier punches.
Dark & Aged Rums
- Mount Gay Eclipse – Bright fruit balanced with subtle oak.
- Appleton Estate Signature – Smooth caramel and orange peel notes.
- Goslings Black Seal Rum – Molasses-rich with a touch of spice.
Flavored Rums
- Malibu Coconut Rum – Sweet coconut flavor for a vacation-style punch.
- Don Q Passion Rum – Fruity and tropical, with no extra mixers required.
When selecting which rums to use, consider using a service like Saucey for alcohol delivery so you can browse a wide variety of options quickly.
5 Rum Punch Recipes to Try
1. Classic Caribbean Rum Punch
- 1 part fresh lime juice
- 2 parts pineapple juice
- 3 parts light rum
- 4 parts orange juice
- Grenadine float for color
Serve over ice with a pineapple wedge.
2. Spiced Citrus Punch
- 1 part lemon juice
- 2 parts mango nectar
- 3 parts Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- 4 parts ginger beer
Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
3. Bacardi Tropical Breeze
- 1 part lime juice
- 2 parts passion fruit juice
- 3 parts Bacardi Superior
- 4 parts coconut water
Add mint leaves for freshness.
4. Sunset Punch
- 1 part grapefruit juice
- 2 parts guava juice
- 1.5 parts light rum + 1.5 parts dark rum
- 4 parts club soda
Pour grenadine slowly for a layered sunset effect.
5. Tea Time Rum Punch
- 1 part lemon juice
- 2 parts honey syrup
- 3 parts gold rum
- 4 parts iced black tea
Garnish with lemon wheels.
Raise a Glass This September 20th
National Rum Punch Day is all about celebrating flavor, balance, and a splash of tropical spirit. This year, try one of our recommendations or make a cocktail that is completely your own. Grab your favorite bottle, fill a pitcher, and toast to a little island magic. No passport required.
