The Planter's Punch cocktail is more than a cocktail—it's a tropical escape in a glass. Built with rich dark rum, citrus, sugar, and a splash of spice, this drink brings the heart of the Caribbean to the West Coast. In Los Angeles, where sunshine is currency and bold flavor is non-negotiable, the Planter's Punch is a natural fit.
From backyard barbecues in Inglewood to beachside weddings in Manhattan Beach, this cocktail hits hard, cools fast, and keeps the party moving.
Ingredients The Planter's Punch Cocktail (One Serving)
- 2 oz Dark Rum (Jamaican-style preferred)
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup (or Demerara for depth)
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Splash of soda water (optional)
- Garnish: orange slice, cherry, or mint sprig
- Ice (crushed or cubes)
- Tall glass (highball or hurricane)
LA Local Tip: Dark rums like Smith & Cross or Plantation OFTD are easy finds at K&L Wines and Wine House West LA. Want LA local? Check out Lost Spirits or the Bumbu distillery for California-accessible craft rums with a Caribbean backbone.
How to Make the Perfect Planter's Punch
1. Fill your tall glass with ice.
Use crushed ice if you want a tiki vibe, or standard cubes for a cleaner presentation.
- Build the cocktail.
Add 2 oz dark rum, ¾ oz lime juice, ½ oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters directly into the glass. - Stir well or shake, your call.
Purists stir in-glass; modern bartenders often shake and pour over fresh ice. - Optional: Top with soda water.
Adds lift and makes it more sessionable—ideal for outdoor LA events. - Garnish with flair.
Think bold: orange wheels, brandied cherries, mint sprigs—even a dehydrated lime wheel. This drink begs for flair.
Why Planter's Punch Belongs in the LA Cocktail Scene
Planter's Punch has that perfect blend of strong, sour, and sweet—exactly what LA palates crave. It plays well with:
- Caribbean and Latin cuisine pop-ups
- Pool parties in Hollywood Hills
- Food truck events in East LA
- Live music nights in Highland Park
It's also incredibly flexible for batching, allowing Party Shakers to serve hundreds while keeping it cool, balanced, and bold.
FAQs
Is Planter's Punch the same as a rum punch?
Not quite. This version is leaner and more focused—less juice, more booze, and a more refined flavor profile. It's a punch, yes, but it's not a juice bomb.
What kind of rum works best?
Jamaican dark rum is ideal for funk and depth. Party Shakers often uses a mix of dark and overproof for layered heat.
Can it be pre-batched for events?
Absolutely. We batch this in punch bowls, glass jugs, or tiki dispensers, depending on your vibe. We can even offer a frozen Planter's Punch station for summer events.
Bring the Island Heat to LA – Book the Planter's Punch
It's punchy, tropical, and perfectly suited to Los Angeles' melting-pot energy. Whether you're booking a summer bash or a private dinner with flair, the Planter's Punch delivers serious flavor with crowd-pleasing ease as do other drinks we offer.
✅ Available for events across Los Angeles County: Santa Clarita, Hermosa Beach, Downtown LA, and beyond
✅ Great with our "Tiki & Tropic" bar package
✅ Garnish options include housemade syrups, flaming citrus, or branded skewers
✅ Poured by Party Shakers' expert mixologists who love island classics as much as you do
Book Party Shakers – Serve Planter's Punch and Let the Tropics Take Over Your LA Event