May 18, 2019

Ti Punch, the Simple Rum and Lime Cocktail from Martinique

Like a Caribbean version of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail with flavorful Rhum Agricole and a mild tropical background.

Rum.  Lime.  Sugar.

The three ingredients for some of the best cocktails this world has to offer.

Pronounced "Tee Paunch", this classic from Martinique is a tropical Old Fashioned substituting the bitters for a lime juice and using a base of rum.

It is often presented self-serve style with just a plate of limes, cane sugar (or syrup), and a bottle of Rhum Agricole.

How cool is that?

Hanging out with friends on the beach while sipping some Ti Punches sounds like a pretty ideal summer evening...

Pouring Rhum JM agricole

What is Rhum Agricole?

Rum Agricole is a style of rum traditional of the French islands that's distilled from fresh cane juice instead of molasses like many other styles.

The resulting flavor is usually described as "funky".

Not stinky cheese style funk, but more like fresh cut grass, overripe bananas and green peppers. It can be a difficult flavor to describe but you will pick up on its' unique taste the second you take a sip.

Stirring the ingredients for Ti Punch

The best rum agricole for Ti Punch.

Well, that's like asking what's the best whiskey for an Old Fashioned.

It's impossible to answer.

But if you want to go with what I've been using recently you can grab yourself a bottle of Rhum JM Agricole Blanc.

It's deliciously funky, carried in many large liquor stores, and also goes great in plenty of other cocktail recipes.

Some other solid options are:

Always do your own tasting and decide what you enjoy most!

Measuring homemade cane sugar simple syrup

A quick note on cane syrup

Lots of recipes call for cane syrup which is fresh pressed cane juice cooked down like a tropical maple syrup, however, many people won't have that in their pantry. 

Optionally, you can add a teaspoon of cane sugar and stir, but since that never seems to fully dissolve I prefer using simple syrup.

A 1:1 cane sugar simple syrup works perfectly.

Using a small sauce pan dissolve equal parts water and cane sugar over gentle heat just until you can no longer see any crystals of sugar. Then use that in place of cane syrup.

Slicing a disc of lime to use for the drink

How to make a Ti' Punch

  1. Add your rum to a small rocks glass
  2. Measure in the cane syrup (or simple syrup)
  3. Stir a few times
  4. Squeeze in a disc of lime
  5. Add ice (optional)

No shaking or straining, and even measuring is optional.

When you cut a lime disc just be sure to get some of the flesh so you have a little juice along with the oils from the skin.

Squeezing lime into the glass
Ti Punch Cocktail Recipe

Feel free to drop in an ice cube.

Although most people in Martinique enjoy their Ti Punch at room temperature, I have heard it isn't a sin if you prefer the drink chilled with a little dilution. Add some ice and stir the drink a few more times.

Try making it with an aged Rhum Agricole

Aged versions will have a less in your face funk with more rounded caramel-like flavors from resting in wood barrels.

It will create a more mellow and "warm" tasting drink that comes off as sweeter with notes of vanilla and toffee.

Ti Punch Recipe

Ti Punch is like the Caribbean version of an Old Fashioned made with Rhum Agricole, lime and cane sugar.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Rhum Agricole
  • 1/4 oz Cane Syrup
  • Lime Disc

Instructions

  • Add Rhum Agricole and Cane Syrup to your glass.
  • Give it a quick stir.
  • Cut a disc of lime about 1 inch across and squeeze it in.
  • Optionally add ice.

Notes

Go ahead and adjust the amount of lime and cane syrup to your liking.
This would be the perfect candidate for a drink station at a summer BBQ.
Total Time: 3 minutes
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1
Tag me at @mydrinkinghobby when you make this!

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Ti Punch Pinterest Recipe

Ti Punch is a boozy rum cocktail but that doesn't mean it can't be refreshing. It's a great option if you want something to sip on throughout the evening that's a little stronger than you average Daiquiri.

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