Spiced Rum Punch

The warmth of winter spice comes through in every sip of this Spiced Rum Punch. Made with fresh citrus juices, cinnamon simple syrup, and spiced rum, this big-batch cocktail is bold and totally smooth. It’s a bit of a kicker, but trust us, you’ll love every drop!

about this spiced rum punch

Any Gilmore Girls fans out there? Do you remember that legendary Founder’s Day Punch that was served throughout the seasons?

This is my very own version of that!

This rum punch recipe packs a serious wallop, but you would never know how much booze is hidden in every cup based on the flavor. Instead you get a wave of warming cinnamon paired with citrus fruits and winter spices from the spiced rum. Even if rum cocktails aren’t totally your jam usually, this isn’t your typical rum drink and it is anything but weak. The sweetness of the simple syrup with fresh fruit juice is what makes this cocktail perfectly balanced.

I know it’s hard to imagine cozying up to a chilled drink, but with the combination of spices in this cocktail, you really do want to cozy up to it. It’s just the cocktail you need for a quiet evening by the fireplace or to celebrate at any gathering you have coming up, from game day to a winter celebration.

Plus it goes with all of your favorite party foods, so you can pair it with whatever you have planned.

Note: This is an updated version of the original posted on December 8, 2016. The recipe remains the same, but the post now contains more useful information about the cocktail!

ingredients

cinnamon simple syrup. I use homemade cinnamon simple syrup for this recipe. The recipe gives you the ingredient amounts to make approximately 1/2 cup cinnamon simple syrup instead of a full batch. If you prefer to make a full batch to have more leftover, get the cinnamon simple syrup recipe here.

spiced rum. Use dark rum or light rum for this recipe! The most important thing is to make sure that it is a spiced rum. Do not use white rum or coconut rum.

orange juice. Fresh orange juice or store-bought orange juice can be used in this cocktail.

lemon juice. I recommend using fresh lemon juice since the store bought lemon juice can be a little more sour than fresh.

citrus fruit. Use one orange and one lime for the punch. You could also use lemon slices.

garnish. I like to garnish my glasses with cinnamon sticks and fresh slices of orange and lime.

this recipe’s must haves

All you need to make this recipe is a saucepan for the cinnamon simple syrup and a pitcher to make the cocktail. I also like to use a wooden spoon to stir it all together. There’s no need for a cocktail shaker to shake this drink!

To serve the punch, use your favorite cocktail glass. This could be a classic hurricane glass, double old fashioned glass, or any other glass. There’s no specific glass type that you need to use.

here’s how to make spiced rum punch

make cinnamon simple syrup

Combine cinnamon sticks, sugar, and water in a pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.

Let steep for 20 minutes before straining out the cinnamon sticks. Cool completely and chill in the refrigerator.

make the punch

Pour cinnamon simple syrup into a large pitcher or punch bowl with rum, orange juice, lemon juice, orange slices, and lime slices. Serve chilled with ice. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and citrus slices.

tips and tricks

chill the ingredients beforehand. Be sure to chill all of the ingredients ahead of time! This will eliminate the need to ice to chill the punch, so that it doesn’t get watered down.

adjust the strength. You can adjust the strength of this cocktail by adding more rum or not adding as much. Make it according to your preference! If the cocktail is too strong for you, use club soda to weaken it.

only add ice at the last minute. If you are adding ice, make sure that you do this only just before serving. When ice is added too early, it will water down the punch.

variations

Use different juices! You can add in pomegranate juice or pineapple juice to the mix.

Try another garnish. Instead of a cinnamon stick, garnish with maraschino cherries or luxardo cherries.

More tasty punch cocktail recipes: Mezcal Punch | Manhattan Punch | Christmas Punch | Tequila Sunrise Punch

what kind of rum should I use?

I recommend using your favorite spiced rum! It is up to you if you use a light or dark spiced rum. Use whatever type you prefer, as both go with the flavors in this punch.

should I add ice to the punch?

I recommend chilling all of the ingredients ahead of time! This will help the punch be cold without needing ice to cool it down. I like to add ice to the pitcher or punch bowl just before serving.

can I make this punch ahead of time?

You can make this cocktail up to 6 hours in advance. Simple combine all of the ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl, then place in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Right before serving, be sure to slice up any additional garnish and add ice to the serving pitcher.

can I make rum punch without alcohol?

Yes, you can make this punch without alcohol. Simply omit the spiced rum. While the punch will not taste the same, it can be a nice option for guests that to not drink alcohol.

how long does rum punch last?

If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Need some inspiration for seasonal cocktails? Check out my cocktails recipe page!

what to serve with spiced rum punch

This party rum punch is ideal for any gathering, so of course I’m always pairing this cocktail with party foods! Whether it’s cheesy crab rangoon dip, savory pulled pork sliders with a crunchy apple slaw, smoky dry rub wings, zesty crispy lemon pepper wings, or your favorite guacamole, any of your favorite party foods will pair well with this cocktail.

Tropical-inspired dishes like mango chicken salad served as lettuce wraps or sandwiches are always a great pairing for any rum cocktail. I also love these simple teriyaki pulled pork bowls topped with mandarin salsa or hearty jamaican jerk chicken sliders with mango salsa.

how to store and reheat

Store. Leftover can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

more delicious party recipes

Instant pot pulled pork is perfect for a party! Make a big batch and serve it up in sandwiches, sliders, and more.

I love a simple smoked chicken to pair with all your favorite side dishes. You can even easily make more than one!

Finally, if you make this spiced rum punch recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!