Ti punch

Ti’ Punch

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The iconic three-ingredient cocktail of Martinique showcasing rhum agricole’s grassy, vegetal character

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Rocks Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (55ml)
  • Rhum Agricole 
    50 ml
  • Cane Sugar Syrup 
    5 ml
  • Lime 
    1
Recipe credit: Traditional Martinique Recipe

Instructions

Step

Add cane syrup to a small old fashioned glass.

Step

Cut a disc from the side of a fresh lime, including both peel and flesh, about 2-3cm across.

Step

Squeeze the lime disc over the syrup to release oils and juice, then drop into glass.

Step

Pour rhum agricole blanc over the lime and syrup.

Step

Swizzle or stir gently in the glass until sugar is dissolved and lime oils are integrated.

Step

Add ice cube if desired. Serve immediately with a small spoon for adjustment.

Equipment

Bar spoon
Knife

Description

Ti’ Punch (short for petit punch) is the quintessential cocktail of the French Caribbean, celebrated for its elegant simplicity and ability to showcase the unique terroir of rhum agricole. This three-ingredient masterpiece embodies the Caribbean philosophy of “chacun prépare sa propre mort” – each person prepares their own, allowing for personal customization of this sacred ritual drink.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (55ml)
Calories
125
ABV
45.5 %
Alcohol
20 g
Carbs
5 g
Carbs from Sugar
5 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0 g
Sodium
1 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use the highest quality rhum agricole available, preferably from Martinique with AOC certification for authentic flavor.

  • Never use regular white sugar - only cane syrup or raw cane sugar maintains the authentic Caribbean flavor profile.

  • The lime disc technique is crucial - cutting from the side captures both juice and essential oils from the peel.

  • Traditionally served without ice, but if using ice, choose one large cube to minimize dilution.

  • Allow each person to adjust their own proportions - this personalization is part of the Ti' Punch tradition.

Rhum agricole is distilled from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, giving it a grassy, vegetal character with mineral notes that regular rum lacks. It’s essential for authentic Ti’ Punch.

No – the lime disc provides essential oils from the peel that are crucial for the drink’s aroma and flavor. Using just juice misses this important component.

Traditionally it’s served without ice to preserve the full flavor intensity, but a single large ice cube is acceptable if you prefer a slight chill.

In the Caribbean, Ti’ Punch is enjoyed from sunrise to sunset – as an aperitif, with meals, or even at breakfast. It’s considered appropriate any time of day.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Rhum Agricole
    50 ml
  • Cane Sugar Syrup
    5 ml
  • Lime
    1

Method

  1. Add cane syrup to a small old fashioned glass.
  2. Cut a disc from the side of a fresh lime, including both peel and flesh, about 2-3cm across.
  3. Squeeze the lime disc over the syrup to release oils and juice, then drop into glass.
  4. Pour rhum agricole blanc over the lime and syrup.
  5. Swizzle or stir gently in the glass until sugar is dissolved and lime oils are integrated.
  6. Add ice cube if desired. Serve immediately with a small spoon for adjustment.