Smoked-Rosemary Rum Punch Recipe

Why It Works

A combination of rums gives depth and complexity.
Making a big batch in advance saves the host from having to shake cocktails to order.

Holding fresh rosemary over the flame of your gas stove (or a candle) lends savory, woodsy flavors to this rum punch. Gold rum adds a rich, velvety sweetness, while overproof rum contributes earthy, musky complexity.

Use Smoked Rosemary for a Festive Rum Punch

Active: 15 mins

Total: 5 hrs

Serves: 16 servings

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For the Smoked-Rosemary Citrus Syrup:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Zest from 2 medium lemons
3 ounces freshly squeezed juice from 2 medium lemons
Zest from 2 small limes
1 ounce freshly squeezed juice from 2 small limes
3 (4-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary

For the Punch:

24 ounces gold rum, such as Parce 8-Year
4 ounces orgeat, such as Small Hand Foods orgeat
12 ounces smoked-rosemary citrus syrup
4 ounces overproof rum, such as Smith & Cross
4 ounces water
Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

For the Smoked-Rosemary Citrus Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, water, and lemon and lime zest and juices. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to just under a boil, then remove from heat and cover. Meanwhile, hold rosemary over an open flame using heatproof tongs, turning continually, until it begins to smoke. As soon as it starts to smoke, uncover syrup and place rosemary in saucepan. Cover again and let steep 30 minutes. Strain solids out and reserve syrup for the punch in an airtight container. The syrup will keep for up to a month in the refrigerator, but flavors will be best if used within 2 days.
For the Punch: In a punch bowl, combine gold rum, orgeat, smoked-rosemary citrus syrup, overproof rum, and water. Stir to combine and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to overnight. To serve, add a large ice cube to the punch bowl. Ladle about 3 ounces into a punch glass and grate fresh cinnamon on top. Serve.

Notes

The smoky rosemary flavor will decrease in intensity as the syrup sits, so try to use it within a day or two.

Special Equipment

Medium saucepan, heatproof tongs, punch bowl and cups

This Recipe Appears In

Use Smoked Rosemary for a Festive Rum Punch

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
181	Calories
0g	Fat
17g	Carbs
0g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories	181
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 17g	6%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 3mg	13%
Calcium 4mg	0%
Iron 0mg	0%
Potassium 11mg	0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.