Caribbean Rum Punch

Ingredient Spotlight

Grenadine

A sweet-tart syrup originally made from pomegranate juice (the name comes from the French word for pomegranate) and widely used in cocktails and mocktails. It tastes fruity, sweet, and slightly tart with a deep red color; many commercial brands, however, use high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. Find it in the mixers section of supermarkets, liquor stores, or make a quick substitute by simmering equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar until thickened (or dilute pomegranate molasses with a little water and sugar). A good store-bought substitute is raspberry or cranberry syrup in a pinch, though the flavor will shift slightly.

Ingredient Spotlight

Angostura bitters

A concentrated aromatic bitters produced in Trinidad and Tobago, made from a secret blend of herbs, spices and alcohol and used sparingly to add bitter, spicy, and aromatic depth to drinks and some dishes. It smells of clove, cinnamon, and other warm spices and is intensely flavored—only a few dashes are needed. You can find it at liquor stores, many supermarkets, or cocktail supply shops. If unavailable, substitute with another aromatic bitters (e.g., Peychaud’s or Fee Brothers) or approximate with a very small pinch of ground allspice/clove and a drop of orange or aromatic bitter if you have it.