Karate Punch

Punches are generally drinks that are supposed to have a lower alcohol content than regular cocktails, so that they can be batched and served to a group without having to worry that anyone is hitting the punch bowl too hard during a party. This Karate Punch is a fruity drink that could easily be batched and served at a party, but in this case it is called a punch because it really packs a good one. The sweet drink has a delicious blend of fruity and floral notes that blend together so seamlessly that it is easy to forget there is quite a lot of alcohol in each serving. Apricot brandy is the “secret ingredient” that brings in that floral complexity, while pineapple and lime give the drink a sunny citrus base.

We use a blend of white and dark rums in this drink, but the rums tend to fade into the background a bit behind the fruitier flavors. You shouldn’t skip the dark rum because the note of molasses adds a little extra richness to the drink, however this is actually a great recipe to hide a less complex white rum in, as you’re going going to taste much of it in the end.

If you want to use this as an actual punch at a party (and it can be great price-wise, since you can get away with less expensive rums so long as you don’t skimp on the apricot brandy), know that you can make up a big batch of this in a punch bowl without needing to shake each individual portion. That said, you might want to stick with smaller serving sizes than the one given here. After one drink, you’re going to want to go back for a second, so you might as well try to ensure that everyone will make it to that second round!

Karate Punch
1 1/2 oz white rum
1 1/2 oz dark rum
3/4 oz apricot brandy
1 oz lime juice
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, fill with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a pineapple.

Serves 1.