This sweet and refreshing cherry vanilla rum punch brings a taste of summer to any gathering. The simple recipe combines white rum, cherry juice, vanilla syrup, and citrus for a crowd-pleasing cocktail that serves 6-8 people.
The bright red color and vanilla aroma make this punch perfect for backyard parties, BBQs, and warm weather celebrations.
Guests can serve themselves from a large punch bowl garnished with fresh cherries and orange slices.
Making this rum punch takes less than 10 minutes with basic ingredients from the grocery store.
The recipe works well for both casual get-togethers and special occasions like bridal showers or holiday parties.
Cherry Vanilla Rum Punch Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large punch bowl or pitcher (2-gallon capacity)
- Long-handled mixing spoon
- Ice cube trays
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle: For serving.
- Cocktail glasses
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark rum
- 1 cup vanilla vodka
- 4 cups black cherry juice
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup vanilla simple syrup
- 4 cups ginger ale
- Fresh cherries for garnish
- Ice cubes
Optional: Cherry liqueur for extra flavor
Instructions
- Add the dark rum and vanilla vodka to the punch bowl.
- Pour in the black cherry juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Stir gently to combine.
- Mix in the vanilla simple syrup until fully blended.
- Add the ginger ale just before serving to keep the fizz. Stir once very gently.
- Fill the punch bowl with ice cubes. Add fresh cherries as a garnish.
- Serve in cocktail glasses filled with ice. Add a fresh cherry garnish to each glass.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
This cherry vanilla rum punch offers a sweet and fruity flavor with a smooth finish. The dark rum adds rich caramel notes that blend perfectly with the natural cherry sweetness.
The vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to each sip. Fresh lime juice balances the sweetness and adds a bright, zesty kick.
First Sip: Sweet cherry and vanilla hit the tongue, followed by warm rum notes.
Mid-Palate: The drink shows a nice balance between fruit and spirit, with neither overpowering the other.
Finish: Clean and refreshing with lingering notes of vanilla and cherry.
The texture is light and crisp, making it perfect for warm weather entertaining.
Ice helps dilute the strong rum presence while keeping the drink cold and refreshing.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet ripe cherry
- Warm Madagascar vanilla
- Caramel rum undertones
- Fresh citrus brightness
- Light effervescence from club soda
The drink maintains its flavors well as the ice melts, though it becomes more mellow over time. A fresh garnish of cherries and lime adds extra visual appeal and aromatic elements.
Substitute
Cherry vanilla rum punch can be made with different ingredients while keeping its sweet and fruity taste. Here are some common substitutes:
For the Rum:
- White rum instead of dark rum
- Vodka for a lighter taste
- Non-alcoholic rum extract for a mocktail version
For the Cherry:
- Fresh cherries instead of cherry juice
- Black cherry soda
- Cherry-flavored syrup
- Maraschino cherry juice
The vanilla flavor can come from many sources. Regular vanilla extract works well. Other options include vanilla bean paste or vanilla-flavored rum.
Fruit juice substitutes can add variety:
- Cranberry juice
- Apple juice
- White grape juice
- Pineapple juice
Sweetener Options:
- Simple syrup
- Agave nectar
- Honey
- Brown sugar
For bubbles, try these swaps:
- Club soda
- Ginger ale
- Sprite or 7-Up
- Sparkling water
Each substitute will change the drink’s taste slightly. Testing different combinations helps create a unique version of this cocktail.
