Celebrating National Rum Day at Punch Up: Barbados Edition

Rum Royale Rum Punch. Photo by Brilynn Ferguson.

Since National Rum Day comes ‘round just once a year, you don’t want to miss it.

So this Friday, August 16, instead of sipping the usual rum-centric cocktails - Dark ‘n’ Stormy, Daiquiri. Mojito, Pina Colada, Cuba Libre - head to Punch Up: Barbados Edition for an an epic battle for the best rum punch, sponsored by Mount Gay Rum. 

Part of the exciting Barbados on the Water Festival, the event is hosted by Rum Royale, who will be launching their inaugural festival in Toronto, May 22-24, 2020. Whether you’re new to rum or a lifelong rum aficionado, their goal is to show you a new side to the world of rum and rum culture.

Guests will receive a welcome punch, the opportunity to sample all competitors' punches, and vote for your favourite concoction. Stay tuned for details on the competitors in tomorrow’s Open/Closed.

To get you in the spirit, Rum Royale co-founder and Miss Thing’s Head Barman Robin Wynne, shares his take on the classic Bajan Rum Punch with a twist for you to make at home. “I use it for summertime gatherings at my place with friends,” he says. “Super easy to make, and it has all the tropical notes.”

Passionfruit Punch 

1 part fresh lime juice
2 parts simple syrup (equal measures of sugar and water boiled and cooled)
3 parts Mount Gay Eclipse Rum Or Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum
4 parts mix of passionfruit and coconut water
4 dashes of Angostura Bitters 
Sprinkle of nutmeg and allspice 

Recipe notes: Typically, 1 part is 1/2L for 4-8 ppl. Feel free to scale up the ratios, Wynne says. He serves it in  a large punch bowl with a big chunk of frozen ice (Pro tip: Fill glass Tupperware containers and freeze). As for glassware, he says, to use whatever you like. “The point is,” he says, “is that it’s easy to make, easy to drink, and low maintenance so you can enjoy the time spent with friends.” 

Punch Up: Barbados Edition Presented By Rum Royale

Rum punch battle featuring Mount Gay Rum in celebration of National Rum Day

Friday August 16, 2019

7pm - 9pm

Harbourfront Centre, 225 Queens Quay in the Brigantine Tent

This event is FREE and 19+.