Watermelon Rum Punch Recipe

Looking for a vibrant, refreshing, and absolutely delicious tropical drink? This Watermelon Rum Punch is the ultimate summer cocktail! This drink mixes fresh watermelon juice, Caribbean rum, and a bit of citrus and pineapple. It’s great for cookouts, beach days, or relaxing in the sun.

At Jerk Tavern, we love creating drink recipes that bring the island vibe to your kitchen. This punch takes inspiration from classic Jamaican rum punch. The twist is fresh, juicy watermelon, which is the star ingredient.

What is Watermelon Rum Punch?

Watermelon rum punch is a fruity drink. It mixes watermelon with white and dark rum, tropical juices, and lime. It’s a fun and colorful drink. You can customize it a lot. People often serve it at summer parties or backyard BBQs.

Jamaican-style rum punches are known for being strong, sweet, and flavorful. This watermelon version is refreshing and cool. It still brings that bold island flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Rum Punch

• Naturally sweet – Watermelon is sweet on its own, so you won’t need too much added sugar.
• Hydrating and refreshing – Perfect for hot days.
• Easy to make in batches – Great for serving a crowd.
• Bold and boozy – With both white and dark rum, this punch packs a punch
• Beautiful presentation – Vibrant pink with floating fruit and garnishes.

Ingredients for Watermelon Rum Punch

• Fresh Watermelon- The base of this drink. Fresh watermelon is hydrating, sweet, and gives the punch its vibrant color. Use seedless watermelon for ease, or strain out seeds and pulp after blending.
• White Rum- We recommend Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum for that true Jamaican kick! It brings heat and a tropical punch.
• Dark Rum-Adds depth and molasses-like richness. Try Appleton Estate for authentic island flavor.
• Lime Juice- Balances the sweetness with a fresh citrus zing.
• Pineapple Juice-Adds acidity and a tangy sweetness that blends perfectly with watermelon.
• Ginger- Adds a nice flavor.
• Orange Juice- Brings a sunny citrus layer and balances the rum.
• Simple Syrup- Optional—add to taste depending on the sweetness of your fruit and juice.
• Grenadine- Adds color and a hint of pomegranate flavor. It also creates a stunning layered effect.
• Fresh Mint, Lime Wheels, and Fruit Garnish- Not just for looks—they enhance the aroma and elevate the experience.

How to Make Watermelon Rum Punch

• Blend or juice the watermelon until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want it pulp-free.
• In a big pitcher or punch bowl, mix the watermelon juice, rums, lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and simple syrup. Stir to mix well.
• Add ice and chill until ready to serve.
• Right before serving, pour in a splash of grenadine to add color.
• Serve over ice, garnish with mint and lime, and enjoy!

Pro Tips and Notes

• Make it stronger or lighter: Adjust the rum ratio to suit your taste or crowd.
• Use frozen watermelon to keep drinks cold without watering them down.
• Make a frozen version: Blend everything with ice for a slushy punch.
• Serve in a hollowed-out watermelon for a fun summer centerpiece!
• Rim glasses with lime and sugar for a fancy party touch.

Fun Variations to Try

• Spicy Watermelon Rum Punch: Add jalapeño slices or muddle fresh ginger for a fiery twist.
• Coconut Watermelon Rum Punch: Swap orange juice with coconut water for a tropical vibe.
• Mocktail Version: Skip the rum, and use coconut water or sparkling water.

Hosting Tip: Create a Watermelon Punch Bar

• Let guests DIY their drinks! Set out:
• The punch base
• Different rums
• Slices of watermelon, lime, pineapple
• Garnishes (mint, umbrella picks, sugar rims)
• This adds a fun, interactive element to your gathering!

Where to Buy Ingredients & Serveware

Looking to recreate this drink at home? Here are a few helpful shopping links:

• Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum
• Appleton Estate Rum
• Drink Dispenser with Spout
• Hurricane Glasses
• Tiki Mugs
• Mini Drink Umbrellas

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this punch ahead of time?

Yes! Mix everything except the ice and grenadine. Chill in the fridge, then add ice and grenadine just before serving.

How long does watermelon rum punch last?

Up to 2 days in the fridge. Stir before serving if stored.

Can I use bottled watermelon juice?

Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch—just make sure it’s 100% juice and not from concentrate.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! Pour leftovers into popsicle molds for boozy watermelon punch pops.

📌 Final Thoughts

This Watermelon Rum Punch is a summer staple that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s sweet, refreshing, a little boozy, and totally Instagram- and Pinterest-worthy.

Whether you’re relaxing on the porch or throwing a big bash, this punch brings the island to you. Let us know if you try it—tag @jerktavern on Instagram and TikTok so we can repost your creations!

Want More Island Drink Recipes?

Check out these other reader favorites:

• Jamaican Sorrel Drink
• Jamaican Mule
• Jamaican Rum Punch

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” I Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV

Wisdom

The Holy Spirit is a blessing to have in our lives as believers. When Jesus left His disciples, He promised them a Comforter to be with them. The Holy Ghost. An He said the Holy Spirit will reveal things to them and help them to understand things they could not while He was with them.

The same thing applies to us today. Once we repent, and confess with our mouths, and believe in our hearts, that Jesus is Lord, and make a commitment to Him, to live our lives for Him, and get baptized in His name to show our commitment, He will send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.

Without the Holy Spirit we can do nothing. We will continue to sin, we will continue to live in darkness, we will continue to be disobedient, satan will continue to deceive us all, we won’t learn anything about Jesus, or our Father in heaven, The Most High Yah, and His will for our lives.

As the scripture says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But it is the Holy Spirit that will teach us these things.

Wisdom Cont…

The Holy Spirit searches God. An if the Holy Spirit searches God, He will reveal the things of God to us. We will begin to know Him, and understand Him and His Son. Not only is the Holy Spirit a Comforter, He is also a teacher.

Any pastor or evangelist can try to teach you things of God, but at the end of the day it is the Holy Spirit that gives us the understanding. The Spirit is the one that helps us to learn about God when you read His word. If we also walk in the Holy Spirit, we will sin less and less each day that goes by.

We become less dark in our minds and start to see the light. See the truth. See the error of our wicked ways and repent, and try our best to renew and transform our minds, our behaviors, into ways that please God and not our flesh.

We will stop being ignorant of satans devices, and overcome him. The Spirit will help us with all things pertaining to God. To be able to know Jesus, have a relationship with Him, love Him and keep His commandments.

Be filled with the Spirit, walk in Him, listen to Him, learn from Him, ask Him all things, and He will lead you into the way everlasting.

---

---

---