This watermelon rum punch recipe is the perfect party cocktail. With fruity, refreshing flavor and a bright pink color, this cocktail packs a punch and will be your new favorite summer drink.
This fruity rum recipe is the perfect cocktail to serve a crowd. The juicy and sweet watermelon pairs beautifully with tart pineapple, lime juice, and smooth white rum to create a tantalizing taste bud explosion! There are so many tropical flavors happening in this recipe, I promise it’ll be a huge hit.
Watermelon Rum Punch Ingredients
Here are the ingredients that make up the rum punch recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Watermelon: For a big batch of refreshing rum punch cocktail, start with ripe, juicy watermelon. Read more on how we use this fruit below.
- Pineapple chunks and pineapple juice: Try this Pina Colada Rum Punch if you love your pineapple drinks. Buying canned pineapple in juice is an easy option here.
- Lime juice: For a tangy Caribbean rum punch flair, use a good amount of lime juice. Fresh squeezed or from a bottle, either one works well.
- Lemon-lime soda: Such as 7Up or Sprite, use chilled soda and open just before serving the punch so the bubbles are fresh.
- White rum: Use a white or light rum in this recipe. Bacardi is our go-to. While dark rum is perfect in other cocktails like the Bushwacker, it doesn’t work as well in this recipe.
Using Fresh Watermelon
You’ll need a few cups of fresh watermelon chunks as well as watermelon juice. Buying a whole watermelon or watermelon chunks that have already been cut are the best options. This recipe needs six cups of cubed watermelon in total.
To get two cups of watermelon juice, you need to blend and strain approximately four cups of cubed watermelon. Add the pieces to your blender and blend until smooth. Use a fine metal strainer to strain the mixture right into the pitcher that you are making the punch in, discarding the pulp that is left behind in the strainer.
We then add two cups of watermelon chunks to the punch. I recommend cutting the fruit into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes. Using chilled watermelon helps to keep the punch cold since we don’t add any ice. See our tip below!
Pro tip!
Freeze your watermelon chunks to keep your punch cold. Because watermelon contains so much water, they act like ice cubes without diluting the punch. Cut up two cups of watermelon chunks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours. The frozen watermelon chunks can then be added to the punch or transferred to a freezer-safe bag or container until ready to use.
How to Make Rum Punch With Watermelon
Here is a brief overview of how this watermelon rum punch recipe comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Blend the watermelon. This is how we get our fresh watermelon juice. Simply blend the fruit in a blender, strain, and voila! Watermelon juice. Pour into a large pitcher along with two cups of watermelon chunks.
- Add the pineapple. Add the pineapple chunks with juice to the pitcher.
- Add the other ingredients. Stir in the lime juice, lemon-lime soda, and white rum.
- Chill and enjoy! Put the whole thing in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving. You can also use frozen watermelon chunks to keep it cold.
Make it Non-Alcoholic
To make this punch for kids or those who don’t want alcohol, serve the rum on the side. Let each guest add their own rum to their glass.
Serving
Chill this punch recipe for at least an hour before serving so it is nice and cold for your guests. A pitcher makes it easy to pour, but you can also serve it out of a punch bowl. We served our punch in tumblers, but you can use any kind of glasses! Garnish with slices of watermelon on the rim of your glasses for a fun addition. Put any extra watermelon punch in the fridge to keep it cold.
Other Punch Recipes
These punch recipes are perfect for your next party or gathering. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
If you make this watermelon rum punch or any of our other recipes, let us know what you think by leaving a comment!
Watermelon Rum Punch
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon juice see notes
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks and juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda
- 1 cup white rum
Instructions
- Combine all your ingredients and chill for an hour (or use chilled watermelon).
- Give the punch a good stir before serving.
Notes
ashley @ wishes and dishes says
It is so warm out today and this is all i want! Sharing!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
This looks fabulous – love rum punch!
Boyd Kobe says
Well, now I have plenty of ideas what to bring to a party I’m attending! These look great, thank you.