Ti' Punch
Ti' Punch ([tipɔ̃ʃ]; French: Petit Ponch) literally meaning "small punch," is a rum-based mixed drink that is especially popular in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti, French Guiana and other French-speaking Caribbean islands. It is very similar to the daiquiri, which is usually identified with Cuba.
The drink is traditionally made with white rhum agricole, lime, and cane syrup. While aged rhum agricole can be used in place of white rhum agricole, other fruit flavors may be added on top of the lime, and sugar may be substituted for cane syrup, a Ti' Punch can only be made with rhum agricole.
Service
It is usually served as an apéritif before starting a meal, both as a matter of tradition and because the drink itself is strongly alcoholic. A popular tradition is that of chacun prépare sa propre mort (roughly, each prepares his own death), where instead of serving the mixed drink, the bartender or host will simply place out the ingredients, and everyone will prepare the drink according to his or her own taste. Opinions differ as to whether it should be served with or without ice, but most agree that the "real" ti'punch should be served without ice. However, adding a small amount of ice allows the flavours of the ingredients to blossom.
See also
- Caipirinha – similar Brazilian drink
- Daiquiri – similar Cuban drink
References
- Feasting on Waves
- Caribbean Spirits Recipes
- Ti' Punch at Esquire