Ah, the Ti’ Punch… Martinique’s national cocktail.
This is a gem with its simplicity and deliciousness. The Ti’ Punch is Martinique’s response to the United State’s whiskey old fashioned.
ETYMOLOGY/ORIGINS
The base of the word, “ti'” is Creole for the French word “petit”. So, the meaning of the drink is “petit punch” or “mini punch”. It is pronounced “tee paunch”.
Although it originated in Martinique, the other French-speaking Caribbean nations also hold the tradition dear to their hearts. The places where you can get yourself a Ti’ Punch actually carry out a tradition that is called, “chacun prépare sa propre mort” which means – “each prepares his own death”. The server or host will simply place all needed ingredients in front of the guests and allow them to mix according to their taste profiles.
This “self-serve” cocktail culture is also seen much in Mexico with their palomas.
RECIPE
It all of its glory, the Ti’ Punch is a wonderfully stiff and elegant cocktail. Remember, this drink can ONLY be made with rhum agricole.
2oz (60mL) rhum agricole (light is wonderful — try it with Rhum Clement Canne Bleue Agricole, which is a heavenly Martinique rum)
0.5oz (15mL) pure cane syrup
1 lime wedge
Add the sugar syrup to the bottom of the glass. Squeeze the lime wedge into the syrup at tbe bottom of the rocks glass, then add the agricole rhum.
The trick after that, is deciding HOW you will decide to enjoy your punch. The reason being, is that there is much debate as to how the classic Ti’ Punch should be enjoyed: with ice or without ice! I would say that without ice is great. But, since the “chacun prépare sa propre mort” principle comes into play, then you may add some ice to change the smoothness of the drink. You may also decide to pour an aged rhum agricole instead a blanc, to enjoy it completely different as well.
In the end, its up to you how you enjoy your drink, and either way is equally beautiful! The most important part to remember is that you are drinking one of the most mesmerizing spirits categories in the world, and that is the French Caribbean’s RHUM AGRICOLE.
À la santé, mes amies…
Jonathan Echavarria 