Ti' Punch

In truth, there is no real “recipe” for the national drink of Martinique, Ti’ Punch, per se. It is meant to be built and enjoyed according to one’s own personal taste, and it is reflected in the local saying, Chacun prepare sa propre mort, which roughly translates as “Each prepares his own death.” In fact, on many French islands, be it at a friend’s home or in a restaurant, the ingredients and implements are laid out for each imbiber to mix their own. Rhum agricoles, distinct from rums made from molasses, are distilled from fermented, fresh-pressed cane juice which enables the funky, vegetal, and fruity aromas from the sugarcane to remain intact in the finished product. Agricoles are also generally bottled at a higher proof, resulting in a bolder, more intense flavor. With this in mind, search for bottles that come in at 50 percent ABV or above. While this recipe calls for an agricole blanc, should you prefer an aged rum, try ambre or even vieux—in Martinique, the custom is to drink blanc in the afternoon and a Ti’ Punch Vieux as a nightcap.