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Rum Bucket

A tropical large-batch cocktail combining rum with fresh citrus, simple syrup, pineapple juice, and sparkling soda. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, this refreshing drink serves a crowd without requiring individual cocktail preparation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 155
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups 16 ounces dark rum
  • 1 cup 8 ounces fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 cup 4 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 0.75 cup 6 ounces simple syrup
  • 2 cups 16 ounces sparkling water or club soda
  • 1.5 cups 12 ounces pineapple juice
  • 2 to 3 limes sliced for garnish
  • 1 to 2 lemons sliced for garnish
  • 10 to 12 fresh mint sprigs for garnish
  • 3 to 4 pounds ice

Equipment

  • Large bucket or punch bowl with capacity for at least 1 gallon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Stirring spoon or ladle
  • Knife for slicing citrus
  • Ice scoop
  • Small pitcher for mixing before adding to bucket
  • Ladle for serving individual portions

Method
 

  1. Cut your limes and lemons in half and juice them using a citrus reamer or juicer. You need 1 cup of fresh lime juice and 0.5 cup of fresh lemon juice, so plan to juice about 6 to 8 limes and 2 to 3 lemons depending on their size and juiciness.
  2. If you haven't already made simple syrup, combine 0.75 cup of sugar and 0.75 cup of hot water in a small container and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool to room temperature before using.
  3. Pour the 2 cups of dark rum, 1 cup of fresh lime juice, 0.5 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 cup of simple syrup into a large pitcher. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Pour the 1.5 cups of pineapple juice into the pitcher and stir to combine.
  5. Add 3 to 4 pounds of ice to your serving bucket or punch bowl.
  6. Carefully pour the rum and citrus mixture from the pitcher into the ice-filled bucket. Stir gently with a long spoon to distribute the liquid evenly around the ice.
  7. Pour the 2 cups of sparkling water or club soda into the bucket last and stir gently.
  8. Arrange lime slices, lemon slices, and fresh mint sprigs on top of the bucket for visual appeal and extra flavor. Use a ladle to serve individual portions into glasses, making sure each drink gets some ice and a citrus slice.

Notes

Make a batch of the rum mixture (everything except sparkling water and ice) up to 4 hours ahead, then add ice and sparkling water right before guests arrive for maximum fizz and refreshment. Use fresh citrus juice rather than bottled for the best flavor. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without sparkling water or ice.