Vanilla Bean Cherry Rum Punch

If there’s one thing I use in my kitchen most often (well, one of a few things), it’s vanilla extract.

I love the stuff and use it religiously in nearly everything. And those typical ‘teaspoon’ measurements in recipes? I easily add in a Tablespoon or more of vanilla. Vanilla, essentially, is the best thing ever.

I’m so excited to partner up with Nielsen-Massey Vanilla for a couple posts to introduce you to their premium vanilla extract and other extracts and products. In this recipe in particular, I use their Vanilla Bean Paste, but they also have Orange Extract, Chocolate Extract, Vanilla Bean Powder, Vanilla Bean Pods, and more in their collection.

And believe me, it’s all good.

The inspiration for this particular recipe comes from the Caribbean, specifically at a small specialty foods store in Nassau, Bahamas. After traveling there earlier this year, I fell in love with the island culture and their fun food and drink trends (like drinking from coconuts and eating rum cake) and wanted to impart that same island flair back home.

While this isn’t served up in a coconut, it does bear a striking resemblance to the drink I had in that specialty food store. It was a cherry rum tea, based off a cherry-flavored iced tea they sold, and it had Caribbean rum and vanilla in it. It was sweet, fruity, refreshing, and unique, and I instantly fell madly in love with it, along with everything else in that store. (You don’t want to know how much I spent that day). I bought the tea, but I realized that not everyone has the blessing of owning rum-soaked tea bags from the Bahamas (if only we were all so lucky) and so I set out to recreate this drink at home sans tea.

And you guys – this is it. It’s incredible and tastes even better than the island drink I remembered. And I knooooow you guys are going to love this springy, festive drink too.

I meannnn… it’s got vanilla beans in it. WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE!?

Print Recipe

Vanilla Bean Cherry Rum Punch

This refreshingly fruity rum punch is packed with flavor and has a unique vanilla twist.

Prep Time5 mins

Total Time5 mins

Course: Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 -4

Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel

Ingredients

• 3 cups pineapple soda like by Shasta or Fanta
• 3/4 cup sugar-free black cherry syrup
• 1/4 cup Caribbean white rum
• 1 Tbsp Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean Paste
• Lime slices/wedges
• Pineapple chunks

Instructions

• In a pitcher, stir together the pineapple soda, cherry syrup and rum. Add in the Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean Paste and whisk to combine and break up the paste.
• Fill glasses with pineapple chunks and lime slices/wedges, then top with ice. Pour the punch over top of the ice. Serve!

This drink couldn’t be simpler to whip up and is so versatile. Use dark rum for a richer flavor or a flavored rum for something funky and different, but I love the flavor of the simple white Caribbean rum paired with the fruity pineapple soda and sweet black cherry syrup. The vanilla bean paste adds such a warmth and richness to this cocktail that’s positively irresistible; I know you’ll love it as much as we did!

To connect with Nielsen-Massey, be sure to visit their website HERE or connect with them via Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow the hashtag #NMVSpring for more inspiration featuring their vanilla products!

Have a super sweet day!

xo, Hayley