Red Lobster’s Lobster Punch is one of those drinks that instantly transports you to a tropical getaway. It’s fruity, vibrant, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy, making it the ideal cocktail to pair with seafood or to enjoy on a warm afternoon.
The best part? You don’t have to wait for a restaurant visit to enjoy it. With a few simple ingredients, you can mix up this crowd-pleasing punch at home and bring a little Red Lobster flair to your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This drink is refreshing and light while still being flavorful enough to impress guests. The combination of fruit juices with spiced and coconut rum creates a tropical flavor profile that feels both indulgent and balanced.
It’s also versatile—make it as a single cocktail, or multiply the recipe for a party punch bowl. Plus, it can easily be adapted into a non-alcoholic mocktail that kids and non-drinkers can enjoy too.
What You’ll Need
- 1½ ounces Captain Morgan spiced rum
- ½ ounce Malibu coconut rum
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 1 ounce grenadine
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Garnishes: pineapple wedge, orange slice, maraschino cherry
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best bright, tangy finish.
- Shake the cocktail with ice to create a frothy, well-blended drink.
- For a layered look, pour grenadine last so it sinks to the bottom.
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cool longer.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing grenadine or adding a splash of soda water.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Tall glass or hurricane glass
- Bar spoon
- Knife and cutting board for garnishes
Substitutions & Variations
- Rum: Try white rum for a lighter flavor or dark rum for a richer taste.
- Mocktail: Replace the rum with coconut water or soda for a non-alcoholic version.
- Juice: Add cranberry juice for more tartness or mango juice for tropical sweetness.
- Fizz: Top with club soda or ginger ale for a sparkling twist.
- Frozen punch: Blend with ice for a slushy-style cocktail.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re serving a crowd, multiply the ingredients and prepare the punch base in advance. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then add ice and garnishes just before serving.
For best presentation, serve in a punch bowl with floating orange slices and cherries for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Glass
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to keep the drink cold.
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add spiced rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake
Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
4. Pour
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Add Grenadine
Slowly pour grenadine into the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a layered effect.
6. Garnish
Top the drink with a pineapple wedge, orange slice, and cherry for the classic Red Lobster look.
7. Serve
Enjoy immediately with a straw or stir to combine before sipping.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail, grilled lobster tails, or crab legs. The sweetness of the punch complements the briny, buttery flavors of shellfish.
It’s also a great drink to serve at backyard barbecues, pool parties, or holiday gatherings when you want something colorful and festive.
Leftovers & Storage
Since this is a fresh juice-based cocktail, it’s best enjoyed immediately. If you’ve made a batch for a party and have leftovers, store the mixture in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Stir before serving, as the juices may separate slightly. Always add ice and garnishes just before drinking.
Nutrition & Benefits
While this is definitely a treat drink, it does offer some natural vitamins from pineapple and orange juice, including vitamin C. Coconut rum provides a hint of tropical flavor without being too heavy.
By making it at home, you can control the amount of sugar by adjusting the grenadine or swapping in freshly squeezed juices.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Lobster Punch without alcohol?
Yes, just replace the rum with coconut water or a splash of soda.
2. What glass is best for serving?
A hurricane glass is traditional, but any tall glass works.
3. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
4. How do I make it for a crowd?
Multiply the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
5. Can I use another type of rum?
Yes, experiment with dark or flavored rums for a unique twist.
A Taste of the Tropics Anytime
Red Lobster’s Lobster Punch is fruity, refreshing, and always a hit at the table. Recreating it at home gives you the flexibility to make it stronger, lighter, or even non-alcoholic depending on your needs.
Next time you’re craving a tropical escape, skip the restaurant and whip up this vibrant cocktail in your own kitchen—it’s easier than you think and every bit as delicious.
