Built in the mid-19th century the Myrtle Banks hotel was the pride of Kingston Jamaica. The property existed for over 90 years, being rebuilt once after being leveled by an earthquake in 1907 and eventually falling into disrepair and burning to the ground in 1966. In its hey-day the hotel was the town’s social center and poolside guests where offered the house’s signature cocktail, The Myrtle Banks Punch. This strong concoction is built on a base of over-proof rum that pleasantly takes the edge off the tropical heat though often having the side effect of leaving the imbiber some-what woozy. With this in mind, we suggest that one who ventures into this recipe take caution, stay hydrated, pace yourself and throw the car keys in the pool. In researching the drink’s origin we found no less than ten recipes, all different except for the constant of over-proof rum. As Bottle Pro professionals we undertook the chore of sorting through each to bring you our own version drawing on the best from each recipe. Lightly sweet, refreshingly tart and unmistakably strong The Myrtle Banks Punch is a great cocktail for those humid Connecticut days when it feels Jamaica hot.
The Myrtle Banks Punch
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 Ounces Over-Proof Pot Still Rum (We used Smith & Cross Naval Strength)
- ½ Ounce Peters Cherry Heering
- ½ Ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Simple Syrup
- ¼ Ounce Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Combine all ingredients except the Luxardo into a shaker and mix well. Strain into a short tumbler filled with cracked ice. Float the Luxardo Maraschino liquor over the top of the drink. Garnish with a single Maraschino cherry.
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