Not Your Grandma’s Punch

South Carolina may be known as the birthplace of sweet tea, but the state’s longstanding ties to sweet yet refreshing Planter's Punch reinforces its reputation as a hub for Southern hospitality. Planter’s Punch is a potent blend of rum, citrus and spices that originated in Jamaica, though local hearsay has it this cocktail was invented in Charleston at the Planters Hotel, a favorite respite for the elite when they moved from the country to the city in winter. (It wasn’t actually invented in Charleston, but 18th-century Charlestonians loved their rum and frequented “punch houses” for creative versions of their favorite drink.) Planter’s Punch is easy to make in large batches for a crowd, so it became a staple cocktail at social gatherings throughout the Lowcountry. Today, you can find small-batch versions on menus all over the South. Ready to try it for yourself? Here are a few places that put their unique spins on a classic.

Charleston Light Dragoon’s Punch

In Charleston, Husk restaurant's version of Planter’s Punch, Charleston Light Dragoon Punch, is made from a 1792 recipe discovered in the Preservation Society of Charleston’s archives. The drink pays homage to Charleston’s “Light Dragoons,” a quasi-military gentlemen’s society that was as much about socializing as anything else. Husk’s ingredients include brandy, Caribbean rum, peach brandy, black tea, lemon juice and raw sugar.

Clarified Milk Punch

Classic Planter’s Punch has been revived with a completely modern twist at Thoroughbred Club, an elegant cocktail bar in The Charleston Place hotel. The drink starts with a base of spirits, citrus, spices and sweeteners, and then is combined with milk. Milk solids are removed through filtration, leaving behind a surprisingly crystal-clear elixir that's as smooth as it is flavorful.

Rotating Specials & Seasonal Punch

Some of South Carolina's cocktail destinations change their punch to suit the seasons or trends. Each week, the talented mixologists at The War Mouth in Columbia use local flavors and inventive combinations to keep things interesting. At Sum Bar in Greenville, see what punch they're serving this week, and enjoy it served in a vintage teapot (perfect for sharing).

Make it at Home: Artillery Punch

Artillery Punch is the signature cocktail at Octagon Bar at Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton. This drinkery has half a dozen variations of their signature barrel-aged Artillery Punch, which has been described as “The South’s version of a Long Island Iced Tea."

Ingredients

1 bottle of dark rum
1/2 bottle of gin
1 bottle of rye
1 bottle of brandy
9 lemons, squeezed
9 oranges, squeezed
1 lb. brown sugar
20 Luxardo Maraschino cherries
1 1/4 gallons English breakfast tea, strong

Method
Place all ingredients in a sealed container and macerate in the refrigerator for seven days. Strain the punch and serve. Garnish with a Luxardo Maraschino cherry and orange peel.

Zero-Proof Cocktails

To make a zero-proof version of Planter’s Punch, check out non-alcoholic spirits by Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton. Non-alcoholic spirits are distilled and blended using fruits and botanicals that convincingly mimic the real thing. Mocktail recipes on their menu (and website) include a blood orange margarita, mango mule, strawberry colada and lemon martini.

Immersive distillery tours explore the production process and history of the area, including the historical origins of the name “Burnt Church.” Stay for lunch and enjoy the full range of mocktails on offer, along with hearty Lowcountry pub cuisine.

Featuring a variety of great stories and exciting trip ideas, the 2025 South Carolina Vacation Guide makes planning your next getaway to the Palmetto State easy. Request your free copy or download the guide today.