By Camper English

On the French-Caribbean island of Martinique, they make a special kind of rum. Unlike most rum that is distilled from molasses (the byproduct of sugar production), Martinique rhum agricole is made directly from pressed sugar cane. While it’s nice to think that this was done to make fresh-tasting rum, in reality the sugar market on Martinique collapsed many years ago and this was a practical way to use the cane grown all over the island. The resulting product tastes more earthy and grassy, and has an almost scratchy texture. And though you can substitute rhum agricole for regular rum in your Daiquiris and Mojitos, the islanders tend to drink it in a Ti Punch. As you can see from the recipe, it’s not a punch in the way we think of it—loaded up with fruit juices and serving a large crowd—but more of a self-serve cocktail of sweetened rum. Rather than cover up the flavor of this unique style of liquor, the Ti Punch lets it shine through.

1 1/2 oz. Rhum Clément Première Canne rhum agricole
3/4 oz. simple syrup (or better yet cane syrup)
Big squeeze of lime from a wedge

Though islanders often make this drink without ice, I like one large cube. Add all ingredients to a small glass and stir.