MARTINIQUE’S MOST CELEBRATED “NATIONAL” COCKTAIL IS RE-IMAGINED WITH THE RELEASE OF CLEMENTS SIROP DE CANNE
Just in time for the warm weathered months ahead, Rhum Clement unveils the re-imagined ‘Ti Punch cocktail with the release of their all-natural sugarcane syrup: Sirop de Canne.
The newly released Sirop de Canne is a made from a time-honored Clément family recipe. It is made by slowly reducing natural fresh pressed sugarcane juice over a low temperature with a maceration of broken rolls of cinnamon, pulverized cloves and cracked vanilla beans. It can be used in a variety of cocktails and culinary confections as a unique and spicy ingredient, but was created specifically with the ‘Ti Punch in mind. Sirop de Canne delivers added flavors derived from fresh sugarcane and the terroir from around Habitation Clément. As an alternative sweetener, it is very dry and with the unique spice components bring an added distinction to the timeless classic ‘Ti Punch cocktail.
A delicious and simplistic cocktail – the ‘Ti Punch (pronounced Tee Paunch) is without debate the “national” cocktail of Martinique and prevalent throughout the French West Indies. “’Ti” is abbreviated Créole version for “petite”; however there is nothing tiny about this drink. It is an effortless cocktail to make as it has only a few ingredients (Rhum Clement, lime and Sirop de Canne), but its potent and refreshingly dry grassy vegetal flavor and grilled fruit aroma make you feel like you’re drinking a multi-layered libation that is remarkable simple and fun to put together.
The recipe for ‘Ti Punch varies based on where you are in French West Indies and even which home you are visiting. The Clément family has a longstanding and fundamental tradition of making ‘Ti Punch for all guests who visit Habitation Clément in Martinique or at any one of their fabulous events around the world. With the release of the Sirop de Canne, Rhum Clement has made it even easier for the eager American imbiber to create their own ‘Ti Punch at home and enjoy the subtle complexities of the drink.
Wherever this cocktail is made, and more specifically, how it is created aside; what goes unchallenged is that this cocktail can only be made properly with a true Rhum Agricole such as Rhum Clément. If you dare substitute industrial rum (which is made from Molasses – a by-product of processed sugarcane rather than from freshly-pressed sugarcane juice) or a Cachaca (which is made from any variety of sugarcane, has a sharper more industrial flavor and can contain additives such as corn meal, corn flour or rice bran), you might as well be drinking fortified lime/sugar water. As Rhum Agricole is the primary component to the drink, its classic dry and grassy flavor profile is what forms the cocktail’s base, creating the unparalleled flavor profile of the drink. The Sirop de Canne and the squeezed lime disk play as complimentary ingredients to enhance the fine characters of Clément’s Rhum Agricole.
When made properly, the drink brings to life the natural flavors and aromas showcasing the terroir of Rhum Clement. The lime’s tartness balances the vibrant sugarcane character of the Rhum Agricole, the citrus oils play harmoniously with the dry grassy body of the spirit and the sweet cane syrup awakens the grilled tropical fruit flavors balances the cocktail all together. This cocktail is a joy on a hot day and ideal to serve at parties with rum loving friends and those who enjoy classic cocktail and playful traditional rituals.
Enjoy ‘Ti Punch for breakfast, lunch, midafternoon, as an aperitif before dinner or with a cigar, but always enjoy responsibly.
While there are several versions of ‘Ti Punch, here is the official Rhum Clément ‘Ti Punch recipe:
Rhum Clément ‘Ti Punch
- 1 ½ oz. Clément Rhum Agricole
- A full bar spoon of Clément Sirop de Canne
- A spherical lime disk (cut from the side of a lime to have about 50% zest & 50% pulp)
Take a lime and gently roll it on the table to soften the lime and bring the oils to the surface of the lime. Cut the lime in 4 spherical lime disks and discard the core. In a rocks or old-fashioned glass, squeeze the lime disk and pour a heaping bar spoon of Clément Sirop de Canne over the squeezed lime. Add Clément Rhum Agricole and use a Bois Lélé (i.e. pronged wooden swizzle stick usually plucked from a tree native to Martinique) or a simple bar spoon to stir and gently muddle for a few seconds the lime to blend the aromatic oils from the peel until the Sirop de Canne is well integrated. If desired, add a tablespoon of crushed ice or one ice cube and briefly stir again to chill the drink.
