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Isla Bonita Punch in a rocks glass with lime wheels (AI-generated image)
AI-generated image
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Isla Bonita Punch

A bright rum punch with muddled mint, vanilla syrup, pineapple and lime, topped with dry sparkling wine over a big block of ice. Easy to scale for a party.

Time
310 min
Difficulty
Easy
Method
Muddled
Glass
Rocks glass

Ingredients

Servings

Amounts below make 12 servings (the full recipe).

21+ · Please drink responsibly. Learn more

Garnish: Lime wheels (6 slices)

Batching tip: mix everything except ice and sparkling mixers up to a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Pour over fresh ice to serve. Add the bubbly part right before serving so it stays fizzy.

How to make it

  1. 1

    Bruise the mint leaves with the vanilla syrup in a large bowl or pitcher and let sit.

  2. 2

    Add the pineapple juice, lime juice and rum, stir and strain out the mint.

  3. 3

    Chill.

  4. 4

    At serving, pour into a punch bowl over a large block of ice and top with the sparkling wine.

  5. 5

    Float lime wheels on top.

Make ahead

Vanilla syrup

Bar batch

  • ⅔ cup water
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • 2 vanilla beans, split
  1. Heat the water, sugar and vanilla beans until the sugar dissolves, then cool.

Up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Bar gear

Equipment for this drink

Tools you'll need

  • MuddlerGently presses mint, fruit or sugar to release flavor. Press, don't pulverize.
  • JiggerA double-sided measure so every drink comes out the same. Look for one marked in ½ and ¼ oz.
  • Bar spoonA long, thin spoon for stirring, layering and fishing out cherries.
  • Citrus pressSqueezes fresh lemon and lime fast — fresh juice is the biggest upgrade you can make.
  • Large ice cube moldMakes big, slow-melting cubes that keep spirit-forward drinks cold without watering them down.
  • Punch bowl & ladleLets guests serve themselves from a big batch.

Recommended glassware

  • Rocks glassShort and sturdy — for spirit-forward drinks and sours over ice.

No shaker? A clean jar with a tight lid works. Build your home bar →

Recipe source: Serious Eats (Maggie Hoffman) — Isla Bonita Punch. Quantities and basic method are factual. Description and steps are original Mixistry copy. Last updated 2026-10-11.

Contains alcohol. For adults 21+ (or the legal drinking age where you live). Please enjoy responsibly.

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