Italian Rum Punch – Easy Olive Garden Copycat

This Olive Garden Italian Rum Punch is a super easy, fruity drink you can throw together in like… 5 minutes tops. It’s sweet, refreshing, and honestly kinda perfect for when you’re not trying to think too hard — just shake, pour, sip. Great for chill nights, quick happy hours, or when you’re pretending it’s summer.

Jump to Recipe

Quick Summary

• Prep time: 5 mins
• Cook time: 0 mins
• Flavor: Fruity, smooth, a little citrusy
• Great for: Lazy evenings, casual get-togethers, “I deserve a drink” moments

Why I Like This Recipe

I wasn’t planning on making a drink. I just had some leftover sour mix, and a bottle of rum that’s been giving me judgmental looks for weeks. Tried this out and… yeah, this hits. It’s simple, tastes like something you’d get at a chain restaurant (in the best way), and takes zero effort. I’ve made it twice this week. No regrets.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ice (plus more for serving)
• 4 oz sour mix
• ½ oz amaretto
• 1 oz strawberry-passion syrup
• 1½ oz Bacardi Superior Rum
• 1 lime wedge (for garnish)

How To Make Italian Rum Punch

• Add ice to shaker: Like 1 full cup. Not crushed, just regular.
• Add the booze + mixers: Sour mix, amaretto, strawberry-passion syrup, rum — all in.
• Shake it like you mean it: About 30 seconds. Not a casual swirl. Go for it.
• Prep your glass: Grab a tall glass, fill it about ⅔ with fresh ice.
• Strain and finish: Pour the drink in, strain out the old ice. Garnish with lime. Or don’t. Still good.

Tips for Success

• Use real Bacardi if you can — off-brand rum changes the whole vibe.
• Shake long enough. It’s not just about chillin’ — it helps mix the sweet and sour stuff right.
• Always strain. You want cold, not watered down.
• A tall glass really does help. You get more drink, less mess.
• Don’t skip the strawberry-passion syrup. Subbing it out? Not the same.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: If you made too much (rare, but it happens), stick the leftovers in a sealed jar. Should be fine for 24 hours. Shake before drinking again.
• Freezer: Not really freezer-friendly. The alcohol makes it slushy but weird.
• Reheat: Haha… please don’t. It’s a cold drink. No reheating here.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make a big batch for a party?
  Yep. Just multiply everything by how many servings you want. Mix it in a big pitcher, but still shake individual portions with ice for best flavor.
• What’s strawberry-passion syrup?
  It’s usually a bright red fruity syrup — check near cocktail mixers. Torani makes a good one. No passionfruit? Just use strawberry.
• Can I use a different rum?
  Sure. But Bacardi’s what gives it that Olive Garden taste. Spiced or dark rum? Totally different vibe.
• Can I skip the amaretto?
  Technically yes… but it adds that smooth almond flavor. Kinda rounds it out.
• Does it taste strong?
  Not really. It’s more sweet than boozy, which makes it dangerously easy to drink.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Using old ice: Ice that’s been in the freezer for weeks? Tastes like freezer burn. Use fresh or at least clean cubes. Makes a huge difference.
• Not shaking long enough: A lazy shake leaves you with a flat, uneven drink. Go the full 30 seconds. You’ll taste the difference.
• Skipping the syrup or subbing with juice: Nope. The syrup is thick and sweet and helps balance the sour. Juice won’t cut it.
• Pouring everything straight in the glass: You’ll miss the chill and balance. Always shake first. Then strain.
• Too much alcohol thinking it’s “just punch”: Yeah… it’ll sneak up on you. Stick to the measurements unless you’re staying home.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 296 kcal
• Total Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 27mg
• Potassium: 91mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 47g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 1g

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