It’s here, the list you’ve been waiting for! Rum is typically combined with fruit juices and other bright, bold flavors such as falernum — a rum-based cordial made with lime zest, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and star anise — due to the sweet flavor the spirit retains. In alphabetical order, we’ve put together some of the most highly regarded cocktails in the Rum world. Anyone who loves this spirit will be able to speak to the deliciousness of these concoctions. If you haven’t tried most of these, it’s time to start discovering your Rum palette!
Bahama Mama
Using both silver Rum and coconut Rum, make sure to also have coffee liqueur on hand. Juices include orange, pineapple, and lemon with a bit of grenadine to give it that beautiful reddish hue. Combine all ingredients in a blender, blend until slushy, and garnish with a strawberry, pineapple wedge, and cherry!
Fun fact: This drink is one of the only Rum cocktails that uses the tasty addition of coffee liqueur to complete the flavor profile.
Caipirinha
When you’re looking for a taste of South America, this is the cocktail for you. Thought to have originated in São Paolo, the Caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil and can be found everywhere from beach shacks to 5-star restaurants. To start, you’ll need lime juice and Cachaça. Cut up the lime and muddle it with sugar, then add lime juice and, of course, Cachaça — a Brazilian spirit similar to rum except that it is made from fermented sugar cane juice rather than what most rums are made from, molasses (a byproduct of sugar production).
Classic Daiquiri
We all know about the frozen strawberry daiquiri, but the classic version is what started it all. Simple, classy, and served in a coupe glass, you’ll just need silver Rum and lime juice, plus a little simple syrup. This classic cocktail should be shaken hard, not stirred, to give it that signature bright, almost frothy effervescence. Float a lime wheel on the surface and enjoy!
Hurricane
The all too famous beverage of Bourbon Street. What makes this cocktail stand out is the passion fruit flavor, taking the sweet and tropical taste to a whole new level. To start, you’ll need gold and silver Rum and passion fruit syrup. Add to that grenadine, lime juice, and orange juice – shake up this mixture and pour it over ice in its own special Hurricane glass.
Jungle Bird
A Jungle Bird is the definition of bittersweet. Combining the ingredients of pineapple and lime juice, balanced with the bitterness of Amaro or Campari, this tropical cocktail will have you saying, “bird’s the word”.
Fun fact: This cocktail originated at the Kuala Lumpar Hilton in Malaysia, where it was first served as a welcome drink in the 1970's.
Mai Tai
Ah, the Mai Tai. One of the best-known drinks to get on vacation is even easier to make at home. Take yourself to the tropics with just a few ingredients and get the tart, citrusy, and sweet explosions you’re looking for. The key to this cocktail is a great orgeat or almond syrup and Rum. An artificial one will create an overly sweet Mai Tai that will lack balance. Plus, it’ll impress any guests you’re entertaining, trust us.
Mojito
Stepping away from the tropical vibes for a moment, this classic cocktail plays on the sweetness of the sugar cane in Rum and the herbacaeuous flavor of mint. Combined, the Mojito not only gives you the relaxing vibes you’re looking for, but it’s also a fun and refreshing day drink!
Piña Colada
And we’re back to tropical! The Piña Colada is meant to combine the best of the island flavors — pineapple and coconut. These fruit flavors, blended with gold and/or silver Rum, create the sweetest treat for any poolside moment. A quick tip — instead of using a premade mix to save time, try substituting a tropical colada cream liqueur for the coconut cream, such as this one from Fennelly's.
Pineapple Martini
There’s nothing like a sweet martini when introducing someone to Rum. Keep it simple with this tasty beverage using coconut Rum and pineapple juice, plus a little peach Vodka for added flavor. Super simple to make at home, this is a great go-to for a large group as you can mix up a pitcher in advance and it will be just as delicious as shaking them to order!
Rum & Cola (aka Cuba Libre)
A delightful classic that ignites the palate in the simplest way — Rum and cola. Traditionally using a Gold Rum, mix in coca-cola and squeeze in a lime wedge to create this easy and satisfying beverage.
Fun fact: The name of this drink traces back to 1900 when a US Army captain stationed in Havana, Cuba added cola and a lime wedge to his Rum and exclaimed “Por Cuba Libre!”.
Rum Swizzle
Let the juices take over your senses! The Rum Swizzle requires grenadine, pineapple, orange, and lime juices combined with Angostura bitters and your choice of black Rum (we prefer Hog Bay).
Spiced Rum Punch
Last, but far from least, we’re closing this list out with a spice. Spiced Rum adds a whole new complexity to a cocktail, so keeping the ingredients minimal is encouraged. Pick a tasty mango liqueur and spiced Rum and mix with pineapple and lime juice to get this flavorful twist on punch.
Of course, we know that there are many, many more cocktails circled around Rum, but these have to be our favorites. Make sure to send this to your friends, especially those who might need to mix up their Rum vibes. If you’re still looking for more Rum cocktails, we have an entire page full of more delicious Rum recipes!
