Rum Drinks: Our Top 7 Rum Cocktails
If you’re in need of a vacation but can’t get away, a tropical drink can be just what you need. What comes to mind when you think of a delicious and fruity adult beverage? Most people would say rum. Rum is pretty much the go-to alcohol for any cocktail that’s crafted on a warm and sunny beach or poolside by a cabana. If you’re thinking to yourself, “not another pina colada!” don’t worry! There are plenty of other drinks out there that use rum besides that iconic pineapple beverage.
In fact, there are a lot more rum drinks waiting for you to discover. Yes, most of them are fruity and tropical, but if that’s not your thing, we have some recipes that aren’t fruity at all. In fact, rum was traditionally served straight up with nothing added to it—you would sip it solo or on the rocks, whatever you preferred. Today, that’s not very common unless you are a true rum aficionado.
When you think of rum, you might also be thinking about those sugary-sweet drinks you get at Mardi Gras or the fish bowl-sized drinks you get on spring break. Those are definitely still a thing (and sometimes, much needed), but the cocktails we’ll discuss in this article are a little bit more refined. Sure, you can still fill up a bucket or a fishbowl with them and have a party, but they also work in a cocktail glass enjoyed on your own.
So forget what you think you know about rum drinks and read on to learn more and discover some delicious recipes. These are our top seven rum cocktails!
1. Daiquiri
The daiquiri is a very misunderstood rum cocktail, and we totally get it. Restaurants and tiki bars alike have completely butchered an otherwise simple and light drink by turning it into a frozen sugar bomb. The frozen daiquiri developed as a way to have an easy and cheap drink on hand for vacationers. We much prefer the classic and simple version, and we think you will too. Here’s what you need:
- White rum (Try Bacardi for a crisp and clean taste)
- Superfine sugar
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
You will also need a shaker for this recipe. Add the fresh lime juice to the shaker and stir the sugar into that. Once the sugar is dissolved, add in the rum. Add a scoop of ice and shake well, then strain into a glass.
2. Dark and Stormy
Remember when we said not all rum cocktails are fruity and tropical? The Dark and Stormy is a prime example of that. This is one of those cocktails you can easily whip up after a long day or prepare for a last-minute guest. You only need three ingredients, which we’d bet you might already have ready to go. Here’s how you do it:
- Dark rum (like Plantation)
- Ginger beer (NOT ginger ale)
- Fresh lime juice
Fill a tall glass with ice. Then, start by adding the rum to the glass. Then add the ginger beer and lime juice. Mix everything with a long spoon and add a lime wedge as a garnish.
3. Pina Colada
We know this is the drink people think of when they think of rum, but hear us out: it’s a classic for a reason! Seriously, you can’t beat the delicious coconut and pineapple combination. Talk about an iconic flavor duo. Plus, it’s effortless and simple to make and makes the perfect party drink if you’re in a pinch/low on supplies. Here’s what you need:
- Rum (we think Malibu will work nicely)
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut cream
- Ice
Blend those ingredients in a blender until you get a creamy consistency, and fill up a glass. Then top with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Enjoy!
4. Mojito
Everyone should have a signature cocktail that they know like the back of their hand. It’s impressive for your guests and is a true sign of a good host or hostess. The mojito could be that cocktail for you. It’s easy enough to memorize but complex enough to have that ‘wow’ factor. These are the five ingredients you’ll need:
- White rum
- Fresh lime juice
- Superfine sugar
- Mint leaves
- Club soda or seltzer (your choice)
In a glass, muddle the limes and sugar. Then, add the mint leaves and press them down into the glass. Add a scoop of ice, the rum, and top it all off with the club soda or seltzer. Toss in the lime you squeezed and extra mint leaves for garnish.
5. Hurricane
Yes, this is the same drink that is notorious for being served oversized in New Orleans. But don’t worry, this recipe is for a normal-sized cocktail. Plus, it’s not nearly as sugary or syrupy. This isn’t typically a drink you would make for one person (although you certainly can), but rather one served at parties. This is what you need:
- Dark rum
- Passion fruit syrup
- Fresh lemon juice
- Orange slices,
- Maraschino cherries
Add some ice to a shaker, and then add the syrup, lemon juice, and rum. Shake it until a frost forms on the shaker. Add more ice to a glass and pour the drink in. Finish it off with orange slices and maraschino cherries.
6. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a bit more complicated than some of the other drinks on this list. Nonetheless, it is still a worthwhile drink to master. It’s definitely a fruity cocktail, but the use of dark rum helps to balance it out, so it’s not overwhelmingly tropical. Plus, it’s just a fun drink to make. These are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Dark rum
- Lime juice
- Orange curacao
- Orgeat syrup
- Rock candy syrup
The instructions for making this drink are super easy, so it balances out the complexity of the ingredients. Just add everything to a shaker and pour over ice without straining. Then add a lime slice and mint leaves to top it off.
7. Rum Punch
This is a great drink to make for a large group. Go old school and add it to a big bowl with a ladle and paper cups, or make it as individual drinks if you prefer. However you serve it, it’s sure to be a hit with its bright colors and bold, fruity, and tropical flavors. There are a lot of variations of this punch, and you could really use any combination of fruity flavors. Check out the ingredients list:
You can pretty much make this drink however you see fit. Keep it classy and add to a shaker, or just go for it and dump all the ingredients in your punch bowl. Add some ice and mix everything together.
You Can Use Rum for So Many Cocktails
It’s easy to see after reading through this list of cocktail recipes that rum is a super versatile liquor. You can sip it by itself, make a super fruity concoction, or make classy, polished cocktails to serve to your guests. But many people often overlook rum as a choice for a cocktail because they simply associate it with partying and vacations.
We think if you give one of these recipes a try, you can see for yourself that’s not the case. And while we all enjoy an oversized drink while we are sitting on a beach somewhere, relaxing at home with a regular-sized rum drink is enjoyable too.
Try These Rum Cocktails
We’d bet after reading this article you’re feeling inspired to get in the kitchen (or behind the bar) and try your hand at some of these recipes. If that’s the case, you’re going to need some supplies. Once you decide on a recipe, head to Saucey and order all the alcohol you need. We will deliver it straight to your door. We’ve got everything you need to master the art of making a rum cocktail.
And if you’re pressed for time, don’t worry! You can have your order delivered in as few as 30 minutes. You can also schedule a delivery time that is convenient for you. And if you need other drinks, like beer and wine, we’ve got that covered too. So what are you waiting for? As the saying goes, it’s 5 ‘o clock somewhere!
