Demon water, pirate’s drink, or call it rumbullion if you want to take it back to its 1600s-origins. Whatever you call it, rum has a special place in our hearts. Made from the juice of sugarcane juice or sugarcane molasses, its sweet, fruity, and sometimes spicy flavor notes help to make a variety of complex cocktails. From drinks dating all the way back to tiki bars in the 50s to some drinks originating as late as the 90s, there’s classics for everyone to enjoy on this list.
Summer is finally here, so here’s our list of must-have rum cocktails whether you’re at the beach or poolside. Make summer fun and summer rum one and the same.
Piña Colada
Starting off with the most iconic rum drink of them all, this 1950s pineapple coconut concoction is one you must have on your list.This creamy blend of pineapple and coconut cream is accented best by a light rum, which offers a sweeter, more subtle flavor than its darker counterparts.
Rum and Coke
Proportions are everything when it comes to this drink, but when it’s right, it’s right. Grab any dark and sweet cola plus a shot (or two) of your favorite rum and you’re good to go. You can also add some lime to make it a Cuba Libre!
Mojito
Known traditionally as the Cuban Punch, this rum cocktail is one of the most refreshing. Grab and muddle some mint leaves and lime from your garden, then add sugar and your favorite white rum and there you have it! A can’t miss on a summer’s day.
Classic Daiquiri
Have you made a margarita? You’ve almost made a daiquiri… and you should have. The recipe is as easy as 3-2-1. 3 tablespoons of white rum, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and then finish it off with 1 tablespoon of simple syrup.
Hurricane
With a recipe guaranteed to turn you into a category-4. Add your preferred Jamaican rum, then top it off with some lemon and passion fruit juice, and that’s it! This historic tropical mixed drink straight out of New Orleans is sure to start your summer off right.
Mai Tai
Keeping up with our tropical trip, the Mai Tai is a required addition. The name comes from the Tahitian phrase “Maita’i roa ae!” meaning “Amazing! Out of this world.” Though the drink has its origins in San Francisco, funnily enough. With hints of lime, orange, and mint, this drink is made for sunsets on the beach.
Dark and Stormy
With a mysterious and intriguing name, the flavors definitely won’t be hidden when you sip on this gingery, limey, rum cocktail. It’s very similar to its close cousin, the Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime), and it will go down just as smoothly.
Make sure to get ginger BEER when making this recipe
Rum Runner
Paying homage to the heroes (in our opinion) running liquor to speakeasies during prohibition this cocktail will have you rushing back to the bar for another. Curated using banana and blackberry liqueur, this drink brings a fruity combination of flavors. Though with most mid-century drinks, this drink has taken on a lot of different recipes over the years so make it the way you like it!
Painkiller Cocktail
With a name that seems more dangerous than the drink (though that might be arguable) this frothy drink is sure to get you into the groove. Curated in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands, this drink was birthed from warm temperatures and vacation vibes all around. Add the classic flavors of pineapple, coconut, orange juice, and your fav dark rum to master this tropical piece.
Blue Hawaiian
Rightfully this cocktail was finally introduced to us by Hawaii in the 1950s. Utilizing the visually iconic blue curaçao, this sweet and sour blue drink has its favorites once again with coconut and pineapple right by its side. Check out this recipe every island native is holding their breath for…get it?
The Zombie
This one is to die for. It utilizes a variety of flavors including, lime, passionfruit, and grapefruit juices, and garnishes with angostura bitters and grated cinnamon. We know it sounds like a lot but trust us on this one, whatever rum you end up adding will make it perfection.
Jungle Bird
Last but definitely not least, take flight with the Jungle Bird. Originating in the Aviary bar of the Kuala Lumpur Hilton, now you can make one right in your own nest. Combining the Italian bitter, Campari, with fruity additions like pineapple and lime with a jig of simple syrup, this drink will have you soaring.
Though we haven’t run the whole gambit when it comes to rum cocktails, this list should definitely have you set up for your summer get-togethers this year. Rum is perfect to improvise with on the fly because it can go with almost anything. But as long as you have some sugar, citrus, and ice, you can’t go wrong. Cheers, everyone!
