Rum is a versatile and popular liquor that is used in many classic cocktails as well as modern drinks. It is made by distilling sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice and is aged in oak barrels to impart a distinct flavor. In this article, we will explore some of the best drinks that you can make with rum.
For all the rum lovers out there, are you looking for a new drink to add to your repertoire? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the various drink options you can make with rum. From classic cocktails to innovative concoctions, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get shaking!
Classic Rum Drinks
Daiquiri
The daiquiri is a classic rum drink that is made with white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. It is a refreshing drink that is perfect for hot summer days. To make a daiquiri, mix 2 oz of white rum, 1 oz of lime juice, and ¾ oz of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass.
Mojito
The mojito is another classic rum drink that is made with white rum, mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda. To make a mojito, muddle a few mint leaves and a lime wedge in a glass. Add 1 ½ oz of white rum, ¾ oz of simple syrup, and ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Rum and Coke
Rum and coke, also known as a Cuba Libre, is a simple but delicious drink that is made with dark rum and coke. To make a rum and coke, fill a glass with ice and add 2 oz of dark rum. Top it up with coke and garnish with a lime wedge.
Tiki Drinks
Tiki drinks are a style of tropical cocktails that are made with rum, fruit juices, and spices. They are usually served in a tiki mug and garnished with tropical fruits and umbrellas.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic tiki drink that is made with dark rum, lime juice, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup. To make a Mai Tai, mix 1 ½ oz of dark rum, ¾ oz of lime juice, ½ oz of orange curacao, ½ oz of orgeat syrup, and ¼ oz of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge.
Zombie
The Zombie is a potent tiki drink that is made with white rum, dark rum, 151 rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, cinnamon syrup, grenadine, and absinthe. To make a Zombie, mix 1 ½ oz of white rum, 1 ½ oz of dark rum, 1 oz of 151 rum, ¾ oz of lime juice, ½ oz of grapefruit juice, ½ oz of cinnamon syrup, ¼ oz of grenadine, and a dash of absinthe in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tiki mug. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a cherry.
Modern Rum Drinks
Dark and Stormy
The Dark and Stormy is a modern rum drink that is made with dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice. To make a Dark and Stormy, fill a glass with ice and add 2 oz of dark rum. Top it up with ginger beer and add a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Rum Sour
The Rum Sour is a modern twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. It is made with dark rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. To make a Rum Sour, mix 2 oz of dark rum, ¾ oz of lemon juice, ½ oz of simple syrup, and 1 egg white in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of lemon.
Rum Punch
Rum punch is a classic drink that has been popular for centuries. It is made with a combination of fruit juices, rum, and sugar. The exact recipe for rum punch varies depending on the region, but the basic ingredients remain the same. To make a simple rum punch, mix 2 oz of dark rum, 4 oz of pineapple juice, 1 oz of orange juice, and 1 oz of lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Add a splash of grenadine and garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.
Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre is a simple but delicious drink that is made with rum, coke, and lime juice. This drink was invented in Cuba in the early 1900s and has since become a popular cocktail around the world. To make a Cuba Libre, fill a glass with ice and add 2 oz of rum. Top it up with coke and add a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.
Pina Colada
The Pina Colada is a tropical drink that is made with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. It was invented in Puerto Rico in the 1950s and has since become one of the most popular rum drinks in the world. To make a Pina Colada, mix 2 oz of white rum, 2 oz of pineapple juice, 2 oz of coconut cream, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.
Painkiller
The Painkiller is a tiki drink that is made with dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and nutmeg. It was invented in the British Virgin Islands in the 1970s and has since become a popular drink around the world. To make a Painkiller, mix 2 oz of dark rum, 4 oz of pineapple juice, 1 oz of orange juice, and 1 oz of cream of coconut in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg and garnish with a slice of pineapple.
Scorpion Bowl
The Scorpion Bowl is a large-format tiki drink that is meant to be shared with friends. It is made with rum, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, and orgeat syrup. To make a Scorpion Bowl, mix 4 oz of rum, 2 oz of brandy, 4 oz of orange juice, 2 oz of lemon juice, and 1 oz of orgeat syrup in a large bowl. Fill the bowl with ice and garnish with slices of orange, lemon, and lime.
Rum Old Fashioned
The Rum Old Fashioned is a modern twist on the classic whiskey cocktail. It is made with dark rum, sugar, bitters, and orange peel. To make a Rum Old Fashioned, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters and a slice of orange in a glass. Add 2 oz of dark rum and ice. Stir well and garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.
FAQs – What Drinks Can I Make with Rum?
What are some classic rum cocktails?
Some classic rum cocktails include the Daiquiri, Mojito, and Rum and Coke. The Daiquiri is a simple mix of rum, lime juice, and sugar, while the Mojito adds mint and club soda to the mix. Rum and Coke, as the name suggests, combines rum and Coca-Cola for a sweeter, simpler option.
What are some more creative rum cocktails?
If you’re looking for something more unique, there are countless creative rum cocktails to try. The Painkiller, for example, combines rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream for a tropical, fruity flavor. The Dark and Stormy pairs rum with ginger beer and lime juice for a spicy, refreshing beverage. The Zombie, on the other hand, mixes a variety of rums with fruit juices and grenadine for a potent, colorful concoction.
Can I mix rum with other liquors?
Rum can certainly be mixed with other liquors, although it’s important to find the right balance of flavors to avoid overwhelming or clashing tastes. The Jungle Bird, for example, pairs rum with Campari for a bittersweet flavor, while the Rum Runner mixes rum with blackberry brandy, banana liqueur, and grenadine for a complex, fruity taste.
Are there any non-alcoholic drinks that include rum?
Yes, there are several non-alcoholic drinks that include rum, or a rum-flavored syrup. One option is the Virgin Pina Colada, which combines pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a rum-flavored syrup for a tropical treat. The Shirley Temple is another option, featuring ginger ale, lime juice, grenadine, and a splash of rum syrup for a sweet, tangy beverage.
Does the quality of the rum matter when making cocktails?
The quality of the rum can certainly affect the overall taste of a cocktail, but it’s not always necessary to use top-shelf brands. For simple cocktails like a Rum and Coke or Daiquiri, a mid-range rum will likely suffice. However, for more complex cocktails that showcase the flavor of the rum, it’s worth investing in a higher-quality or aged rum. Ultimately, the best rum to use will depend on your personal preference and the specific flavors you’re looking for in your cocktail.