16 Traditional Rum Cocktails to Savor
Traditional rum cocktails transport you to tropical locales with their rich flavors and intoxicating aromas.
From the smooth simplicity of a Daiquiri to the layered complexity of a Mai Tai, rum proves versatile and essential in the cocktail world.
These timeless recipes celebrate rum’s history and its role in some of the most beloved drinks around the globe.
Rum’s enduring appeal is showcased in these iconic concoctions as below.
The Coquito
The Coquito stands out as a classic cocktail from Puerto Rico, combining rum with coconut flavors.
Rich and frothy, this drink serves well during festive gatherings, catering to large groups effortlessly.
Sweetened condensed milk ensures a sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
Cream of coconut and coconut milk contribute to its smooth texture while tequila introduces an unexpected kick.
This creamy twist on eggnog makes for an unforgettable holiday treat that everyone will enjoy.
Strawberry Daiquiri
Strawberry daiquiris hold a special place in many hearts as a beloved white rum drink.
Making these cocktails at home is simple and more flavorful with frozen strawberries than using store-bought mixes.
A aspect of this drink is its versatility; it can easily become a non-alcoholic treat for kids, serving as a refreshing mocktail.
For adults, adding white rum elevates the experience without losing the fruity essence.
Topping off your daiquiri with fresh strawberries and lime wedges adds an appealing finish.
Old Cuban Cocktail
The Old Cuban cocktail deserves a spot on the list of must-try rum drinks, especially for those who enjoy the French 75.
This drink combines elements from both the French 75 and Mojito, resulting in a refreshing mix.
Created by New York bartender Audrey Saunders in 2001, it quickly gained popularity as a modern classic.
Ingredients include aged rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and champagne or Prosecco on top.
Hurricane Cocktail
In the 1940s, a bartender named Pat O’Brien in New Orleans created the Hurricane cocktail while trying to use up excess rum.
The drink quickly gained popularity, especially when served in a beautiful glass resembling a hurricane lamp.
Ingredients for this refreshing beverage include dark rum, white rum, passion fruit syrup, orange juice, fresh lime juice, and grenadine.
It features a balance of strong flavors and fruity notes.
This cocktail remains a beloved symbol of New Orleans’ vibrant drinking culture today.
Dark And Stormy Cocktail
A Dark and Stormy cocktail showcases the rich flavors of dark rum combined with ginger beer.
Only three ingredients are necessary: dark rum, ginger beer, and a lime wedge.
This drink has roots in Bermuda dating back to 1918 when British naval officers sought relief from seasickness using ginger beer.
The addition of dark rum seemed like a natural choice, enhancing the refreshing taste with earthy notes of brown sugar and vanilla.
Similar to a Moscow Mule but distinct in flavor, this highball cocktail is an easy yet satisfying option for any occasion.
Rum Punch
Rum punch has a rich history that dates back to the 1600s, with its first mention in English records from 1632.
Originating from India, this drink took on new life in the 1650s when Jamaican rum became part of the mix.
The recipe evolved further with Planter’s Punch, featuring fresh lime juice and gaining popularity after being published in a London magazine in 1878.
To create an enjoyable rum punch today, combine dark and light rums with orange juice, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine for sweetness.
Serving it chilled over crushed ice enhances its fruity flavors.
Hemingway Daiquiri
The Hemingway Daiquiri, often called the Floridita, has a rich history tied to the famous author Ernest Hemingway.
He frequently enjoyed this drink at Havana's Floridita bar.
This cocktail stands out due to its use of Maraschino liqueur and grapefruit juice, giving it a distinct flavor profile.
In fact, the bartender crafted it without sugar and used double rum for Hemingway’s special version known as Papa Doble.
Cuba Libre
Cuba Libre translates to “Free Cuba” in Spanish, reflecting the spirit of independence sought by the Cuban people from Spain.
This cocktail combines rum, Coca-Cola, and a lime wedge for a refreshing taste.
Over 100 years of enjoyment highlights its popularity among many.
The arrival of Coca-Cola in Cuba in 1900 marked an important moment for this drink's history; however, its exact origin remains unknown.
Classic Mojito
Enjoying a mojito has roots that trace back to the 1500s, with its popularity rising in the 1800s alongside Bacardi rum.
Ernest Hemingway played a significant role in making this refreshing drink famous during the 1930s.
Essential ingredients for crafting this cocktail include white rum, fresh mint leaves, club soda, and either simple syrup or sugar.
Muddling fresh mint leaves carefully reveals their full flavor and is crucial for achieving that perfect taste.
Classic Daiquiri
A refreshing daiquiri features just three main ingredients: white rum, fresh lime juice, and sweet syrup made from sugar.
This cocktail has a fascinating history tied to Cuba, where an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox created it during a party.
Running out of gin led him to mix Bacardi rum with lime juice and sugar instead.
He chose the name Daiquiri after a nearby beach that inspired him.
Hot Buttered Rum
Rich dark rum has been a key ingredient in the Hot Buttered Rum cocktail for centuries.
This drink emerged around the same time as other favorites like eggnog and hot toddy.
In New England during the 1650s, colonists began adding rum to their punches and cocktails, leading to various recipes.
Each family often created its own special version of this warming beverage, sometimes using spiced rum for added flavor.
Essential ingredients include brown sugar, salted butter, allspice, grated nutmeg, cinnamon, boiling water along with that deep dark rum.
Mai Tai
The classic Mai Tai cocktail has roots in the 1940s and showcases a rich blend of flavors.
Ingredients include fresh lime juice, orange liqueur like Triple Sec, orgeat syrup, and almond syrup.
A hint of dark rum on top adds depth to the drink's taste.
Serving it over crushed ice enhances its refreshing quality even more than regular ice cubes do.
Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries make for a beautiful garnish.
El Presidente Cocktail
The El Presidente cocktail impresses with its rich flavors and strong rum base.
Originating in the 1920s, this drink features blanc vermouth, which balances sweetness and dryness beautifully.
Floral notes combined with hints of vanilla create a taste experience.
A Luxardo cherry or Maraschino cherry along with an orange peel adds a lovely finish to this sophisticated beverage.
Between The Sheets Cocktail
The Between the Sheets cocktail stands out with its playful name, making it a favorite among rum enthusiasts.
This drink features a mix of Cognac, rum, fresh lemon juice, and orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Cointreau.
Originating as a variation of the Sidecar from Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, its exact beginnings remain unclear.
Cointreau adds an enchanting orange aroma that perfectly balances sweetness and bitterness; it’s worth trying if you have some on hand or wish to purchase it for this recipe.
Jungle Bird
A surprising blend of flavors defines the Jungle Bird cocktail.
Dark rum combines with Campari, pineapple juice, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice to create a drink.
This cocktail stands out among rum drinks by incorporating bitter Campari alongside tropical notes.
Drinkers who enjoy fruity beverages will appreciate its rich complexity.
Garnishing with pineapple leaves or a wedge adds an appealing finish to this unique creation.
Classic Pina Colada
The piña colada, a drink loved by many, first appeared in the early 1950s.
Its refreshing mix of coconut cream, coconut water, pineapple juice, and light rum makes it a favorite at bars and restaurants everywhere.
For the best flavor, using real cream of coconut is essential; Coco Lopez is a popular choice due to its rich thickness and sweetness.
While pre-made mixes are available for convenience, crafting this cocktail from scratch provides an unmatched taste experience.
Traditionally served cold and strained, today’s versions often feature a frozen blend.