Look, I am a movie buff. Everything I ever learned about life I learned from or sparked an interest in a movie. So, when it comes to rum, my first impression of the drink came from watching Jack Sparrow drink it on a beach. Now, as I travel all over the Carribean, I have discovered that there is, in fact, an entire culture surrounding the consumption of this versatile liquor. Of course, I don’t just take movies at their word, and I dive deep into a subject to find out more about it once my interest is piqued. When it came to rum, I reached out to my friends over at Blue Chair Bay Rum and asked why I am seeing rum everywhere in the summer of 2026. So, why is rum the liquor of the summer?
Rum has an authentic connection to summer because it reflects the easygoing spirit of warm weather entertaining. Inspired by the relaxed spirit of the Caribbean, Blue Chair Bay Rum was co-founded by award-winning singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney, whose deep connection to the islands comes from years spent traveling, performing, and unwinding along their shores. He wanted to capture that feeling with a premium rum that is approachable and full of flavor while embodying effortless joy amongst friends. — Anthony Moniello, Chief Executive Officer of Next Century Spirits
What is it about rum that makes it the drink of the summer?
I am an old-fashioned guy. To me, nothing beats bourbon with bitters, sugar, and citrus. But let’s be honest, it is hard to sit on a rooftop bar before 8 pm and down an old-fashioned. That is a drink for the heavier evening drinks. So what is it about rum that remedies that problem? A versatile liquor that comes dark or light and mixes with some of the best summer companions in spirits. So I asked Moniello what it is about rum that makes it the number one drink over the summer.
“Rum pairs naturally with citrus, tropical fruit, coconut, herbs, and sparkling mixers, making it one of the most versatile spirits for refreshing summer cocktails. This summer, we’re seeing a shift toward lighter cocktails that still deliver on flavor, and Blue Chair Bay Rum brings a fresh take to the category with vibrant, lower-calorie options that feel crisp and refreshing without the heaviness often associated with traditional rum cocktails.”
Light vs. dark: Does it matter?
This is where my knowledge is limited. The first time I slid up to a bar and asked to try some rum, the bartender gave me some options. Some were dark, some were light. What? I hadn’t run into that before. Bourbon is a dark liquor. I can always count on bourbon and whisky to be dark. Vodka is a light liquor. Tequila is light. These could always be counted on to work well in a light cocktail. But now I stood and stared at one dark rum and one light rum. How do I make a decision here? What is the difference?
“Light rum has a clean, delicate profile that lets fresh ingredients shine. It works especially well with club soda, tonic, lemonade, coconut water, and fresh citrus, creating bright cocktails that are perfect for warm weather. Dark rum is aged longer in barrels, which develops richer notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and baking spice. Those flavors pair beautifully with ginger beer, cola, coffee, and richer fruit juices. Both styles have their place, but lighter rum is often the first choice for cocktails that highlight the fresh flavors of summer.”
The summer of rum
Ok, now that that is out of the way, let’s get one thing straight: Rum is the liquor of the summer. The simple reason is that it is light for the afternoon in the sun and heavy in the evening for the date night. And even better, the recipes below using Blue Chair Bay Rum are 100 calories or less. Meaning you can still rock the swim body.
“Rum is one of the most versatile spirits behind the bar because it can be as simple or as sophisticated as you want it to be. A quality rum, fresh lime, and sparkling water can make an outstanding cocktail, while seasonal fruits and flavors allow you to build something more creative.”
Blue Chair Bay Rum recipes
Skinny Pina Colada
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Blue Chair Bay Pineapple Rum Cream
- Coconut Sparkling Water
- Pineapple Wedge, for garnish
Method: Pour Blue Chair Bay Pineapple Rum Cream over ice and top with coconut sparkling water.
Fizzy Lime
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Blue Chair Bay Key Lime Rum Cream
- 2 oz Club Soda
Method: Pour ingredients over ice. Stir. Enjoy.
Riptide
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Blue Chair Bay Banana Rum Cream
- 4 oz Coconut Water
Method: Prepare to be swept away by this easy cocktail…just pour ingredients over ice and stir. Garnish with a pineapple leaf if you’re in the mood to impress.
