Summer is the perfect season to unwind and celebrate small victories, especially during these trying times. What better way to savor the dog days than with a refreshing rum cocktail? We’ve put together some of the most essential rum cocktails out there to make your day a little brighter (or hazier, whichever).
With so many rum drinks and rum types out there, we decided to narrow down the list. Below, you’ll find the rum cocktails you need to know how to make. From your standard daiquiri to hot buttered rum, we’ve got you covered. We’ve even found some of the best cheap rums if you’re drinking on a budget.
More Cocktail Recipes:
Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- .5 oz simple syrup
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Method: Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Check out our full how to make a daiquiri guide.
The Papa Doble
Ingredients:
- 3.75 oz white rum
- 2 oz lime juice
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- 6 drops maraschino liqueur
Method: Blend well with ice and pour in a large glass.
Mai Tai
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- .75 oz dark rum
- .5 oz lime juice,
- .5 oz orange curaçao
- .5 oz orgeat
- Mint leaf, for garnish
Method: Shake all ingredients (except dark rum) with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. Float dark rum on top and garnish with a mint leaf.
Check out our full list Tiki Cocktails.
Hot Buttered Rum
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 5 oz hot water
- 1 pat no-salt butter, softened
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- .5 tsp cinnamon
- .5 tsp vanilla extract
- .25 tsp nutmeg
- .25 tsp allspice
Method: Put butter and spices in the bottom of an Irish coffee mug and muddle together. Add rum, vanilla, and hot water. Stir to combine.
Check out our Hot Buttered Recipe to get you through any cold.
Mojito
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 6-8 mint leaves (and an additional sprig for garnish)
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 tsp powdered sugar
- Club soda, to top
Method: Muddle mint, sugar, and lime juice in the bottom of a tall glass. Add ice and rum. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint leaves.
Check out our list of the best rums for mojitos.
Piña Colada
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz coconut cream
- Pineapple wedge, for garnish
Method: Shake ingredients together and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge. To make it a blended drink, add ingredients and ice to a blender. Blend and pour into a goblet.
Check out our list of the best rums for Piña Coladas.
Rum and Ginger Beer
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 3.25 oz ginger beer
- Angostura bitters
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Method: In a highball glass filled with ice, add rum and ginger beer. Add a few dashes of bitters and garnish with lime wedge.
Rum Runner
Ingredients:
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- .5 oz banana liqueur
- .5 oz blackberry brandy
- 1 oz orange juice
- .5 oz pineapple juice
- .5 oz lime juice
- Dash of grenadine
- Pineapple leaf, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method: Combine all ingredients with ice and shake well. Strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a cocktail cherry and pineapple leaf.
Cuba Libre
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 4 oz cola
- 1 oz lime juice
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Method: Add rum, cola, and lime juice to a tall glass with ice. Stir lightly and garnish with a lime wedge.
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