There are few spirits more well-suited for late-spring and summer drinking than rum. There’s a reason most Tiki-drinks and other tropical drinks are rum-based and it’s not just because rum is typically produced in Caribbean countries like Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic.
Rum (the sugarcane-based, distilled spirit) is delicious un-aged, aged (dark rum), or spiced on its own. But, it really shines when it’s used to make cocktails. In the world of rum-based drinks, the Mojito is likely king. This combination of white rum, carbonated water, sugar, lime, and mint is delicious, but there’s a whole world of other tasty, refreshing rum-based cocktails that are perfect for warm weather imbibing.
Check out ten of our favorites below and then go get your drink on.
Cuba Libre
If there was a dictionary definition for “simple cocktail”, you might find a photo of the Cuba Libre next to it. That’s because the Cuba Libre is just a fancy way of saying rum and coke with lime — because that’s all this drink consists of. Yet, simplicity doesn’t always mean bland as this is one of the most refreshing, delicious rum-based cocktails ever created.
Daiquiri
Rum cocktails don’t get more classic than the daiquiri. It’s also fairly simple to make and definitely isn’t a frozen, Slurpee-like beverage. The simple, perfect summer drink is made with white rum, simple syrup and fresh lime juice. Add crushed ice like Papa Hemingway and you’re sure to end the day happy.
Pina Colada
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If you like them, the odds are that you’ve enjoyed a blended, frozen Pina Colada. But the classic Pina Colada is way better — made with white rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream (or coconut milk).
Mai Tai
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In the world of Tiki drinks, the Mai Tai is probably the most popular. This drink is a little more complicated than standard fare and requires a few ingredients not every home bartender will have on hand. It’s made with Curacao, white rum, dark rum, lime juice, and orgeat. And it’s fantastic.
Dark ‘N’ Stormy
This drink is so popular that Gosling’s (and other brands) actually make a canned version. If you want to work a little harder than opening a can, you can make your own Dark ‘N’ Stormy at home by combining dark rum, ginger beer, and a slice of lime.
Hurricane
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The hurricane might as well be unofficial drink of New Orleans as you can get a turbo-charged version of it at just about any bar in and around Bourbon Street. You don’t even need to drink it in a giant, plastic cocktail glass attached to a necklace around your neck to enjoy this combination of dark rum, white rum, passion fruit syrup (or other fruit), and lime juice.
Zombie
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Drinking this cocktail might make you feel like a zombie as it packs a high-alcohol punch. That’s because it’s made with 151, white rum, dark rum, falernum, lime juice, bitters, grenadine, and sometimes other flavors like apricot liqueur, papaya juice, and pineapple juice.
Planter’s Punch
This traditional Caribbean punch is packed with a litany of different island flavors. Definitely not for the novice home bartender, this drink is loaded with ingredients including: white rum, dark rum, triple sec, grenadine, various fruits, Curaçao, orange juice, simple syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, and bitters.
Bumbo
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If you’ve never had a Bumbo, the time is right to try this unique cocktail. Made with dark rum, citrus juice, grenadine, and nutmeg (or cinnamon), this drink was extremely popular in the Caribbean during the days of pirates and the East Indian Trading company as a replacement for Royal Navy Grog.
Blue Hawaii
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Whether or not you enjoy movies where Elvis Presley sings on the beach, you should still make Blue Hawaiians all summer long. This classic Tiki-style drink is made with Curaçao, white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
