Did you know that the first distillation of rum took place in the Caribbean in the 17th century? This delicious alcoholic beverage has been around for hundreds of years, and it’s only gotten better with age.
Some people enjoy their rum straight up, but one of the most popular ways to enjoy it is in the form of rum mixed drinks. There are lots of delicious rum cocktails you can prepare for all your summer gatherings (or just to enjoy on your own after a long hot day). Listed below are seven of the best rum mixed drinks to try today.
1. Daiquiri
One of the staple rum cocktails to master is the daiquiri. Don’t rely on pre-mixed bottles. Make your own with three simple ingredients: rum, simple syrup, and lime juice.
After you’ve mastered the basic daiquiri, you can start mixing it up with different flavor combinations. A strawberry daiquiri is a popular variation that includes frozen strawberry puree. It’s sweet, refreshing, and is the perfect treat for a backyard gathering.
2. Mojito
Another classic rum cocktail is the mojito. Mojitos, like daiquiris, don’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. For this drink, all you need is rum, lime juice, soda water, sugar, and fresh mint, as well as muddler to mix your drinks.
Also like the daiquiri, the mojito is easy to spice up with different flavors once you’ve mastered the preparation of the basic drink. You can add all kinds of fresh fruit into the mix, as well as other herbs and spices like fresh ginger.
3. Pina Colada
It wouldn’t be a list of fruity rum drinks without mention of the pina colada. A pina colada is made by combining rum with pineapple juice and coconut cream. It’s the quintessential tropical drink, and one sip will make you feel like you’re on an island vacation.
Pre-made pina coladas will do in a pinch, but don’t underestimate the power of a freshly prepared cocktail. This would be a great beverage to whip up for yourself for a weekend by the pool.
4. Planter’s Punch
If you’re looking for a delicious boozy drink you can prepare for friends or family, planter’s punch is the perfect option. the flavors of rum and fruit punch work very well together, and there are lots of ways that you can personalize the planter’s punch to fit your specific preferences.
One of the most popular combinations includes rum, fruit punch, and passion fruit. Other people enjoy a whole fruit medley to create a unique drink that tastes extra sweet.
5. Rum and Coke
At first, this recipe might seem too simple to even mention on this list. Everyone knows how to make a rum and coke, right? Not necessarily.
It’s easy for rum and coke to go wrong, especially if you add too much rum and end up with too strong of a drink. A good rule of thumb is to stick to a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of rum to coke. This will help you to enjoy the flavor combination and avoid getting too tipsy too fast.
6. Old Fashioned
There are plenty of fun and fruity rum-based cocktails that you can enjoy, but there are also times when you need something a bit stronger and a little more subdued. This is where the old fashioned comes in.
An old fashioned features rum, a little sugar, bitters, and water, plus an orange peel for a garnish. It’s a simple drink to whip up and serve on the rocks when you need something to take the edge off but aren’t in the mood to prepare a super-sweet cocktail.
7. Dark and Stormy
A dark and stormy is similar to a rum and coke. Instead of coke, though, it uses ginger beer. This simple cocktail is just as refreshing as a rum and coke, but it has a unique twist for those who want their drink to feel a little more special.
If you want to jazz up your dark and stormy a bit, add some fresh-squeezed lime juice. It’ll enhance the flavor without you having to pick up a bunch of extra ingredients.
Choose the Right Rum for Your Cocktails
If you want to try out any of these rum drink recipes, it’s important to make sure you’re using a high-quality rum. As the folks at cwspirits.com have pointed out, the right rum makes all the difference.
To select the best rum for your cocktails, it helps to know about the different types of rum that you can buy. Here are some of the most popular varieties you can choose from:
Light Rum
Light rum is clear and does not have a distinct flavor. It’s aged at least one year before it’s sold and is often used in pina coladas, mojitos, and daiquiris.
Gold Rum
This rum has a slightly stronger flavor profile with hints of smoke and spice. It’s aged for several years and may be used in mixed drinks or served neat or on the rocks.
Dark Rum
Dark rum must be aged for at least two years. It has a dark copper, caramel, or mahogany color and a robust flavor.
Flavored/Spiced Rum
In the case of this type of rum, flavors and spices are infused into the liquor. Commonly used spices include cinnamon, ginger, coconut, and clove. Flavored or spiced rum is often used in cooking.
Overproof Rum
Overproof rum is very strong (usually between 80 and 100 proof) and not for those who don’t handle their alcohol well. An example is Bacardi 151.
Aged Rum
As the name suggests, aged rum is aged in barrels for many years before it’s bottled. It has a rich, complex flavor and is often enjoyed on the rocks or neat, rather than mixed into a cocktail.
Start Making Rum Cocktails Today
As you can see, there are lots of different rum cocktails for you to try. If fruity rum drinks are your thing, don’t spend a ton of money on them at the bar. Make them yourself at home instead!
Do you want to learn about other tasty drink recipes to whip up today? If so, we have lots of resources available on our site to provide you with the guidance you need. Head to the Lifestyle section for more information.