Rum cocktails have long been celebrated for their rich flavors, versatility, and association with tropical getaways. One reason rum drinks are so beloved is their connection to celebration and leisure. Iconic cocktails like the Piña Colada, Mai Tai, and Daiquiri evoke images of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and carefree summer days. Rum’s versatility, spanning from the light and crisp flavors of white rum to the deep, caramel notes of aged and dark rums, makes it perfect for a variety of cocktail styles.
The golden age of tiki culture in the mid-20th century helped solidify rum’s place in modern mixology. Tiki bars, inspired by Polynesian art and aesthetics, popularized extravagant rum drinks adorned with tropical garnishes and served in unique glasses. While tiki culture brought rum cocktails to mainstream attention, it’s essential to remember that these drinks also owe their roots to the creativity and ingenuity of the Caribbean.
Today, rum cocktails continue to evolve, with mixologists reimagining classic recipes and experimenting with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. This enduring spirit has transformed from a product steeped in hardship to one that celebrates the diversity and richness of the cultures that have redefined it.
Explore our guide to 20 of the most beloved rum drinks from around the world. Each entry features a rich description detailing its taste and origins and an easy-to-follow recipe.
Rum Cocktails
1. Mojito
The Mojito, originating in Cuba, is a refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and mint flavors. Its roots trace back to the 16th century, inspired by a medicinal tonic called “El Draque” after the English sea captain Sir Francis Drake. With the addition of rum in the 19th century, the drink evolved into the mojito we know and love today. The flavor profile is crisp and bright, ideal for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 tsp sugar
- 6 mint leaves
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Muddle mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
- Add lime juice and white rum.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
- Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.
2. Piña Colada
The Piña Colada, Puerto Rico’s national drink, embodies tropical indulgence. Created in the 1950s by bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero at the Caribe Hilton, this creamy cocktail is beloved for its blend of rich coconut and tangy pineapple. The combination creates a luscious, velvety texture with a sweet, fruit-forward taste that feels like a mini vacation in every sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- Pineapple wedge (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice to a blender with ice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
3. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri, named after a beach near Santiago de Cuba, was popularized in the early 20th century when American mining engineer Jennings Cox introduced it to colleagues. The drink gained fame during Prohibition as Americans flocked to Cuba, and it became an essential in the cocktail repertoire, especially beloved by Ernest Hemingway. Its flavor profile is simple yet sophisticated, balancing the tartness of lime with the sweetness of sugar and the smoothness of rum.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz white rum
- 2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
4. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai was created in the 1940s by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron in California. With its rich, tropical flavors, it quickly became synonymous with Tiki culture. The Mai Tai’s layered taste combines the bold notes of rum, the citrusy zing of lime, and the nutty undertones of orgeat syrup. It’s a drink that embodies the laid-back ambiance of a beachside escape.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz aged rum
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Mint sprig (for garnish)
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine aged rum, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.
5. Rum Punch
Rum Punch has its roots in the Caribbean and is considered a festive, party-centric drink. The earliest versions date back to the 17th century, with British sailors adapting local Caribbean ingredients into a potent, fruity punch. The drink is known for its vibrant, tropical flavors, combining the smoothness of rum with a medley of citrus and sweetness from fruit juices.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz dark rum
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Dash of bitters
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine dark rum, white rum, grenadine, orange juice, and pineapple juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Add a dash of bitters and garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
6. Hurricane
The Hurricane cocktail was invented in New Orleans during the 1940s by bar owner Pat O’Brien. Originally created to use up an excess of rum that distributors forced bars to buy in order to get other spirits, the drink quickly became a hit in the French Quarter. Its bold, fruity flavor comes from a mix of passion fruit juice and citrus, creating a vibrant and slightly tangy taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 2 oz passion fruit juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 tbsp grenadine
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Cherry (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine dark rum, passion fruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
7. Dark ‘n’ Stormy
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a simple yet iconic drink that originated in Bermuda. It’s made with only two main ingredients: dark rum and ginger beer. This cocktail has a rich, spiced flavor with a hint of sweetness and a robust, warming finish. The drink’s name reflects its stormy appearance, with dark rum floating over the ginger beer like a storm cloud.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 3 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the ginger beer.
- Slowly float the dark rum on top.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
8. Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre, often called a rum and Coke with a twist of lime, has roots in the Cuban War of Independence in the late 19th century. The phrase “Cuba Libre” means “Free Cuba” and symbolizes the country’s quest for freedom. The drink itself is refreshingly simple and perfectly balanced, with the cola’s sweetness enhanced by the citrusy lime and the rich flavor of rum.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 4 oz cola
- 1/2 lime (juiced)
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the rum and lime juice.
- Top with cola and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
9. Planter’s Punch
Planter’s Punch has been a Caribbean classic since the early 19th century, initially crafted as a rum-based drink with various fruit juices. Over time, the recipe evolved to incorporate grenadine, bitters, and spices for an extra depth of flavor. The drink is smooth, fruity, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/4 oz grenadine
- Dash of bitters
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Add a dash of bitters and garnish with an orange slice.
10. The Jungle Bird
A classic tiki cocktail, The Jungle Bird originated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the Aviary Bar in the 1970s. This drink is known for its unique combination of tropical fruit flavors balanced by a subtle bitterness from Campari. The result is a rich, deep taste that intertwines sweet and bitter notes for a distinctive sipping experience.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz dark rum
- 0.5 oz Campari
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1.5 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Pineapple wedge (for garnish)
- Ice
Recipe:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
11. The Painkiller
Originating from the British Virgin Islands in the 1970s, the Painkiller is a rich, creamy cocktail perfect for those who love indulgent tropical flavors. It was popularized by the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke island and is trademarked by Pusser’s Rum. With its blend of rum, coconut, orange, and pineapple, it offers a taste that is smooth, sweet, and lightly spiced.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Pusser’s Rum
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- Nutmeg (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut to a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve.
12. The Zombie
Created by legendary tiki pioneer Donn Beach in the 1930s, the Zombie is a potent cocktail known for its complex blend of rums and tropical flavors. It gained fame for its supposed ability to “resurrect” the dead, given its high alcohol content. The taste is layered with citrus and spice, making it both delicious and powerful.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 1.5 oz golden rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 0.5 oz apricot brandy
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Dash of grenadine
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and pour into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and a slice of pineapple.
13. The Rum Sour
The Rum Sour is a variation of the classic whiskey sour, with rum lending a warm, tropical twist. Its roots can be traced to the 19th century when sailors mixed citrus and spirits to prevent scurvy. The drink is refreshing and tangy, perfect for those who appreciate a touch of sweetness balanced by acidity.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
14. The Miami Vice
The Miami Vice cocktail is an eye-catching blend of two iconic drinks: the Piña Colada and the Strawberry Daiquiri. Popular in beach resorts and poolside bars, this layered cocktail boasts flavors of coconut, pineapple, and strawberry, offering a creamy yet fruity profile perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 2 oz strawberry purée
- 2 oz Piña Colada mix
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Blend the Piña Colada mix with 1 oz of rum and ice; set aside.
- Blend the strawberry purée with the remaining rum and ice.
- Layer the two mixtures in a tall glass and garnish with fresh strawberries.
15. The Rum Negroni
A twist on the classic Negroni, the Rum Negroni replaces gin with rum for a richer, tropical experience. The drink maintains the bittersweet harmony of the original but with a warmth and depth unique to rum. This cocktail appeals to those who enjoy balanced flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz aged rum
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine rum, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well and strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
16. Long Island Iced Tea
Invented in the 1970s at the Oak Beach Inn in New York, the Long Island Iced Tea is a high-octane drink that blends a variety of spirits, including rum, to create a deceptively smooth and refreshing taste. It resembles iced tea in color and is known for packing a punch.
Ingredients:
- 0.5 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz tequila
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Cola (to top)
- Lemon wedge (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine all spirits, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with cola and garnish with a lemon wedge.
17. Cable Car
The Cable Car is a modern classic created in 1996 by Tony Abou-Ganim at the Starlight Room in San Francisco. This cocktail is a variation of the Sidecar, featuring spiced rum for added warmth and depth. The taste is a blend of citrus and spice, making it perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz spiced rum
- 0.75 oz orange curaçao
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Sugar (for rimming)
- Orange twist (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Garnish with an orange twist.
- Rim a glass with sugar and set aside.
- Combine spiced rum, orange curaçao, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
18. Three Dots and a Dash
Three Dots and a Dash is a tiki classic created by Donn Beach (a.k.a. Don the Beachcomber) during World War II. Its name is Morse code for “Victory,” symbolizing a toast to triumph. The cocktail boasts a rich combination of rum, falernum, and various tropical flavors that create a complex, layered taste with notes of sweetness, spice, and citrus.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz aged rum
- 0.5 oz demerara rum
- 0.5 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup
- 0.25 oz falernum
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Garnish: three maraschino cherries and a pineapple leaf
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with three maraschino cherries and a pineapple leaf.
19. Rum Runner
The Rum Runner originated in the 1950s at the Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida. Named after the bootleggers who smuggled alcohol during Prohibition, this fruity cocktail mixes rum with banana and blackberry liqueurs for a tropical, vibrant flavor. It’s perfect for sipping on a beachside afternoon.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 0.5 oz banana liqueur
- 0.5 oz blackberry liqueur
- 1 oz orange juice
- 0.5 oz pineapple juice
- Splash of grenadine
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
20. El Presidente
El Presidente gained popularity in Cuba during the 1920s and 1930s, known as a favorite among the country’s social elite. This elegant cocktail blends rum, dry vermouth, orange curaçao, and grenadine, offering a subtly sweet, citrusy, and smooth experience.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- 0.75 oz dry vermouth
- 0.5 oz orange curaçao
- 1 bar spoon grenadine
- Orange twist (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Featured image by Marco Verch
