Root Beer Rum Splash

The Root Beer Rum Splash is a playful cocktail that combines the nostalgic taste of root beer with the warmth of rum for a drink that feels both fun and comforting. A touch of vanilla adds smooth sweetness, giving it a flavor that reminds you of a classic soda float but with a grown-up twist. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this cocktail is perfect for casual evenings, backyard barbecues, or relaxed get-togethers with friends. Light, flavorful, and refreshing, the Root Beer Rum Splash is a simple drink that turns an everyday soda into something special.

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Tasting Notes

Root beer’s distinct blend of sweet spice and herbal depth pairs surprisingly well with rum’s warmth and vanilla’s smoothness. The Root Beer Rum Splash opens with familiar root beer flavor rich, slightly earthy, and rounded out by the vanilla syrup’s mellow sweetness. Rum adds backbone, giving the cocktail a subtle bite that keeps things from feeling overly soft. An expressed orange peel over the top brightens the aroma and adds just a touch of citrus on the finish. This drink feels both nostalgic and grown-up, balancing comforting soda-shop flavor with a spirited edge.

Equipment and Glassware

To make this Root Beer Rum Splash, you’ll need a jigger, bar spoon, and a rocks glass. The jigger ensures your vanilla syrup and rum are properly measured for balance. A bar spoon works best to mix the syrup and spirit thoroughly before adding the soda. A highball glass is ideal for long drinks like this one it gives enough space for plenty of ice and allows room for the root beer to settle without overflowing. Optional but recommended: a citrus peeler to cleanly slice the orange peel used for garnish.

Ingredients

• 0.5 oz vanilla syrup
• 1.5 oz rum
• 4 oz root beer
• Garnish: orange peel

Instructions

• In a glass, combine vanilla syrup and rum. Stir to blend.
• Add ice to fill the glass.
• Top with root beer and give it a light stir.
• Garnish with an orange peel.

Pro Tips

• Use chilled root beer to help preserve carbonation.
• Express the orange peel over the glass for maximum aroma.
• Try a spiced rum for extra depth.
• Use clear ice for a cleaner presentation.
• Adjust vanilla syrup to taste especially if your root beer is sweet.
• Stir gently after topping with soda to avoid flattening it.
• A dash of bitters can add complexity without overpowering the drink.
• For a creamier variation, add a small splash of half-and-half.

When to Serve

This Root Beer Rum Splash is perfect for casual gatherings, backyard barbecues, or laid-back evenings when you want something easy and low-effort. It works especially well in warm weather, offering a refreshing soda base with just enough kick. It’s also a solid choice for those who might shy away from stronger or more spirit-forward cocktails. Serve it as a nostalgic after-dinner sipper or as a fun alternative to standard rum-and-cola combinations. It bridges the gap between a cocktail and a treat.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Rum
  • Bacardi Superior – clean and smooth for a lighter take
  • Flor de Caña 4 Year Extra Seco – dry and balanced
  • Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum – adds spice if preferred
• Vanilla Syrup
  • Torani Vanilla Syrup – widely available and reliable
  • Monin Vanilla Syrup – richer and less sugary
  • Homemade – mix equal parts sugar and water, add real vanilla extract

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• Spicy Rambutan Rum Smash
• Lemon Rum Sour
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