Whether you’re looking for ways to use rum you already have or planning a tropical-themed party, the most popular rum cocktails are real crowd-pleasers.
Though many of these cocktails highlight sweet elements, there are some options for those without much of a sweet tooth.
Some of these drinks require more preparation than others, but no matter your bartending skill level, you’ll find a great option here!
From simple soda and spirit combinations to more complicated mixed drinks, these cocktails will make a statement at your next event.
It’s impossible to discuss iconic rum cocktails without mentioning the Classic Mojito. This cocktail muddles mint to release potent flavors from the herb.
Citrus flavors from the lime meld with the mint to create an intriguing combination. The cocktail is sweetened with simple syrup and topped with club soda for a bubbly finish.
One of the easiest ways to enjoy a rum cocktail is to mix up a simple rum and coke. While the drink is easy to make, it’s also easy to customize to suit your tastes.
The type of rum added to the cocktail can change the character of the beverage. Choose a spiced rum for an extra kick of flavor, or try a white rum for a more mellow taste.
If the sweetness of other rum cocktails doesn’t please your palate, try the Dark ‘n Stormy. The drink starts with ginger beer, which adds a sweet yet spicy element.
Added dark rum, rich in flavor from the aging process, brings an even more robust flavor to this cocktail. A lime garnish adds a burst of refreshing citrus.
A cooling, blended drink perfect for hot days, this cocktail is a classic combination of pineapple, coconut, and rum. The coconut flavor comes from coconut cream, which also adds to the smooth texture of this cocktail.
A pop of citrus adds a tart contrast to the sweet ingredients. Piña Coladas can be made with white or dark rum to suit your tastes.
While some bars serve lackluster renditions of the Mai Tai, this recipe follows the classic formulate to create a complex-tasting tropical treat. Two types of rum add layers of flavor with bright citrus notes from lime juice.
Orange Curacao adds more kick to the drink while introducing a fruity taste. A true Mai Tai should use a small amount of simple syrup in addition to almond sugar syrup to add sweetness that isn’t overwhelming.
An excellent rum cocktail to enjoy beachside, a Strawberry Daiquiri provides a refreshingly fruity drink perfect for people who enjoy sweet cocktails.
Fresh strawberries add more texture and flavor, but using the frozen fruit in this recipe requires less ice. White rum is the spirit of choice for this sweet and citrusy classic cocktail.
Another example of the most popular rum cocktails utilizing both a light and a dark rum, these drinks are strong yet sweet. Grenadine, simple syrup, and passion fruit syrup all add sugary elements to cut the alcohol.
A small amount of lime juice brightens the mixed drink with citrus notes to create a drink so balanced you can hardly taste the alcohol.
The Jungle Bird combines rich dark rum with Campari, a bitter liqueur made from fruit and herbs. Each spirit brings robust flavors to the cocktail, providing a nice contrast between the two.
Pineapple and lime juice add tropical tastes to the drink, while Demerara syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness.
In this large batch recipe, you can choose the rum of your choice, but dark or gold rums are preferable since they add more complex flavors.
Pineapple and orange juice add tropical flavors to this punch, while lime adds a pleasingly acidic element. Add Grenadine for an element of sweetness, and your Rum Punch will be ready to serve!
A cocktail formulated to take the edge off, the Painkiller calls for the rum of your choice. Fruit juices make up most of the drink, but coconut cream is also incorporated, creating a pleasantly smooth texture.
Nutmeg dusted across the top of the drink adds a slightly spicy note that complements the fruity flavors in the cocktail.
Cheers!
While some of the most popular rum cocktails are tropical, others use the spirit to create mixed drinks with complex notes.
With fruity drinks for warm nights and spicy rum cocktails for when it gets chilly, rum cocktails are versatile. There are plenty of options on this list for everyone, even if sweet cocktails aren’t your thing!
If we missed your favorite popular rum cocktail, let us know in the comments below! If it’s excellent, we might just add it to this list.
Most Popular Rum Cocktails
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe
- Gather all the needed ingredients
- Prep a summer cocktail in less than 5 minutes
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings