20 Must-Try Rum Cocktails

It’s impossible to discuss iconic rum cocktails without mentioning the Classic Mojito. One of the classic rum cocktails, it calls for muddled 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.

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. The zesty ginger beer shines in this buck style cocktail.

A cooling, blended drink perfect for hot days, this cocktail is a classic combination of pineapple juice, coconut, and rum. It’s one of the best rum cocktails of all time, and the most popular tropical drink. 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.

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, whether you prefer white, dark, or even spiced rum. 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.

The Classic Daiquiri is a timeless concoction blending light rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. This classic rum cocktail is a balanced fusion where the rum’s light sweetness meets the zesty punch of lime, perfectly offset by the touch of sweetness from the syrup. Best enjoyed in a chilled coupe glass after being strained from a good shake in the cocktail shaker, it’s a go-to for those seeking a sour rum cocktail on a warm day. 

The Bermuda Rum Swizzle is a vibrant concoction that captures the essence of island life. With a blend of Gosling’s Gold Seal and Black Seal rums, it offers a rich and complex base. The medley of freshly squeezed orange juice and pineapple juice brings a tropical sweetness, balanced by a hint of grenadine’s subtle tartness. The finishing touch of Angostura or orange bitters adds depth and complexity. Enjoy it over ice, letting the flavors meld, and savor the fruity notes that dance on the palate. Garnished with an orange slice, pineapple wedge, and cherry, it’s a drink that embodies the laid-back spirit of Bermuda, perfect for leisurely afternoons or lively gatherings.

Hot Buttered Rum is a comforting embrace in a mug, blending softened butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a dash of salt into a creamy, spicy elixir. This drink is a warm hug on a chilly evening, boasting a rich, buttery texture complemented by a medley of spices. The dark rum infuses depth and warmth, creating a soothing, indulgent drink. Best enjoyed nestled by a crackling fire or while watching snowflakes dance outside, these classic rum cocktails are often garnished with a cinnamon stick, adding a fragrant touch.

The classic Planter’s Punch is a vibrant medley of dark Jamaican rum, zesty lime juice, sweet grenadine, simple syrup, a dash of Angostura bitters, and a splash of club soda, crowned with a sprig of mint. It’s a riot of flavors—rum’s robust depth harmonizing with the tangy lime, while grenadine adds a sweet touch. The bitters lend a subtle complexity, enhanced by the fizzing of club soda. Served over ice and garnished with mint, it’s an invitation to a Caribbean getaway in a glass.

The Between the Sheets cocktail combines the robust depth of cognac with the light, crisp notes of rum and the citrusy kick of triple sec. The blend strikes a balance: the cognac lends a rich, warm undertone, while the rum adds a breezy lightness. The triple sec’s citrus essence brightens the concoction, amplified by a subtle hint of lemon juice. Enjoyed neat or on the rocks, this cocktail pairs well with a twist of orange or lemon peel, enhancing the citrus aroma.

The Old Cuban is a tasty blend of lime, mint, aged rum, and a dash of Angostura bitters, crowned with a generous splash of champagne. Envision the zing of fresh lime merging with the depth of aged rum, while the mint leaves add a refreshing herbal note. Served chilled, this cocktail is an invitation to sophistication and leisure. It’s a drink that effortlessly transitions from a chic soirée to a laid-back evening, promising a taste of the Caribbean in every sip.

The Mary Pickford, a delightful concoction featuring white rum, fresh pineapple juice, grenadine, and a touch of maraschino liqueur, embodies the essence of a tropical paradise in a glass. Its flavors dance between the sweet embrace of pineapple and the nuanced tartness of grenadine, while the maraschino liqueur adds depth and sophistication. Sipped over ice, this cocktail transports you to sun-soaked beaches, inviting you to unwind and bask in its fruity allure. It’s often enjoyed with a Luxardo maraschino cherry or cocktail cherries for that final touch of indulgence.

The Bushwacker, a decadent mix of dark rum, coffee liqueur, dark creme de cacao, whole milk, and cream of coconut, is a dessert cocktail paradise. Its velvety texture and luscious fusion of chocolate, coffee, and coconut transport taste buds to indulgent realms. Served chilled, often with a generous dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, it’s a sinful delight savored slowly.

The Rum Negroni, a spirited spin on the classic, merges the boldness of dark, spiced rum with the bitter-sweet harmony of Campari and sweet vermouth. This concoction boasts a complex fusion where the rum’s warmth intertwines with Campari’s herbal bitterness, culminating in a tantalizing balance. Served over ice and garnished with an orange twist, its depth suits both adventurous palates and those seeking a twist on tradition.

The Hemingway Daiquiri, a zesty concoction of white rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and a splash of maraschino liqueur, delivers a citrus-forward experience. The tangy burst of lime intertwines with the grapefruit’s refreshing zing, creating a lively and invigorating sip. The rum’s crispness melds with the subtle sweetness of maraschino, resulting in a well-balanced, not-too-sweet delight. Served straight up in a chilled glass and garnished with a lime slice, it’s perfect for those who appreciate a tangy, sophisticated beverage.