Rum Harvest Cocktail

Some fall cocktails feel easy the moment you try them, and the Rum Harvest Cocktail is one of those drinks you can make without planning. I first mixed it on a quiet afternoon while cleaning up after a small family lunch. I wanted something light but still seasonal, and this blend of spiced rum, cranberry juice, lime, and cola turned out better than I expected. One sip and I knew it was going into my fall rotation.

It has a clean mix of tart cranberry, warm spice from the rum, and a light cola sweetness that ties everything together. The recipe feels simple enough for beginners, yet still enjoyable for those who enjoy trying new drinks. I love this cocktail because it’s perfect for relaxed weekends, easy day drinking, and any moment when you want something with a fall flavor that isn’t too heavy.

If you like holiday cocktails that come together quickly, the Rum Harvest Cocktail is right up your alley. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, football afternoons, or a casual dinner with friends. It’s the kind of drink you can hand to anyone and feel confident they’ll enjoy it.

Why You’ll Love This

The Rum Harvest Cocktail has a steady balance of tart, sweet, and warm flavors. It’s incredibly easy to mix and uses ingredients many people already have on hand. The color looks great in a highball glass, and the flavor stays refreshing without leaning too sweet.

Reasons this drink stands out

• Quick to mix with only a few ingredients
• Light cola sweetness that keeps each sip smooth
• Tart cranberry and lime add brightness
• Spiced rum gives it a warm fall feel
• Easy to adjust based on taste

Once you make it, you’ll see why it works for both slow afternoons and small gatherings.

Ingredients

This cocktail uses simple ingredients that blend into a smooth fall drink. The spiced rum adds warmth, the cranberry juice brings a tart edge, and the cola rounds the flavor with a classic cola taste. The lime juice keeps everything bright.

You will need

• 1.5 oz spiced rum
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 0.25 oz lime juice
• coke for topping (about 4 oz)
• lime wedges, for garnish
• cranberries for garnish

Each ingredient has a role. The spiced rum brings steady warmth. Cranberry juice gives the drink its color and tart bite. Lime juice balances the sweetness. Coke adds fizz and smooth cola flavor, tying everything together. Garnishes make the drink look polished without extra work.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The Rum Harvest Cocktail works well with mid-range bottles, but you can use whatever spiced rum you enjoy. The cola you choose will also shape the flavor, especially if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet drink.

These options work well

• Captain Morgan Spiced Rum: classic spice and smooth finish
• Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum: slightly stronger but steady with cranberry
• Kraken Spiced Rum: rich and bold for a deeper drink
• Fever Tree Cola: for a lighter finish
• Mexican Coke: great if you want classic cola taste
• Diet cola: for a lower-sweetness version

If you don’t have cranberry juice, you can use cran-apple for a softer fruit note.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need basic tools for this cocktail. A highball glass is ideal because it provides ample room for ice, rum, and cola. No shaker is required unless you want to blend the rum and juices first.

Helpful items

• Highball Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger

Any tall glass will work, but a highball keeps the drink cold and balanced.

How to Make It

The Rum Harvest Cocktail comes together quickly. You build it right in the glass, then top it with cola for fizz and brightness.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add spiced rum, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
3. Stir gently so the flavors blend.
4. Add about 4 oz of Coke, adjusting based on how light or strong you want it.
5. Garnish with lime wedges or cranberries.
6. Serve right away.

Some people like a little extra lime, so feel free to squeeze more on top.

Pro Tips

Minor adjustments can make the Rum Harvest Cocktail even better. These ideas help shape the flavor, keeping it refreshing.

Try these

• Use chilled ingredients for a colder drink
• Add more cranberry juice if you want a tarter version
• Choose a cola with classic cola taste for a richer finish
• Add more lime juice if the drink feels too sweet
• Stir lightly so the cola keeps its fizz
• Use crushed ice for a smoother sip
• Garnish with fresh cranberries for color
• Taste before serving and adjust the cola to your liking

Experimenting with the ratios helps you find the version you enjoy most.

Variations

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to easily change flavors or adjust the sweetness. These variations still keep the drink’s fall feel.

Ideas to try

• Add ginger beer for a spicier version
• Use vanilla rum for a softer flavor
• Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice
• Make a zero alcohol version with non-alcoholic rum and cola
• Add cinnamon syrup for more warmth

All of these options build on the original without changing the drink too much.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Rum Harvest Cocktail is perfect for casual gatherings, fall afternoons, and game-day snacks. It works well anytime you want something light but still seasonal.

Serve it during

• Fall brunch
• Friendsgiving
• Game nights
• Movie afternoons
• Weekend hangouts

Pair it with

• Cheese boards
• Chicken sliders
• Roasted nuts
• Cranberry brie bites
• Soft pretzels

For more pairing ideas, try recipes like the Pear Tree Cocktail or the Cranberry Lime Mocktail.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best when made fresh. The cola loses its fizz if it sits too long. If you want to prep ahead, mix the rum, cranberry juice, and lime juice early and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with cola.

If you’re serving a group, make a pitcher of the base mixture and set out cola bottles so people can top their own drinks.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions people ask about the Rum Harvest Cocktail.

Can I use dark rum?
Yes, but the flavor will be richer and heavier.

Is this cocktail very sweet?
It depends on your cola. You can reduce sweetness by adding more lime or increasing the amount of cranberry juice.

Can I make it stronger?
Add a little more rum while keeping the same juice-to-cola ratio.

Can I skip the lime juice?
You can, but the drink may taste sweeter. Lime helps balance the flavor.

What garnish works best?
Lime wedges keep it bright, and cranberries add a pop of color.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy the Rum Harvest Cocktail, here are more drinks with fruit, spice, or smooth fall flavor.

• Pear Tree Cocktail: light pear with a clean finish
• Georgia Peach: soft peach notes with gentle sweetness
• Cranberry Lime Mocktail: tart cranberry with a bright lime twist
• Voodoo Vibe Shot: bold fruit with warm spice
• Pear Vodka and Cranberry Cocktail: smooth pear with crisp cranberry