Paul Kushner
The Rum Runner is a lively and tasty beverage. This drink’s rich rum and fruity flavor combination reflects the spirit of sun-kissed beaches and tropical breezes. I love recommending the Rum Runner as a bartender because it’s more than just a drink—it’s an experience. It is a favorite among those seeking a taste of paradise because of its enticing flavor and layers of color.
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Tasting Notes
The first notes of the Rum Runner’s symphony of tastes come from the combination of sweet and sour orange and pineapple juices. The lightness of the blackberry and banana liqueurs wonderfully counterbalances the depth of the dark rum to create a flavor that is both complex and smooth. Every sip offers a trace of citrus and a whisper of spices from the Caribbean, culminating in a lingering sweetness that begs for more.
Glassware and Equipment
A blender or shaker will work best for creating the ideal Rum Runner, depending on whether you want a smooth or on-the-rocks finish. To ensure precise measurements, a sieve and a measuring cup are also necessary. To fully appreciate its aesthetic appeal, serve it in a hurricane glass and top it off with a little umbrella or a slice of fresh fruit for a truly tropical touch.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. light rum
- 1 oz. Navy strength rum
- 1 oz. banana liqueur
- ½ oz. blackberry liqueur
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz. grenadine
- Pineapple wedge and cherry garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add pineapple juice, orange juice, fresh squeezed lime juice, blackberry liqueur, banana liqueur, light rum, Navy strength rum, and grenadine syrup.
- Shake vigorously until the ingredients are well combined.
- Fill a hurricane or cocktail glass with crushed ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Blend the ingredients with ice until slushy for a frozen Rum Runner. It’s a cool twist that’s ideal for summertime.
- You can play around with the amount of grenadine or add a tiny bit of lime juice for a tart finish to change the sweetness.
When to Serve
For summer parties, beach get-togethers, or any occasion that demands a festive and exotic flair, the Rum Runner is the ideal partner. It is popular for festivities both throughout the day and at night because of its fruity and pleasant nature.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Choose premium rum brands that go well with the tropical flavors of the cocktail for the greatest Rum Runner. The perfect rums are a bright, crisp white and an aged, velvety dark rum. Well-suited to the fruity flavors are brands such as Myers’s for dark rum and Bacardi for light rum.
Similar Cocktails
- Classic Mojito – A refreshing mix of white rum, lime juice, sugar, and mint, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus.
- Daiquiri – This cocktail goes back to the basics with rum, sugar, and lime juice, blended with shaved ice for a classic taste.
- Traditional Mai Tai – A richer, more complex cocktail with white and aged rum, curacao, and orgeat syrup, delivering a decadent tropical flavor.
- Hurricane – A potent mix of rum and passion fruit juice.
- Bahama Mama – This drink features a delightful mix of rums, including coconut rum, which adds a creamy, tropical layer to the drink.
History
The Rum Runner, so named for the smugglers that carried rum to the coastlines during Prohibition, was born in Florida in the 1950s. A bartender is said to have created this now-iconic cocktail, which embodies the rebellious attitude and tropical allure of its origins, in order to get rid of extra inventory.
Ingredients
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz Navy strength rum
- 1 oz banana liqueur
- ½ oz blackberry liqueur
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz grenadine
- Pineapple wedge and cherry garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add pineapple juice, orange juice, fresh squeezed lime juice, blackberry liqueur, banana liqueur, light rum, Navy strength rum, and grenadine syrup.
- Shake vigorously until the ingredients are well combined.
- Fill a hurricane or cocktail glass with crushed ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with an pineapple slice and a cherry.
