Mixology

26 Mouthwatering Rum Cocktails for Island Vibes in 2024

by: Kristy Bowen

Last Updated on Nov 13th 2024

What are classic rum cocktails? What is good to mix with rum? Rum, which comes in an array of varieties from clear and white rum to dark and spicy, is a Caribbean export that has dominated America’s favorite cocktails since the 18th century as people visited or worked in the sun-drenched islands and brought their favorite recipes home with them. Drawn from sugar cane, rum is a key element in many tropical and beachside cocktails and can often be much sweeter and milder than other hard liqueurs.

Maybe you're wondering, "What is the most popular rum cocktail?" or "How to make cocktails at home with rum?" Get out your cocktail party attire because we’ve rounded up a few classic and innovative takes on this popular hard liquor, which work well if your tastes run toward sweet and creamy or brisk and refreshing. Many are frozen and ideal for the summer months, while others are perfect for sipping around a cozy fire.

Classic Rum Cocktails

1. Hurricane

This blend of light and dark rum takes its name and origins from New Orleans, where it was developed at the famous Pat O’Brien’s Bar in the French Quarter in the 1940s (reportedly due to a surplus of rum in the city one year). Mix light and dark with orange juice, sweetened lime juice and a dash of grenadine or passion fruit puree for one of the sweetest rum cocktails, perfect for summer sipping. Serve in a tall hurricane lamp-shaped glass and garnish with cherries and orange slices. For a great way to learn to mix more complex and classic rum cocktails like this one, try taking an online mixology class or an in-person class like mixology classes in Chicago or mixology classes in Jacksonville. Classes also make great gifts for cocktail lovers.

2. Pina Colada

This blend of rum, coconut creme and pineapple juice is a beachside Caribbean favorite originally created in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where it was declared the country’s official drink in 1978. Usually served blended or over crushed ice, the creamy flavor of this classic rum cocktail is dessert-like and smooth and is a favorite beachside or poolside cocktail. Use a three-layered pina colada with pineapple, mango and banana to make it look like candy corn. Serve it as one of your best Halloween cocktails and call it the Candy Corn Colada.

3. Daiquiri

Made from rum, lime juice and sugar, this Caribbean rum cocktail with its roots in Cuba is often found in various flavors, including the ever popular strawberry and banana versions often served at beachside resorts. You can find other flavors in many bars and restaurants that serve options like peach, raspberry and pineapple. They are usually blended or served over shaved ice. You can also try to make a daiquiri as one of the top mezcal cocktails.

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4. Mai Thai

First gaining fame at the legendary Trader Vic's bar, this tiki-style rum cocktail is a blend of Caribbean and Polynesian flavors with white and dark rum. Mix them with lime juice orange curacao and orgeat syrup to create this famous drink, which is usually served over ice.

5. Bahama Mama

A dark rum cocktail, this sweet and fruity drink can be spotted by its sunset-like layering of orange and yellow over the deep red of grenadine syrup at the bottom. Pour the syrup over ice, then add a coconut rum like Malibu with orange juice, pineapple juice and lime juice.

6. Long Island Iced Tea

Rumored to have been created as an entry in a competition for bartenders to use multiple spirits all at once in Long Island, New York in the early 1970’s, this rum cocktail packs a lot of punch. It blends rum, tequila, triple sec, gin cocktails and vodka cocktails with a splash of Coke. It’s name comes from the finished drink’s tea-like appearance, but it actually contains no tea.

White Rum Cocktails

7. Mojito

Mojitos are white rum cocktails believed to have originated in Cuba as a way to make use of some of their plentiful exports like limes, mint and sugar cane, blending these with light rum and soda water. This clear and sparkling drink is very refreshing, with the key to its mintiness the carefully muddled mint leaves. Mojitos, which can be amended to add other flavors, are a popular drink to experiment with in mixology classes in your area such as mixology classes in the Bay Area and mixology classes in Los Angeles.

8. Black-Eyed Susan

While it can also be made with bourbon, this classic cocktail is named after its origins in Maryland, where it evokes the official state flower and is associated with the famous horse racing competition, the Preakness Stakes. It blends white rum, sour mix orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec) and orange juice together. Serve chilled and garnished with cherries or citrus wedges for a unique white rum cocktail.

9. Strawberry Sangria

A cool summertime favorite that mixes white wine and white rum, this fruity and fresh rum cocktail blends in fresh strawberries, lemons and apples that are steeped in the alcohol overnight. You can also make a peach sangria version that is far sweeter.

10. Mermaid Water

Named for its signature blue-green shade, this Caribbean rum cocktail mixes coconut flavored rum and spiced rum with pineapple juice and vivid blue curacao for a sweet and refreshing drink perfect for pool or beachside drinking.

Dark Rum Cocktails

11. Dark & Stormy

A simple mix of dark rum with ginger beer, this innovative cocktail originated in Bermuda following World War I as a cure for seasickness. American soldiers brought the recipe and popularity back to the mainland afterward. The dark liquor’s richness and ginger beer’s distinctively spicy flair combine for a rich dark rum cocktail that is perfect for summertime recreation or parties.

12. Planters Punch

While there are many versions of classic rum punches, this one hails from as early as the 1800s in Jamaica. To create these rum cocktails, mix dark rum with simple syrup, lime juice, grenadine and bitters with a splash of club soda. Serve over ice and add a pinch of nutmeg for a rich and varied flavor.

13. Zombie

Another drink made famous by the Tiki bar industry in the mid-20th century, these dark rum cocktails, originating from Don the Beachcomber in California mixes Jamaican dark rum, Puerto Rican gold rum and strong 151 proof rum for a boozy and strong rum cocktail sure to pack a wallop. Other ingredients include lime juice, a small amount of absinthe and the signature Don’s Mix, an unusual blend of cinnamon and pineapple juice.

14. Calypso Coffee

An icy cocktail drink that is good morning or night, this rum cocktail blends rum, coffee liqueur, iced coffee and layered cream. You can also add creme de cacao or any chocolate liqueur for a variation on the flavor. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

15. Hot Buttered Rum

A popular holiday and winter season drink, these warm rum cocktails include a blend of spiced rum, brown sugar, butter and vanilla extract and cinnamon — all cooked over a pot on the stove. Serve piping hot and garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Simple Spiced Rum Cocktails

16. El Presidente

Named after leadership in Cuba in the early 20th century, these popular spiced rum cocktails originate in Havana — a major tourist destination for the U.S. population and a huge source of influence on cuisine and bar recipes. The cocktail blends white rum with orange curacao and dry vermouth for a sweet and layered flavor. Garnish with a cherry and an orange peel.

17. Cable Car

First blended in San Francisco’s famed Starlight Room and named after the city’s famous cable car system, this spiced rum cocktail is a classic variation of a sidecar, but swaps out the brandy for spiced rum instead. Served shaken with ice, the drink mixes cinnamon, sugar, lemon juice and orange curacao with a lime wedge as a garnish.

18. Spice Rum Espresso Martini

Looking for a sweet rum drink with a caffeinated kick. Blend spiced rum, coffee liqueur and espresso with simple syrup for additional sweetness. As a garnish, use a few floating coffee beans and serve chilled.

19 Caramel Apple and Spiced Rum

A perfect drink for the fall season, this combination of spiced rum and sweet apple juice is almost like the real thing. Mix the spiced rum with a cloudy apple juice or fresh apple cider and toffee syrup. For spiced rum cocktails that are almost like a dessert, serve over ice with a caramel drizzle and a cinnamon stick for garnish. Or make a hot version served in a mug for a cozy fall or wintertime drink or Thanksgiving cocktails.

20. Drunken Monkey

Sweet and tangy, these spiced rum cocktails are a blend of orange and pineapple juices mixed with spiced and coconut rum and angostura bitters with a touch of nutmeg. Serve it over ice or chilled with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherries.

Easy Rum Cocktails

21. Rum & Coke

One of the most popular and often-ordered easy rum cocktails, this two-ingredient favorite is as easy as combining rum and the sweet soda in your desired proportions, with rum-lovers often using only a splash of the soda. For a fun variation use a coconut or flavored rum like Malibu or add a lime twist to make the famous Cuba Libre cocktail. This simple recipe makes a great virtual happy hour drink that many people already have the ingredients for at home. Add your favorite whiskey, for more simple ideas for whiskey cocktails or bourbon cocktails.

22. Malibu & Pineapple Juice

A great way to mix coconut-flavored rum and pineapple on the fly, the sweetness of both makes a nice combination and one of the most refreshing summertime easy rum cocktails. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple or a maraschino cherry. Use a pineapple and orange juice blend for a bit more citrus flavor.

23. Rum & Coconut Water

A great source of electrolytes, coconut water has proven to be one of the fastest-rising drinks in the health industry. You can also mix it with light or dark rum to add a boozy component. The sweetness of the water and rum will make one of the most refreshing and sippable rum cocktails, perfect for afternoons on the porch.

24. Rum & Cranberry Juice

The combination of sweet rum and tangy cranberry juice make for one of the most classic great two-ingredient simple rum cocktails. The cranberry makes it perfect for Autumn. Add a splash of club soda for a little bit of fizz and garnish with cranberries over ice. If you have it in your home bar, you can also mix in a little orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier for a citrus twist.

25. Rum & Hot Cocoa

Mixing a little rum into your favorite hot cocoa recipe can be a great way to make the winter season even more warm and cozy. You can even use spiced rum and add cinnamon or nutmeg. Top with whipped cream and sift with cocoa powder. If you have a larger home bar. Mix in a splash of creme de menthe or peppermint schnapps to make a minty version of this cozy drink. This is one of the best cocktails for the winter months, especially if you're looking for Christmas cocktails.

26. Rum & Root Beer

An unusual combination, this sweet and hearty soda makes a great combo with a bit of white or rich spiced rum. For an icy simple rum cocktail that doubles as dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a boozy root beer float.

These popular rum cocktails will give you island vibes wherever you live and whatever time of year you enjoy them over ice or piping hot.

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