As the mercury rises and the days grow longer, there’s nothing quite like a cool, refreshing cocktail to beat the heat. And when it comes to sipping on something summery, rum is always a great choice – with its rich flavor profile and versatility in mixing. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking for some inspiration for your next backyard BBQ, we’ve got you covered with these 20 refreshing rum drink recipes that are sure to become your new go-to’s for the season.
From classic cocktails like the Mojito and Daiquiri to more unique concoctions featuring tropical fruits and spices, we’re counting down our top picks below. So grab a glass, get ready to shake (or stir), and let’s dive into the world of rum-filled refreshment!
Classic Mojito with White Rum
A refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, this mojito recipe substitutes white rum for the traditional gold, adding a crisp and clean flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 1 oz club soda
– 1 oz mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release oils and flavor.
2. Add lime wedges and white rum to the shaker; shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Strain the mixture into the glass, leaving any sediment behind.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently.
5. Garnish with additional mint leaves or a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 1
Piña Colada with Coconut Rum
This classic cocktail is a refreshing blend of pineapple, coconut, and rum that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a tropical getaway.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz coconut rum
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– 2 oz coconut cream
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the light rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry half.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe that’s ready in just a few minutes.
Dark and Stormy with Ginger Beer
A twist on the classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy cocktail, this recipe adds a spicy kick from ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice
– Lime wheel (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Rum Punch with Tropical Fruits
Revive your senses with this refreshing rum punch infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of tropical fruits.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– 2 oz orange juice
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 cup mixed tropical fruit (such as passionfruit, mango, kiwi, and pineapple)
– Splash of grenadine syrup
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream.
2. Add the mixed tropical fruit to the pitcher.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add a splash of grenadine syrup and stir gently.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour the rum punch over the ice.
7. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time) + chilling time
Mai Tai with Light and Dark Rum
A twist on the classic Mai Tai cocktail, this recipe combines light and dark rum for a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Light Rum (e.g. Bacardí Superior)
– 1 oz Dark Rum (e.g. Myers’s Original Dark Rum)
– 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Orange Curacao
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
– Splash of Club Soda
– Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange curacao, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Mai Tai glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
Cuba Libre with Cola and Lime
Transform your evening into a tropical getaway with this refreshing Cuba Libre recipe, featuring cola and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 4 oz cola
– Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the white rum, followed by the cola.
3. Squeeze in the juice of 1/2 lime and drop it into the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Zombie Cocktail with Multiple Rums
A tropical twist on the classic Zombie cocktail, this recipe combines multiple types of rum for a rich and complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 oz Dark Rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– 1 oz Spiced Rum (such as Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry)
– 1 oz White Rum (such as Bacardi or Brugal)
– 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of Grenadine
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, spiced rum, white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of grenadine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Daiquiri with Fresh Strawberries
Experience the sweetness of summer with this refreshing twist on the classic Daiquiri, featuring fresh strawberries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 1/2 ounces white rum
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or shaker, combine sliced strawberries, white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Blend or shake until the mixture is smooth and the strawberries are fully incorporated.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Daiquiri mixture over the ice.
5. Garnish each glass with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1-2
Planters Punch with Citrus Juices
A refreshing twist on the classic Planters Punch, this recipe combines citrus juices with a hint of spice and sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Ice cubes
– Sliced citrus fruits and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda.
2. Add dark rum (if using) and stir to combine.
3. Add grenadine syrup and lime juice; stir until well combined.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Planters Punch mixture over the ice.
5. Stir gently and garnish with sliced citrus fruits and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes ( preparation time)
Hurricane with Passionfruit and Grenadine
This refreshing cocktail combines the classic Hurricane with the sweet and tangy flavors of passionfruit and grenadine, creating a unique and delicious twist on a timeless favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz dark rum
– 1 oz passionfruit puree
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add light rum, dark rum, passionfruit puree, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with grenadine syrup.
6. Splash with club soda.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Rum Swizzle with Falernum Syrup
A classic cocktail that combines the warmth of rum with the subtle sweetness of falernum syrup, perfect for sipping on a tropical evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz falernum syrup
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, falernum syrup, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Painkiller with Pineapple and Coconut Cream
Reinvigorate your senses with this tropical twist on the classic Painkiller cocktail, featuring sweet pineapple and creamy coconut.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Dark Rum
– 1 oz Pineapple Juice
– 1 oz Coconut Cream
– 1/2 oz Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
– Splash of Grenadine Syrup
– Ice
– Fresh pineapple wedges and cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, orange liqueur, and grenadine syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Cooking Time: None (ready in minutes!)
Enjoy your delicious Painkiller with Pineapple and Coconut Cream!
Bermuda Rum Swizzle with Bitters
A refreshing twist on the classic swizzle, this recipe adds a splash of bitters to balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bermuda Dark ‘N’ Stormy Rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3 dashes Angostura bitters
– Splash of club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the drink.
6. Top with a splash of club soda.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink!
El Presidente with Vermouth and Grenadine
A classic cocktail gets a sophisticated twist with the addition of vermouth and grenadine.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Gin
– 1 oz Vermouth
– 0.5 oz Grenadine
– Lime juice (optional)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin, vermouth, and grenadine.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Squeeze a sliver of lime juice over the drink, if desired.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel or cherry, if you’re feeling fancy.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all.
Ti’ Punch with Rhum Agricole
Experience the classic Guadeloupean cocktail that combines the rich flavors of rhum agricole with a hint of sweetness and spice. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days or as an apéritif to start your evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Rhum Agricole (at least 50% ABV)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz Curaçao liqueur
– Splash of sparkling water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rhum agricole, lime juice, simple syrup, and Curaçao liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail!
Hot Buttered Rum with Spiced Butter
Warm up on a chilly evening with this rich and aromatic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 1 tablespoon spiced butter (see below)
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Cinnamon stick or nutmeg for garnish
Spiced Butter:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the spiced butter over low heat.
2. In a mug, combine the dark rum, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Add the melted spiced butter to the mug and stir until well combined.
4. Warm the mixture by heating it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or by placing the mug near a warm surface.
5. Stir again and garnish with a cinnamon stick or sprinkle of nutmeg.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (including melting the spiced butter)
Coquito with Coconut Milk and Cinnamon
This creamy Puerto Rican drink is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup rum (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or shaker, combine coconut milk, simple syrup, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
2. Add rum, if using. Blend to combine.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as needed.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish with whipped cream or chopped nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is served chilled.
Rum Sour with Lemon and Egg White
Elevate your cocktail game with this creamy, tangy twist on the classic Rum Sour.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 egg white
– Ice
– Lemon wheel or twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine dark rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the egg white to the mixture and dry shake (shake without ice) for about 10 seconds to emulsify the ingredients.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for another 15-20 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Corn and Oil with Falernum and Lime
A refreshing twist on traditional corn recipes, this dish combines the sweetness of corn with the tanginess of falernum and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon falernum liqueur
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the corn kernels with olive oil and season with salt.
3. Grill the corn for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until slightly charred.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together falernum liqueur and lime juice.
5. Once the corn is cooked, brush it with the falernum-lime mixture.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Batida de Coco with Sweetened Condensed Milk
A creamy and indulgent twist on the classic Batida de Coco, this recipe adds a touch of sweetness from sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and crushed ice.
2. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Blend for another second or two to combine.
4. Pour immediately into glasses and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Note: You can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to your taste, depending on how sweet you like it.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing rum drink recipes! From classic cocktails to tropical twists, we’ve got you covered. Try the Classic Mojito with White Rum, Piña Colada with Coconut Rum, or Dark and Stormy with Ginger Beer. For a fruity fix, go for the Rum Punch with Tropical Fruits or Daiquiri with Fresh Strawberries. And don’t forget to spice things up with the Planters Punch or Hurricane. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or sassy, we’ve got 20 rum-tastic recipes to quench your thirst.
