Why rum is so versatile
Rum ranges from light and crisp to dark and molasses-rich, which is why it stars in everything from bright summer coolers to warm winter sippers. White rum keeps things clean and citrusy; aged and dark rums bring caramel, spice, and depth. Pick the style and the drink almost chooses itself.
It's also the backbone of tropical and tiki drinks, so if you like fruit, citrus, and a little sweetness, rum is the most rewarding bottle to explore.
Classic rum cocktails
- Mojito: white rum, lime, mint, sugar, and soda — the definitive refreshing rum drink
- Daiquiri: white rum, lime, and sugar, shaken cold — three ingredients, endlessly good
- Piña colada: rum, pineapple, and coconut cream — vacation in a glass
- Rum & coke (Cuba libre): rum, cola, and lime — the easy two-ingredient standby
- Dark & stormy: dark rum and ginger beer with lime — spicy and refreshing
Rum cocktails by style of rum
- White / light rum: mojito, daiquiri, and rum punch — clean and citrus-forward
- Dark / aged rum: dark & stormy, a rum old fashioned, or hot buttered rum — rich and warming
- Spiced rum: spiced rum and cola, a spiced-rum punch, or an apple-cider mule for fall
- Coconut / flavored: piña colada, a bushwacker, or a tropical cooler for something sweet and beachy
Building a rum bar
A single bottle of good white rum unlocks the mojito, daiquiri, and most tropical drinks; add a dark or aged rum and you also cover the dark & stormy, punches, and warm winter drinks. Keep lime, sugar (or simple syrup), and either soda or ginger beer on hand and you can make the majority of rum classics.
Not sure what to mix with the bottle you have? Tell MixSurprise your rum and mixers and it will suggest a cocktail.