Whether frozen or on the rocks, rum cocktails are often synonymous with vacation. And as much as we love sipping Daiquiris and Coladas poolside, rum is a multifaceted spirit that cannot be put into a box. From creamy Coquito to minty Mojitos, rum-based cocktails are year-round delicacies that pair as well with dinner parties and fall happy hours as they do with sunbathing.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best and most popular rum cocktail recipes. If you’re looking to expand your rum repertoire, look no further.
Daiquiri
Daiquiris are easy to make and easier to love. In fact, the Daiquiri is the top-selling rum cocktail across the globe. Though many imbibers think of the sweet frozen cocktails from their beach vacations of yesteryear, the Daiquiri is actually a simple and tart drink that’s far from saccharine. To make one, combine white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker, and strain over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy any time of year.
Mai Tai
Perhaps the most essential and well-known Tiki bar staple, the Mai Tai was created by Tiki legend Trader Vic. It’s made with blended rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur, shaken together with ice. Serve it in a double rocks glass complete with crushed ice and a mint sprig.
Pina Colada
If you like Piña Coladas, you’re in good company. The cocktail ranks as one of the world’s 50 most popular cocktails, and is an ever-so-sippable combination of white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. It’s often served frozen, but it’s also tasty shaken and served on the rocks in a Hurricane glass. Garnish with pineapple leaves and a slice of pineapple.
Dark N’ Stormy
With only two ingredients, the Dark ‘n Stormy, initially invented by 1920s sailors, is a hard cocktail to mess up, making it a great anytime, anyplace drink. Simply add ginger beer to a Highball glass with ice, and float Goslings rum (the brand has actually trademarked the drink) on top. Garnish with a lime wedge, and take to the high seas.
Jungle Bird
The story goes that the Jungle Bird was originally crafted in Kuala Lumpur in 1978. The classic Tiki drink is made with rum, Campari, lime juice, simple syrup, and pineapple juice. It’s best served in a Highball glass with ice and a pineapple wedge garnish. One sip, and you’ll be transported to your favorite beach bar.
Coquito
This hearty and frothy cocktail is a wintertime favorite in Puerto Rico. An ideal concoction for lovers of eggnog or Brandy Alexanders, this batchable drink combines silver rum with coconut milk, cream of coconut, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. To make it, blend all ingredients together, then shake with a tequila wash. Strain into a coupe glass, and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
El Floridita
This riff on the classic Daiquiri was a favorite of writer Ernest Hemingway, who often ordered it at the Floridita bar in Havana. It’s still made with white rum and lime juice, but rather than simple syrup, this variation calls for Maraschino to provide sweetness.
Painkiller
This boozy cocktail is sure to rid you of bad moods and cocktail boredom. In what’s essentially a stronger Piña Colada, the Painkiller combines rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut. Serve in the cocktail glass of your choice, and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, pineapple leaves, and an orange wedge. Pro tip: If you see a #2, #3, or #4 next to this cocktail’s name on a menu, those numbers indicate the amount of ounces of rum the drink contains.
Mojito
This Cuban concoction was another favorite of Hemingway’s. The cocktail saw a huge spike in popularity in the early 2000s and remains a fan favorite — ranking as the 10th most popular cocktail in the world. To make one, muddle about 10 mint leaves in a glass, then top with white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add lots of crushed ice, and garnish with a mint sprig for good measure.
Eggnog Punch
While eggnog can technically be spiked with any booze. For this crazy-simple, large-format recipe, add homemade or store-bought eggnog to a punch bowl with rum, and serve to all your thirstiest holiday party guests.