Be inspired: 5 delicious rum cocktails for World Rum Day. 

World Rum Day has been celebrated on the 2nd Saturday of July since 2019 and is a global celebration, bringing together rum lovers that enjoy the diverse styles and flavours of this delicious spirit. 

What is Rum?

The Rum making process starts with sugargane, usually grown in the tropical climate of the Caribbean or Sounth America, and can be used as either pure sugarcane, syrup, or molasses. The sugarcane is fermented, distilled and aged in wooden barrels resulting in a sweet and smooth spirit. There are many delicious variations of rum, including white, dark, golden, aged, navy strength, coconut, spiced and flavoured.

Why rum works so well in a cocktail

Rum is a super versatile spirit, with each variation giving a completely different taste. Although we may think of rum cocktails being tropical, fruity or creamy, like a Pina Colada or a Mai Tai, rum can be used for so much more. A simple Mojito or Cuba Libre will refresh you, and using rum as a substitute in other classic cocktails will open you up to a new world of delicious and complex flavours.

Instead of vodka, use a dark or spiced rum in an Espresso Martini for a Rumtini, or swap out gin for a navy strength rum in a Negroni. A whisky based cocktail, like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned gets a new twist when using aged rum as an alternative.

There are so many Rum Cocktails to enjoy, and we have listed 5 of the most popular to get you started.

1. Cuba Libre

The Cuba Libre, translates to “Free Cuba,” and is one of the most popular Cuban cocktails. It is thought to originate in Havana, back in the early 1900's following the Spanish-American war.

Flavour Profile

It may seem that a Cuba Libre is 'just' a Rum and Cola, but the addition of fresh lime juice adds a refreshing zest that balances the sweetness of the cola and the delicious richness of the rum.

Ingredients and Preparation Method

50 ml White Rum

 150-200ml cola

Lime wedge

Lime wheel to garnish

Fill a high ball glass with ice and pour in the rum. Squeeze in the juice from the lime wedge and add the zest to the glass. Top up with cola and give it a gintle stir. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy.

2. Daiquiri

The modern day classic daiquiri is one of the most popular sour cocktails and has a history going back to 1898, originating in Cuba. There are versions that pre-date this but for the modern recipe, advancements in refrigeration made the difference - it was made using ice.

Flavour Profile

The daiquiri is a delicious sour cocktail, made using white rum, lime juice and sugar.

Ingredients and Preparation Method

60 ml White Rum

30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice

20 ml sugar syrup

Lime twist to  garnish

Add the rum, lime juice and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until well chilled. Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled glass and add a twist of lime to garnish.

3. Pina Colada

Bringing the tropical vibes, the Pina Colada cocktail is often seen being enjoyed around the pool or on the beach. It was first mixed in the 1950's in Puerto Rico and was shaken and not blended. 

Flavour Profile

The classic Pina Colada is sweet, and well balanced. The crisp white rum and tart pineapple work perfectly together, complementing the rich coconut cream. 

Ingredients and Preparation Method

60 ml White Rum

45 ml coconut cream

45 ml pineapple juice

15 ml freshly squeezed lime juice

Pineaplle wedge and leaf to garnish

Add the rum, coconut cream, pineapple and lime juices to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds to ensure the ingredients are well mixed and well chilled. Pour into a chilled Hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a leaf to add colour.

4. Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is one of the most famous Tiki drinks. It was created in the 1940's and got its name when the first person who tried it shouted out “Mai Tai!” which means “the best/out of this world” in Tahitian. 

Flavour Profile

One of my new favourites, this classic, spirit-forward and aromatic cocktail is made using bourbon or rye whisky, sweet vermouth, dark Crème de Cacao, maraschino liqueur and chocolate bitters.

Ingredients and Preparation Method

45 ml White Rum

20 ml orange curaçao

20 ml freshly squeezed lime juice

15 ml Dark Rum

15 ml orgeat

A lime wheel and sprig of mint to garnish

Add the white rum, orange curaçao, lime juice and orgeat into a shaker with crushed ice. and shake lightly for only 3-4 seconds so not to melt the ice. Pour into a rocks glass and float the dark rum over the top (do not mix). Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.

5. Hurricane

The Hurricane cocktail really packs a punch. Created in New Orleans in the early 1940's, it was said the double measure of rum was added as there was a surplus of rum available.

Flavour Profile

The Hurricane cocktail is sweet, fruity and boozy and makes for a good party drink. By using fresh citrus and a quality passion fruit puree the cocktail will be well balanced, complimenting the sweetness of the rum and grenadine.

Ingredients and Preparation Method

60 ml White Rum

60 ml Dark Rum

30 ml freshly sqeezed lime juice

30 ml freshly squeezed orange juice

15 ml passion fruit puree

15 ml simple syrup

1 teaspoon grenadine

Orange wheel and a cherry to garnish.

Add the light and dark rums, lime and orange juices, passion fruit puree, simple syrup and grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well mixed and well chilled. Strain into a Hurricane glass filled with ice cubes and garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry. 

You can enjoy these (and other) Rum Cocktails at any time of the year and you definitely don't need the beach and sunshine to enjoy them. Cheers to exploring the delightful world of mixology!

How to Make the Perfect Cocktail at Home

Choose the Right Spirits

Selecting the appropriate spirit is crucial, as it forms the backbone of your cocktail. Whilst we have given suggestions, experiment with different brands and types to find the one that best suits your personal taste.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Always opt for fresh juices and garnishes where possible to elevate the flavour of your cocktail. 

Measure Accurately

Use a jigger or measuring cup to ensure the correct proportions, maintaining the balance and integrity of the drink.

Ice Matters

Use a generous amount of ice when shaking or stirring to chill the cocktail properly without overly diluting it.

Garnish Wisely

A thoughtful Garnish can enhance both the presentation and the taste of your cocktail.

Experiment and Enjoy

The beauty of mixology lies in experimentation. Feel free to tweak recipes and try new combinations to create your signature cocktail.

Conclusion

Armed with these tips and the recipes for these rum cocktails, you're well on your way to becoming a home mixology master. 

So, gather your ingredients, unleash your inner mixologist, and enjoy the delicious world of rum cocktails. Cheers to your mixology adventures from Ginfling.nl!