While a pina colada always satisfies and a Cuba libre is a classic, rum cocktails can be more than just a frozen sipper or a Tiki drink. These four beverages offer a few twists that will have people rediscovering their appreciation for the classic spirit.
The sugarcane spirit has a long, storied history. Believed to have started in the Caribbean, the islands have produced some of the best liquors. Over the years, it has been associated with the sea, travel, and folklore. From grog to Prohibition Era, the storied spirit continues to evolve with cocktail culture.
Modern mixologists find creative ways to take the classic spirit in a new direction. Whether it is a spin on a favorite drink or a new take that takes beverages in a different direction, rum offers the versatility that people want.
Here are four rum cocktails that showcase the subtly, complexity, and diversity that the spirit offers.
Innovative, Fun, and Flirty Rum Cocktails
Tropical Rum & Tonic
While the herbal forward gin is often paired with tonic, rum is delightful with that bright, bubbly beverage. In this cocktail, the Kōloa Kaua`I becomes the star of the glass. It is warm, cozy yet also bright and vivacious.
Paired with tropical fruit, it feels like a warm ocean breeze. Plus, any fruit works with this drink. Whether it is pineapple, star fruit, or even guava. It is refreshing, relaxing, and quite enjoyable.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Kōloa Kaua`i White Rum
- 4 oz low-sugar tonic water
- Assortment of tropical fruit
Directions:
- Add fruit slices and ice cubes to a tall glass. Pour in the rum and top off with tonic. Garnish ostentatiously with more fruit!
Coconut Citrus Sunrise
Orange and coconut are a lovely combination, but not necessarily a typical one. Many people put the lime in the coconut, but these fruity companions are quite juicy.
Also, the Campari brings just the right amount of bitterness to balance the sweet. This cocktail might become the new option for brunch.
Ingredients:
- Honey and shredded coconut for rimming the glass
- 0.5 oz Campari
- 1 oz Kōloa Kauaʻi Coconut Rum
- 3 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Orange wheel for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare a rocks glass by brushing the rim with honey and rolling it in shredded coconut (optional).
- Fill the glass with ice and pour the Campari directly into the glass.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum and orange juice with ice. Shake well.
- Using a fine-mesh strainer, gently pour the rum and orange juice mixture over the Campari in the serving glass. This will create a layered effect.
- Garnish with an orange wheel.
Courtesy of The Rogue Brussel Sprout
Paper Boat
This cocktail is fairly simple, but offers nuanced flavor. The rich rum contrasts with the bitter Aperol and bright lemon juice. One sip and everyone will be soaring with this refreshing taste.
Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz Dos Maderas Rum 5+3
- 0.75 oz. Amaro Nonino
- 0.75 oz. Aperol
- 0.75 oz. Fresh lemon juice
- 3 drops of saline solution (optional, enhances flavors)
Directions:
- Combine equal parts of all ingredients and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to properly chill, aerate, and dilute the cocktail. Garnish with a mini origami paper boat for a whimsical finishing touch.
Jungle Birds
When it is time to step into the tropics, this cocktail deserves to be discovered. While there is a sweetness that hits strong, there is just enough tartness and bitterness to make it interesting. With a bold visual, this cocktail sings an enticing tune.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz False River Dark Rum
- 0.75 oz Campari
- 1.5 oz Pineapple Juice
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Demerara Syrup
- Garnish: Pineapple Wedge and Fronds
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and fronds
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