The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to start thinking about festive drinks to serve at parties or enjoy at home with loved ones.
While there are many options to choose from, rum cocktails are a classic choice that never goes out of style. The rich, warm flavor of rum pairs perfectly with the flavors of the season, making it the perfect base for a holiday cocktail.
Whether you prefer a classic rum and eggnog or something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to holiday rum cocktails.
From spiced cider to tropical concoctions, the possibilities are endless. But with so many recipes out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
That's where we come in. As a bartender with years of experience crafting the perfect cocktail, I've tried and tested countless rum cocktail recipes over the years.
And now, I'm excited to share some of my favorites with you. So, whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a cozy drink to enjoy by the fire, read on for some of the best holiday rum cocktail recipes out there.
1. Spiced Rum Chai Latte
The Spiced Rum Chai Latte is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves a warm and cozy drink during the holiday season. Made with chai concentrate, milk, and spiced rum, this cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at a holiday party.
The combination of chai and spiced rum creates a heavenly flavor that will leave you wanting more. Topped with whipped cream, this cocktail is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Don't miss out on this delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that is sure to impress your guests this holiday season.
2. Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum is a classic holiday cocktail made with spiced butter, brown sugar, and dark rum. It's a warm and rich drink that's perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night.
The spiced butter mix can be made in advance and used for multiple drinks. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and delicious holiday cocktail.
3. Christmas Coffee Rum Cocktail
The Christmas Coffee Rum Cocktail is a delicious and simple holiday cocktail that combines two beloved flavors: coffee and rum. Made with Koloa Kaua'i coffee rum, this cocktail is smooth and delicious, perfect for sipping on its own or mixed into a fun coffee rum cocktail. The recipe is easy to follow and can be made hot or chilled.
The cocktail is topped with whipped cream and decorated with latte-inspired cocoa powder art, making it a festive and fun addition to any holiday gathering. Overall, the Christmas Coffee Rum Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty and easy holiday cocktail that is sure to impress.
4. Yuletide Grog
The Yuletide Grog is a unique and delicious holiday cocktail that combines the flavors of dark and white rum, port wine, lime juice, grapefruit juice, demerara sugar syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This cocktail can be served hot or cold, making it versatile for any holiday occasion.
The sweetness of the port wine is perfectly balanced with the smokiness of the rum, creating a warm and cozy feeling with every sip. The garnish of lime wheels, mint, cinnamon stick, and cherries adds a festive touch to the drink. Overall, the Yuletide Grog is a must-try for anyone looking for a new and exciting holiday cocktail to impress their guests.
5. The Jack Frost Winter Cocktail
"The Jack Frost Winter Cocktail" is a perfect addition to any winter party. With a combination of rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, this cocktail is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise. While the rum and blue curacao may remind you of summer, the pineapple and coconut flavors make it a perfect winter drink.
It's a frosty cocktail that will make you feel like you're sitting on a beach, even in the middle of winter. It's a great option for those who want to switch things up from the classic champagne during New Year's Eve parties. Overall, "The Jack Frost Winter Cocktail" is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious holiday rum cocktail.
6. Havana Cocktail
The Havana Cocktail is a simple yet charming rum cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with only four ingredients – white rum, lime, simple syrup, and a splash of orange juice – this cocktail is light, summery, and refreshing. The sweet and subtle flavor of white rum works perfectly in this cocktail, making it a go-to option for those who want something easy and delicious.
The addition of a flower garnish adds a wow factor and a sense of freshness to the drink, making it a great choice for holiday parties and gatherings. If you're looking for a simple yet impressive rum cocktail to serve this holiday season, the Havana Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
7. Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail
The Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail is a refreshing and festive drink that's perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is a twist on the classic mojito, with the addition of pomegranate juice and arils. The combination of fresh mint, lime, and pomegranate creates a bright and flavorful drink that's sure to impress your guests.
The club soda adds a nice fizz, making it a refreshing option for those who prefer lighter cocktails. The garnish of fresh mint and pomegranate arils adds a beautiful touch to the drink, making it a great option for holiday parties or gatherings. Overall, the Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and flavorful rum cocktail this holiday season.
8. Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a classic cocktail that is perfect for the holidays. It's a fruity and flavorful drink that instantly transports you to a tropical island where the sun is shining, and the drinks are flowing. This cocktail is made with rum, pineapple and orange juice, grenadine, and a splash of dark rum on top.
The ombre effect of the drink is beautiful, and the happiness-inducing color is sure to brighten up any holiday party. Although it's high in sugar, it's worth every single calorie. This drink is perfect for parties or to celebrate special occasions. You are going to love it!
9. Classic Hot Buttered Rum
Looking for a classic, warming cocktail to sip by the fire this holiday season? Look no further than the Classic Hot Buttered Rum. Dating back to the 1650s, this historic drink features dark rum, hot water or cider, sugar, and spices, with just enough butter to make it lightly creamy.
This version stays true to the original recipe, with subtle sweetness and cozy spices like cinnamon and allspice. It's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening and is sure to become a favorite for holiday parties and entertaining. So why not give this classic cocktail a try and transport yourself back in time with every sip?
10. Hurricane Cocktail
The Hurricane Cocktail is a tropical drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Originating from Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans, this cocktail is made with white and dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, grenadine, simple syrup, and lime juice, and is served in a hurricane glass with ice, garnished with orange and a maraschino cherry.
This cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and sour, with a potent kick from the rum. It’s a great choice for those who want to try something new and exciting this holiday season. So, if you’re looking for a tropical twist on your holiday cocktails, the Hurricane Cocktail is definitely worth a try!
11. Tom and Jerry Cocktail
The Tom and Jerry Cocktail is a retro holiday drink that has been passed down through generations. This creamy and dreamy drink is made with a batter mixed with hot water or milk and spiced rum. The taste is similar to eggnog but with even more spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
This cocktail is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests during the holiday season. While it may be slightly more labor-intensive than other cocktails, it is definitely worth the effort. The Tom and Jerry Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add some nostalgic charm to their holiday drink lineup.
12. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Made with only three ingredients – white rum, lime juice, and simple sugar – it is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion.
This cocktail is a true test of a bartender's skill, as the right touch is required to create the perfect mix. While it may have originated in Cuba, it has become a beloved drink around the world. The Daiquiri is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious rum cocktail.
13. Caribbean Rum Punch
Looking for a tropical-flavored cocktail that will transport you to a Caribbean island? Look no further than the Caribbean Rum Punch. This classic rum punch recipe is simple to make and is always a crowd-pleaser. With its blend of pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and both light and dark rum, this cocktail is sweet, tangy, and packs a punch.
Plus, it's easy to customize to your liking by adjusting the amounts of juice and alcohol. Whether you're entertaining a crowd or just looking for a festive drink to enjoy on your own, the Caribbean Rum Punch is sure to be a hit.
14. Pomegranate Mojito
Looking for a refreshing and fruity twist on a classic mojito? Look no further than the Pomegranate Mojito! This cocktail combines tart pomegranate and lime with simple syrup, mint, and white rum for a drink that's perfect all year long.
It's a great option for holiday parties or any type of celebration. The recipe is easy to make and can be scaled up for larger gatherings. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, a mocktail version is also possible. So why not give this festive and flavorful cocktail a try?
15. Mai Tai Cocktail
The Mai Tai Cocktail is a classic summer drink that is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise. This cocktail is a perfect blend of rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. It has a sweet and tangy taste that will leave you wanting more. The Mai Tai Cocktail is a favorite among beachgoers and pool party enthusiasts alike.
It is a refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Whether you're lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on the beach, the Mai Tai Cocktail is the perfect drink to cool you down. So, if you're looking for a delicious and refreshing holiday rum cocktail, the Mai Tai Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
16. Cherry Bounce
Looking for a unique and delicious holiday cocktail? Look no further than Cherry Bounce! This homemade cordial or liqueur is made with tart pie cherries, sugar, and your choice of liquor (we recommend rum!).
Left to sit and develop its flavor, Cherry Bounce is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night or gifting to your favorite bourbon lover. Plus, don't forget to use the liquor-soaked cherries in other desserts or cocktails! Trust us, Cherry Bounce is a holiday treat that you won't want to miss.
17. Homemade Kahlua
Homemade Kahlua is a delicious coffee-vanilla liqueur that is perfect for the holiday season. It's easy to make using high-quality coffee and vanilla beans, and it has a rich and unique flavor that is much better than the store-bought version.
You can enjoy it in a White Russian cocktail or pour it into a decanter and keep it for yourself during the cold winter months. Give it a try and impress your guests with this homemade treat!
