As a bartender, I have seen my fair share of light and dark rum recipes. These two variants of rum are among the most popular spirits in the world, and for good reason.
Light rum is a clear and crisp spirit that is often used in cocktails that require a refreshing and light taste. On the other hand, dark rum is a rich and complex spirit that is often used in cocktails that require a more mature and robust flavor.
The beauty of rum is that it can be mixed with a wide range of ingredients to create a variety of cocktails. From fruity and sweet to bold and spicy, rum cocktails are versatile and can be enjoyed in any season.
Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, a winter party, or just having a night in with friends, there is a rum cocktail that will suit your taste.
In this blog post, I will share some of the best light and dark rum cocktail recipes that I have come across in my years of bartending. These cocktails are easy to make, and they are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you are a seasoned bartender or a beginner, these recipes will help you create delicious drinks that will impress your guests. So, let's raise a glass to the wonderful world of rum and start mixing!
1. Ginger Rum Cocktail
The Ginger Rum Cocktail is a refreshing and bubbly drink that combines Barcelo's Imperial Ron Dominicano with ginger for a unique twist. The cocktail has a complex bouquet of flavors ranging from sweet to smoky, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and tobacco leaf.
It is best enjoyed on its own, preferably even without ice, and pairs well with a variety of foods. If you're looking for a refreshing and complex rum cocktail, the Ginger Rum Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
2. Aged Dark Rum Mojito
The Aged Dark Rum Mojito is a refreshing and fun cocktail that is perfect for hot summer days. It is a twist on the classic Caribbean Mojito, made with premium aged dark rum, fresh mint, brown sugar, lime, and sparkling soda water.
The cocktail offers a flavor profile featuring sweetness, citrus, and herbaceousness that complements the rum. This cocktail is a great option for those who want to try something new and exciting. The Aged Dark Rum Mojito is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression.
3. Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a classic cocktail that combines rum and fruit juices to create a refreshing and flavorful drink. The ombre effect of the cocktail is achieved by adding grenadine that sinks to the bottom and a little bit of dark rum that floats on the top.
The cocktail is garnished with a slice of lime, making it a beautiful drink that is perfect for parties or to celebrate special occasions. If you're looking for a tropical drink that will transport you to a sunny island, then Rum Punch is definitely the cocktail for you.
4. Classic Rum Runner
The Classic Rum Runner is a delicious and complex cocktail that is perfect for summer. Created in the 1950s at a Tiki bar in Florida, this cocktail has become a staple in resorts around the world. Made with banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, dark rum, light rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice, this cocktail is a sweet and fruity blend that is sure to please.
Whether you prefer it blended or over ice, the Classic Rum Runner is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a refreshing and flavorful rum cocktail. So why not give it a try and experience the taste of summer in a glass?
5. Caribbean Rum Punch
The Caribbean Rum Punch is a sweet and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for a summer day. Combining light and dark rum with pineapple and orange juice, this tropical drink is a match made in heaven. The layered colors of red and yellow make it look like a Caribbean sunset in a glass.
It's a crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties, especially tiki-themed ones. The addition of grenadine syrup and fresh fruit slices as garnish adds to the presentation of the cocktail. Overall, the Caribbean Rum Punch is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that will transport you to a tropical paradise.
6. Bahama Mama
The Bahama Mama is a rum-forward cocktail that is perfect for any summer party or vacation. It features three different types of rum – white, dark, and coconut – and is mixed with a variety of tropical juices, including pineapple, orange, and lemon. A splash of grenadine gives it a beautiful pink-orange color.
This cocktail originated in the Bahamas during the Prohibition and has since become a popular vacation drink. The fruity flavor and multiple types of liquor make it a drink that packs a punch. It's a quick and easy cocktail to make, and can even be made in a pitcher for a crowd. If you're looking for a tropical drink that will transport you to a Caribbean beach, the Bahama Mama is the perfect choice.
7. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a classic rum-based cocktail that brings the tropical vibes to your happy hour. Made with a combination of light and dark rum, pineapple and lime juice, orange curacao, and simple syrup, this refreshing drink is a must-try for any rum lover.
Garnished with a slice of orange or pineapple and an umbrella, the Mai Tai is a perfect escape from the everyday routine. Whether you're planning a summer party or just want to sip on something delicious, the Mai Tai is a guaranteed hit. So, why not give it a try and transport yourself to a tropical paradise?
8. Stormy IPA Cocktail
The Stormy IPA Cocktail is a unique and creative blend of dark rum, ginger beer, and India Pale Ale (IPA). This cocktail is a twist on the classic Dark 'n Stormy cocktail, with the addition of IPA, which gives it a hoppy and bitter taste. The ginger beer adds a spicy kick, while the dark rum and lime juice provide a sweet and tangy flavor.
The Stormy IPA Cocktail is a perfect drink for those who love craft beer and want to try something new and exciting. It is a potent cocktail that can be deceivingly refreshing, so it is important to drink it slowly and responsibly. Overall, the Stormy IPA Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who is looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail.
9. The Zombie Cocktail
The Zombie Cocktail is a classic blend of light, golden, and dark rum, mixed with multiple fruit juices and apricot brandy. It's a tropical-tasting cocktail that will transport you to a lazy summer day on a tropical beach.
The cocktail is strong, fruity, and refreshing, perfect for those who love rum and fruity cocktails. The blend of fruit juices and rum gives it a Mai Tai feel and flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves tropical cocktails.
10. Black Walnut Old Fashioned
The Black Walnut Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic cocktail that features a blend of dark rum and walnut liqueur. This cocktail is made using a locally sourced Nocino walnut liqueur from Prohibition Spirits in Sonoma Valley, California. The addition of the walnut liqueur adds a rich, nutty flavor to the drink that pairs perfectly with the bold taste of the dark rum.
This cocktail is perfect for those who are looking for a more complex and sophisticated take on the traditional Old Fashioned. So, if you're a fan of dark rum and are looking to try something new, the Black Walnut Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
11. Pineapple Mango Rum Punch
The Pineapple Mango Rum Punch is a fruity and refreshing rum cocktail that will transport you straight to the Caribbean. This cocktail is perfect for those who love tropical flavors and want to feel like they're on vacation. The combination of pineapple, mango, and orange juices with rum creates a sweet and fresh taste that is not too overpowering.
The optional splash of grenadine adds a pop of color and the garnishes of lime, orange zest, and edible flowers make the cocktail look as good as it tastes. This cocktail is perfect for parties and entertaining, and it's easy to make in large batches. If you're a fan of rum drinks, this Pineapple Mango Rum Punch is a must-try.
12. Hurricane Cocktail
The Hurricane Cocktail is a classic fruity rum cocktail that originated in New Orleans and has become a NOLA staple. This vibrant drink is a party in a glass that will transport you to the French Quarter with just one sip.
The cocktail is made with 2 ounces of dark rum, 2 ounces of light rum, and a splash of triple sec, making it smooth and sweet. The Hurricane Cocktail is perfect for any celebration and can be enjoyed all year round. This drink is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of New Orleans and a fun, fruity cocktail.
13. Rum Swizzle Cocktail
The Rum Swizzle Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that transports you to the tropics with every sip. This cocktail is Bermuda's national drink and is made with a combination of dark and light rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and bitters. The swizzle stick, which originated in the Caribbean, was used to stir the drink and gave the cocktail its name.
The Rum Swizzle Cocktail is perfect for those who love Mai Tais and want to try something new. Its fruity and rummy taste is sure to leave you wanting more. So, if you're looking for a delicious and refreshing rum cocktail, the Rum Swizzle Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
14. Classic Hurricane Cocktail
The Classic Hurricane Cocktail is a fruity, boozy, and fun drink that originated in New Orleans in the 1940s. It is made with two types of rum, passion fruit syrup, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine. This cocktail has a tropical nuance from passion fruit and a hint of sweetness from grenadine.
The Hurricane is a relative of the classic daiquiri and is reminiscent of the classic 1920s Singapore Sling. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or impressing guests at a party. With its unique blend of flavors and potent alcohol content, the Classic Hurricane Cocktail is a must-try for any rum lover.
15. Hemingway Daiquiri
The Hemingway Daiquiri is a unique and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for rum lovers who prefer a less sweet drink. Named after the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, this cocktail is a twist on the classic daiquiri, with the omission of sugar and the addition of grapefruit and Luxardo maraschino liqueur.
The result is a tart and refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. While some may find the lack of sweetness off-putting, the addition of simple syrup helps to balance out the flavors and make it more palatable. Overall, the Hemingway Daiquiri is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful rum cocktail.
16. Hawaiian Vodka Party Punch
Looking for a tropical cocktail to serve at your next summer party? Look no further than the Hawaiian Vodka Party Punch. This easy-to-make cocktail combines the flavors of pineapple, orange, and rum for a taste that will transport you straight to the beach.
With three types of alcohol, including vodka and coconut rum, this cocktail is sure to pack a punch. Plus, it can easily be made without alcohol for the kids. If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail to serve at your next gathering, give the Hawaiian Vodka Party Punch a try.
17. Pirate Punch
The Pirate Punch is a sweet and fruity cocktail inspired by Carnival Cruises. It's made with a blend of light and dark rum, fruit juices, and a splash of grenadine.
The combination of flavors makes it a refreshing and satisfying drink that's perfect for a hot summer day. The Pirate Punch is a must-try for anyone who loves rum cocktails and is sure to impress at any party or gathering.
18. Blueberry Mojitos
If you're looking for a refreshing and fruity cocktail to serve at your next summer gathering, the Blueberry Mojito is a must-try. This twist on the classic mojito features fresh blueberries, mint, lime, and white rum, with a sparkling effervescence from club soda.
The gorgeous purple hue of the cocktail is sure to impress your guests, and the sweet and tangy flavors will keep them coming back for more. Whether you're making a pitcher for a crowd or serving them by the glass, the Blueberry Mojito is a perfect choice for any occasion. So why not mix up a batch and enjoy the taste of summer in a glass?
19. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries and is a must-try for any rum lover. Made with only three ingredients – rum, lime juice, and simple syrup – this cocktail is simple yet delicious. It's tart and refreshing, making it the perfect drink for a hot summer day.
While there are many variations of the classic Daiquiri, the original recipe is pure and authentic. It's easy to make and can be garnished with a lime twist for an added touch of elegance. So, if you're looking for a light and refreshing rum cocktail, the Daiquiri is definitely worth a try.
20. Fassionola Sunrise
The Fassionola Sunrise is a tropical rum-based cocktail that is perfect for those who love bright and fruity flavors. This cocktail features a sweet and tangy passionfruit syrup that is blended with amber rum, curaçao or orange liqueur, pineapple juice, and lime juice. The result is a refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
The Fassionola Sunrise is a great option for those who are looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail that is easy to make. The combination of the different ingredients creates a beautiful ombre color that is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail to add to your repertoire, the Fassionola Sunrise is definitely worth a try.
21. Passion Fruit Hurricane
The Passion Fruit Hurricane is a sweet and fruity cocktail that is perfect for any celebration. Originating from New Orleans, this cocktail has a rich history and is a must-try for anyone visiting the French Quarter. The combination of passion fruit juice, rum, grenadine, and lime juice creates a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that is sure to please any palate.
However, be warned, the high sugar content can mask the alcohol, so it's easy to overindulge. But don't let that stop you from trying this classic cocktail. Whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras or just looking for a tasty drink, the Passion Fruit Hurricane is a great choice.
22. Classic Mai Tai
The Classic Mai Tai is a legendary Tiki cocktail invented by Trader Vic in the 1940s. Made with light and dark rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, this rum-forward drink is refreshing and exotic.
It's best served in a highball glass with crushed ice and garnished with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime. It's a classic for a reason, and once you try it, you'll understand why.
