20 Absolute Best Drinks To Mix With Rum
When we think of rum mixers, chances are tropical concoctions are the first to come to mind. If we aren't mixing rum with something fruity (who can say no to a Painkiller or Mai Tai?), we're probably mixing it with the standard cola. But there's so much more you can do with rum without breaking out the blender.
Liquor.com says, while rum is made from sugar, the taste isn't always super sweet. White rum can be on the dry side, while a dark rum can have a woody flavor similar to scotch. Some rums can be mixed with those tropical fruits and lots of ice, while others are best simply stirred with one or two ingredients to enhance the spirit's flavor.
What this comes down to is this: rum is far more versatile than we may give it credit for, and can be used with plenty of different mixers — some of which you may not have even thought to try in the past. To help get the inspiration flowing, we've created a list of the best drinks to mix with rum for your sipping pleasure.
Club Soda
Club soda is a go-to mixer for many. It's super versatile and can be used with many liquors, rum included. Case in point: if you're looking for a simple drink that is light and refreshing, mixing club soda with rum is a no-brainer. When it comes to the type of rum to use when mixing with club soda, we turn to the experts at Bacardi, who say something spiced is always nice. To make what they call a Spiced & Soda you will need a spiced rum to mix with your club soda then serve it over ice and finish it off with lime garnish. Those tasty hints of vanilla from the rum are bound to pop from the bubbles of the soda water.
If you don't have spiced rum on hand, don't worry — pretty much any rum will do. The flavor profile will just be slightly different depending on which rum you choose.
Ginger Ale
What do you get when you mix ginger ale with rum and ice? One impressive party drink that is easy to make and downright delicious.
The reason why this drink works is because of the flavor profile of the two ingredients. A Couple Cooks says ginger ale's flavor is less intense than ginger beer (more on that later), so you can enjoy the natural flavors of the rum. And while spiced rum works well with ginger ale (Miss in The Kitchen recommends using Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum), any aged rum will do, thanks to flavorful notes of all the good stuff: coconut, caramel, and vanilla. While you could use light rum, it really won't stand out that much against the soda flavor, so we would suggest choosing another mixer if that is the only spirit you have on hand.
This drink takes no time to create in the kitchen (or at the home bar) so not only will it be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but a host-pleaser as well.
Lemon and Limes
There are a lot of good mixers out there to pair with rum, but the classic has to be the most simple: fresh lime (or lemon). Sure, you can enjoy a nice sipping rum with only lime juice, but there are other options when you're feeling a little more ambitious. Bon Appétit explains all you need is rum, sugar, and lime for a delicious cocktail. One drink of choice that follows this lead is the Mojito, made with light rum, simple syrup, lime juice, and of course, plenty of mint for an ultra-fresh taste.
Mix That Drink says a Daiquiri is another way to go using these three simple ingredients. You'll find the end result is worth every sip, as the sugar and citrus balance one another out just right. Any rum will work, while lime packs slightly more punch compared to lemon, which has more of a tangy twist. All the ingredients go into a shaker with ice then strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with your choice of citrus.
Tonic Water
Here's the thing we love about using tonic water in our drinks: that bitter flavor can make any cocktail more refreshing. The Spruce Eats says drinks mixed with tonic water are always nice and light, but have endless possibilities when it comes to how they can taste. Tonic water is slightly dry and never too sweet, which is why it makes for such a solid mixer. The ingredient also helps bring out a spirit's flavor, giving you a refreshing but powerful sip.
Sure, we all think of gin and tonic when presented with the bubbly drink, but let's not forget rum here either. According to Cocktail Party, mixing tonic water with rum can help enhance the spirit's flavor, especially when you add a squeeze or two of lime into the mix. One key thing to remember with this drink is to include the lime wedge — peel and all– in your glass after squeezing. Cocktail Party explains the peel adds a seriously fragrant element that will take this cocktail to the next level.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is by far one of the most popular mixers for rum, and we can see why. It's fruity, refreshing, and makes you want to sit on the beach for hours sipping under the sun. A Couple Cooks says the these two ingredients are simply meant to be, with flavors that just fit well together naturally. The end result is sweet, tropical, and goes down incredibly easy — don't say we didn't warn you.
Another reason why this drink is so great: there's no need to rush out to buy another type of rum to make it. No need to rush out for spiced or light rum if you only have dark. While you can simply use pineapple juice and rum together for the finished product, you can always kick it up a notch by also adding muddled mint or Maraschino liqueur (or both!) for some added depth.
Flavored Seltzers
Mixing flavored seltzers with a spirit is another no-fail, easy-to-make drink. Lifehacker recommends using La Croix, which will provide a delicious flavor that is never overwhelming, and only a smidge on the fruity side. The outlet says dark rum works well with the coca-cola flavor, while anything tropical (think: mango) might be a tasty option for white rum. Of course, lemon, lime, or pamplemousse (aka grapefruit) La Croix will also work nicely with just about any rum.
Bottom Left of the Mitten takes the flavored seltzer and rum combo to another level by making a seltzer mojito that is refreshing without being overly sweet. Muddle lime, sugar, and mint and add into a glass before pouring the white rum and lime seltzer. This is an easy mojito recipe that we're sure you'll come back to time and time again, especially during those super hot summer months.
Coconut Water
Many people love coconut water and for good reason. According to the Mayo Clinic, coconut water is not only low in calories, but can also be low in sugar (just make sure it is not flavored). Coconut water also has electrolytes which makes it a popular post-workout (or hangover) drink. While it's great on its own, coconut water is also a perfect mixer for easy-to-prepare cocktails.
Serious Eats says rum and coconut water is one of those super simple drink recipes perfect for hot days. They suggest pairing an amber rum (Bacardi 8 is a good option) with chilled coconut water. Pour the rum over ice and then add the coconut water for an easy and delicious sip that is light and tangy, with a touch of vanilla thanks to the rum.
Coca-Cola
As we stated before, rum and coke go hand-in-hand. These two ingredients probably make up one of the most well-known — and basic — rum drinks, and we can't knock it. Rum and coke is easy to make and only requires two ingredients you probably already have in your home. Plus, just about everyone enjoys the combo. There's little room for error here, which makes for a perfect drink to enjoy at home relaxing after a long day or while gathering with friends for a fun night out.
Another reason why this cocktail is so special is that it can be customized to your liking. Different rums will provide different flavors and, depending on what you're looking for, you'll be able to find the perfect mix with just about any rum you choose. For a real burst of natural rum flavors, Liquor.com says try using both light and dark together to enjoy a mix of vanilla and caramel in one glass. You can always add in some freshly squeezed lime to change the drink from a simple rum and coke to a Cuba Libre. Either way, this drink rarely disappoints.
Ginger Beer
Ginger beer has become more and more popular over the years both on its own and when mixed into cocktails. Taste of Home says the non-alcoholic carbonated drink has a rich and spicy flavor, more intense than ginger ale because it has been fermented with yeast. So when using it for a mixed drink, expect to taste plenty of ginger.
When mixing ginger beer with rum you create what is called a Dark and Stormy. Any dark rum will usually work for this drink, shares Esquire, all you need to do is add it over ice along with the ginger beer and some lime juice. The Dark and Stormy is a simple but intense drink that packs tons of flavor. If you're looking to go the extra mile, Food & Wine calls for a candied ginger garnish that is sure to wow your guests.
Orange Juice
We love fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning served with a plate of eggs and bacon; and when we're enjoying fancy french toast at our favorite brunch spot, we're all about sipping on a mimosa. When most think of pairing orange juice with a spirit, they may not go straight to rum (screwdriver anyone?), but that is a mistake, as rum and orange juice is also a terrific combo. A Couple Cooks explains orange juice offers a nice sweetness to the drink, while the rum adds a nice complexity. Mixing this drink is pretty simple as all you really need are these two ingredients to make it work, however, the outlet says you can add in some lime and grenadine if you're searching for a fancier feeling cocktail.
When picking out the best rum to go with your orange juice, steer toward anything aged to enjoy its sweet and nutty flavors. Dark or light rum can also do the trick if that's what you have on hand, but may provide a more subtle taste.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is another staple when it comes to mixing cocktails. Though most people probably associate the fruity mixer with vodka, cranberry juice is tart, which allows it to pair nicely with many liquors. We don't see why vodka should get to have all the fun!
InShaker explains this drink is an easy one to make, combining white rum and cranberry juice served over ice and lime. Between the tartness of the cranberry and the zest of the lime, this drink is already a major win, but throw in the natural sweetness of the rum and you have a flavorful and a refreshing drink that's perfect for the summer. (But also just about any time of the year.)
Grapefruit Juice
We're big fans of grapefruit. If not just for the tart flavor, but because the citrus is so versatile, showing up in everything from lobster salad to grapefruit custard pie. And while we love including the citrus fruit into our meals, we also enjoy including grapefruit juice in our drinks. And we're not talking about just the usual suspects like the Paloma made with tequila or the Greyhound mixed with vodka — grapefruit juice is one of the best drinks to mix with rum.
Making this drink is super easy and will offer a nice crispness that can make for the ideal aperitif or boozy brunch offering. Simply combine grapefruit juice and light rum over ice, or add a splash of seltzer that will provide the right amount of fizz to give this drink a light feel. A lemon, lime, or grapefruit wedge serves as the perfect garnish.
Iced Tea
Who doesn't like a nice cold glass of iced tea? You may think of this drink for the summer. best enjoyed while sitting outside on a large, wraparound porch. And while we love sipping our tea on a sunny day, it is perfect for other times of the year, too. As we all know, iced tea is refreshing on its own, but it's also great when mixed with a spirit. While some might mix their iced tea with whiskey or associate spiked tea drinks with the infamous Long Island Iced Tea (which doesn't actually have any iced tea in it at all), we say rum is the spirit to give a try.
Making this cocktail is so easy because it only requires a few ingredients that you probably have on hand: tea, rum, and lemon juice. Add all three ingredients together, stir, and serve over ice. Voila! Simple ingredients make for a flavorful concoction but without being too much for the palate.
Hot Chocolate
Is there any drink cozier than a cup of hot chocolate? Sipping hot chocolate in the winter months by a cozy fire is can be a dream come true ... the only thing missing is the booze. Mixing hot chocolate with rum is the way to go for this wintery treat. While it can take a little prepping if you're making the hot chocolate from scratch (instead of using a powdered mix, though no judgements), we think it's totally worth it when it comes to that first sip — and every sip after. According to Food & Wine, you'll first need to combine milk, cream, and rum in a saucepan, then allow it to simmer before adding your chocolate. Once the chocolate has melted and is whisked, pour it into your favorite mug and throw another log on the fire.
Chocolate and rum just go together perfectly, which is why this drink works so well. World Wide Chocolate explains since rum can have flavors of caramel or vanilla, it complements the sweet and bitterness of chocolate. When you're looking to make this drink, shoot for a darker rum, as that usually works best.
Apple Juice
Apple juice is sweet and tasty, making it a smart choice when it comes to a mixer. The good thing about apple juice is that you can switch it up depending on your preferences or the seasons. It's all-around refreshing and on the sweeter side, which makes for the perfect sip with white rum come summer; But when you're in a cozy mood (say, around those fall and winter months), choose spiced rum to enjoy those notes of brown sugar and cinnamon. The rum flavor paired with apples creates the perfect cocktail for those looking for something warm and cozy feeling, without actually drinking something warm (via TropRockin).
To make this drink, you only need to add the rum and apple juice over ice. Stir it all together and then garnish with an apple slice. If you're sticking to the fall-inspired variety, a cinnamon stick makes for a better stirrer to add in an additional layer of flavor. (It also just looks really festive.)
Sweet Vermouth
If your bar is stocked with sweet vermouth, you may consider it to be a good mixer for a strong handcrafted cocktail, like a Negroni or Manhattan. As a fortified wine that is rich in botanicals, sweet vermouth is packed with lots of flavors both spicy and herbal. Of course, something this flavorful makes for a great cocktail mixer, even if you're not interested in making something complicated.
Rum and sweet vermouth work well together because the combination is sweet but simple, making for the perfect package. Tuxedo No. 2 says this drink is called a Palmetto, made with either gold or dark rum, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. The rum offers a caramel flavor, while the vermouth keeps things sweet and the bitters gives it a nice finish. Talk about simple, this drink consists of just adding everything together over ice then straining into your glass.
Root Beer
Root beer definitely has a unique flavor. A mix of minty sweetness, there can be a slight bitter note to the soda too, says Prepared Cooks, making one wild ride for your tastebuds. When using root beer as a mixer, it's easy to achieve the perfect drink. All you need to do is combine both ingredients together and serve over ice for a quick and easy cocktail that is all about robust flavor. We think spiced rum works best in this combo, but other rums will taste fine.
But we can't think about root beer without thinking about a root beer float. Root beer and vanilla ice cream make the perfect sweet treat for kids and adults alike, but to make it even better for the adults, we say add in the rum too. (Tipsy Bartender says rum works well in a Coke float too, if you're not that big on root beer or run out but are still craving the sweet treat.)
Coffee
We admit it, we love our coffee. Whether we are enjoying our first cup in the morning or devouring it in a Turkish custard after dinner, we can't get enough of the caffeinated stuff. And the drink works well as a mixer for rum, too. Williams Sonoma says these two ingredients are ideal making for an tasty drink with flavors that come together perfectly.
The only downside to this pairing is you can't really just mix coffee and rum alone. But trust us, adding in the additional ingredients to give this drink all of its flavors is well worth the effort.
Start by stirring the coffee, creamer, sugar, and any spices you like (try cardamom and nutmeg) altogether. Add the rum to your cup, followed by the coffee mixture, and get ready to enjoy the perfect after-dinner dessert in the form of a boozy drink. Top the whole thing with some whipped cream if you're feeling fancy.
Apple Cider
Apple cider is a refreshing drink, as it's sweet, but not too sweet, allowing the natural apple flavors to really shine. We love gulping down a cold glass of apple cider to quench our thirst fast, but the drink is also amazing served warm, especially when it's chilly outside. And when you add some booze to the mix, apple cider takes on a whole new level of deliciousness and comfort.
Martha Stewart recommends mixing warm cider with rum for a "crowd pleasing spiked punch," and who are we to disagree? To make this drink, you'll need to heat the cider on the stovetop to get it warm before you add the rum. The key here is to also add some aromatic ingredients to the combination like orange slices, cloves or other spices, and cinnamon sticks to get that cozy fall vibe and make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Amaretto
An oldie but goodie, amaretto has been around since the 1800s, according to A Couple Cooks. It has a delicious almond flavor that makes this liqueur a popular mixer for so many cocktails, along with being one of the best drinks made with rum. When it comes to using amaretto with rum, multiple options allow just about anyone's preferences to be met. Just be aware, amaretto and rum solo will be a pretty intensely flavored drink, so you might want to consider adding one or more other ingredients to the mix.
The Spruce Eats says you can easily transform your traditional rum and coke into a Lounge Lizard by adding amaretto and a bright red cherry to the mix. According to Difford's Guide, the sweet blend of vanilla and almond flavors that comes from amaretto complement dark rum nicely in a Bella Donna Daiquiri.