Getting Tropical with Rum Cocktails

Bartender pouring rum into a tropical drink with fruit garnish

Rum is one of the most popular spirits in the world. With its sweet and smooth taste reminiscent of the tropics, rum is often enjoyed straight as a shot or on the rocks, and it’s also the star of many cocktails, from rum and coke to a piña colada.

Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply relaxing in the backyard on a sunny day, there are many occasions to consider trying a new rum cocktail. Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, carries a wide variety of spirits, including several types of rum. Here, we discuss some delicious and simple rum recipes that’ll make you wish you were heading to the islands.

What Is Rum?

Let’s first define what alcoholic rum is. This distilled spirit is usually made of sugarcane products, such as:

Cane molasses
Cane syrup
Evaporated cane sugar
Raw cane juice
White or brown cane sugar

Though these are common rum ingredients, the spirit can have diverse flavor profiles, colors, and alcohol by volume (ABV) contents. For instance, light-bodied rums might have a sweet coconut flavor, while heavier options might contain a lot more spice.

The earliest versions of rum date back to roughly 350 BC, initially used medicinally in India. Later on, trade led to the introduction of rum as an alcoholic beverage in the American colonies. Rum quickly caught on, and today, it remains so popular that it’s no wonder people are looking for new cocktails all the time.

Top Rum Cocktails

With its tropical vibe, rum is often mixed with sweet, fruity flavors. You’ll find stronger cocktails that lean more heavily on the rum, as well as lighter drinks where rum blends into the background. Here are some of the most classic and delicious-tasting rum cocktails:

Pina Colada

The Pina Colada is the quintessential rum cocktail. Virtually everyone is familiar with the cocktail, if only for the classic Rupert Holmes song. Originating in Puerto Rico, this cocktail references the Spanish phrase for strained pineapple and is the definition of tropical. It consists of frozen pineapple, pineapple juice, lime juice, cream of coconut, ice, and, of course, aged rum.

Mai Tai

Another classic cocktail, the Mai Tai is a tangy, fruity drink that’s been mixed since the 1940s. You can use light or dark rum, which is mixed with orgeat syrup, pineapple juice, and orange liqueur. The rum and orgeat give the Mai Tai nutty, vanilla undertones that balance out the tanginess of the other ingredients.

Mojito

This Cuban cocktail is another well-known rum-based drink. While its origins are debated, the Mojito gained more popularity in the 1930s and has remained a favorite ever since. In addition to white rum, this simple recipe consists of lime juice, sugar, club soda, mint leaves, and ice.

Hurricane

Referencing the type of storm frequently affecting the tropics, the Hurricane is a favorite among New Orleans rum enthusiasts. Mixed with light and dark rum, the Hurricane features orange juice, passion fruit juice, and lime for a tart taste, as well as grenadine for its pink, peachy hue. Add some fruit garnishes, and within 10 minutes, this delicious drink is ready to serve.

Painkiller

Now for another, more unique rum cocktail — the Painkiller. This drink is the darker, richer, and creamier pina colada, and features a smoky, spiced taste. In addition to dark rum, you’ll need pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and a little nutmeg to concoct this drink. A smoky, spiced taste allows the Painkiller to live up to its namesake.

Classic Daiquiri

Last, but certainly not least, is the daiquiri. This classic drink combines rum with lime juice and simple syrup for one of the easiest rum-based cocktails you can make. Believed to have first been introduced in Cuba in the 1800s, this drink is sweet and tart for a balanced flavor. While it’s typically served straight up, you can add the ingredients to a blender with ice for a cool summer treat.

Find Rum at Joe Canal’s

Located in Lawrenceville, NJ, Joe Canal’s is a premier destination for alcoholic beverages, such as beer and wine. We also carry products from some of the most popular rum brands, including Captain Morgan, Bacardi, and Parrot Bay. For more information about the best rum cocktails for your needs, contact us today.