20 Essential Rum Cocktails

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20 Essential Rum Cocktails

From timeless classics to modern twists, here are 20 rum cocktail recipes every bartender needs.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Rum cocktails are an essential part of any modern menu. As a spirit continually on the rise, rum cocktails are versatile, flavourful and a hit with guests across the globe. Rum cocktail recipes allow bartenders to blend the spirit's sweetness with tropical fruits and spices to create timeless classics like piña coladas, mojitos and daiquiris.

Get ready to up your rum game and get your menu on point with these 20 most popular rum cocktails.

1. Mojito

The Mojito is a rum cocktail that’s been around since the 16th century. This Cuban classic captures the essence of summer with its sweet lime and refreshingly cool mint and is world famous for its sweet, zesty flavour. A must-master cocktail that your menu shouldn’t be without. 

2. Zacapa Salted Piña Colada

The piña colada is a classic, tropical rum cocktail that embodies the taste of island paradise. To give your guests a unique twist, try this Zacapa Salted Piña Colada with salted pineapple syrup and rich coconut, all tied together through the soft warmth of Zacapa rum.  

3. Daiquiri

Rum cocktails don’t get more famous than the Daiquiri. This Cuban classic is all about balance, simplicity and a refreshing citrus-forward flavour profile. It’s perfect for showcasing the depth and complexity of Zacapa Rum and has been a mainstay of cocktail menus around the world for more than 100 years. 

4. Cuba Libre

The origins of the Cuba Libre date back over 200 years and its name means ‘Free Cuba’ which was a battle cry during the Spanish American War. This timeless rum cocktail blends bright, zesty lime with crisp cola and of course, bold, flavoursome rum. A rum cocktail recipe made by bartenders worldwide, the Cuba Libre is so much more than just rum and coke, it’s a true symbol of freedom. 

5. Mai Tai

Another true rum classic, the crowd-pleasing Mai Tai is a Tiki-inspired serve containing all the complex, bold flavours of the tropics. Fresh lime and orange curaçao work in harmony with the robustness of rum, balancing tartness from the citrus with sweet simple syrup.  

6. Pineapple Rum Punch

For a rum cocktail that can instantly take you somewhere warm and sunny, try the Pineapple Rum Punch. The tropical, citrus flavours of fresh pineapple, orange and lime balance perfectly with crisp taste of Captain Morgan’s White Rum, with honey adding a touch of texture and some fragrant sweetness. 

7. Long Island Iced Tea

Disclaimer: This cocktail doesn’t contain tea. The Long Island Iced Tea offers a unique punch with its five spirits and refreshing lift from citrus and cola. A must for any rum cocktail menu, it blends white rum, gin, vodka, tequila and triple sec. The bartender’s job is to balance the flavour with simple syrup and lemon juice, and for guests, it’s just to sit back and enjoy. 

8. Australian Dark and Stormy

As the name suggests, the Dark and Stormy is a rum cocktail that’s all about drama. Showcasing the bold flavours of Australia’s Bundaberg Rum and the spicy zing of ginger beer. This timeless highball is crafted by pouring ginger beer and ice into a glass with enough room to gently layer a rich, dark rum on top for that stormy look.

9. High Tide

The High Tide is a vibrant, refreshing rum cocktail that combines Captain Morgan White rum with citrus, pineapple and a hint of Navan Vanilla liqueur. Slightly tart and subtly sweet, it’s ideal for warm weather sipping and a great addition to any summer menu. 

10. Captain Paloma

Who says rum fans can’t enjoy a Paloma? The Captain Paloma is a vibrant rum twist on the tequila classic and perfect for guests looking for a refreshing citrus-forward serve that really showcases rum’s versatility. Simply combine Captain Morgan White Rum with fresh grapefruit juice, simple syrup and soda, and finish off with a lime wheel garnish.  

11. Zacapa Manhattan

A Manhattan from Guatemala? Coming right up! The Zacapa Manhattan is an elegant, rum-based take on the classic whisky Manhattan, showcasing the rich, complex flavors of Ron Zacapa 23. The delicate balance of the rum’s molasses rich sweetness, the crispness of pressed apple juice, vermouth and bitters, gives guests a Manhattan that’s smooth and refined.  

12. Casa Santo Domingo

If you’re looking to up your rum cocktail game and give it a more premium feel, look no further than the Casa Santo Domingo. The luxurious nutty sweetness of Ron Zacapa XO is balanced perfectly with the subtle bitterness of orange liqueur. But with the Casa Santo Domingo, the magic is all in the dashes. 6 of Angostura aromatic bitters, 2 of orange bitters and 2 of champagne, all finished off with an orange twist garnish. 

13. Zacapa Spiced Daiquiri

The Zacapa Spiced Daiquiri offers guests a unique balance of brightness, warmth and indulgence. A must for any menu. Ron Zacapa 23’s complex profile adds a refined and flavourful twist on the classic daiquiri, with herby green chartreuse, fresh citrus and simple syrup. Garnish with a star anise for a touch of spice. 

14. Captain Bahama Mama

The Captain Morgan Bahama Mama is a vibrant and tropical highball that conjures up the sun-kissed beach vibe that guests love about a rum cocktail. The smooth warmth of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum works in harmony with fresh orange, pineapple and a touch of tartness from a splash of grenadine.  

15. Australian Old Fashioned

The classic Old Fashioned gets a luxurious rum makeover Zacapa style with this Australian Old Fashioned. If you’re looking for a rum cocktail that showcases the complex, rich character of Ron Zacapa 23, this indulgent twist with date syrup, chocolate bitters and orange bitters is hard to beat. 

16. Scorpion 

As the name suggests, the Scorpion has quite a bite! This Tiki classic dates back to 1930s Honolulu and is packed full of tropical fruit flavours. Captain Morgan White Rum’s light, crispness works perfectly with the ginger of Tanqueray Rangpur Gin, all balanced out with almond syrup for an unforgettable summer rum cocktail. 

17. Pom Apple Spritz

Give your rum cocktail menu something a little bit different with the Pom Apple Spritz. This sophisticated highball is all about the rich, complex taste of Ron Zacapa 23 working with the crispness of apple cider and pomegranate and the fizz of club soda. The result is a light and refreshing fusion of flavours and a unique rum cocktail to offer your guests. 

18. Missionary’s Downfall

Another Tiki classic, the Missionary’s Downfall, is a harmonious balance of tropical sweetness from peach and pineapple, with refreshing herbaceous notes from mint, and a slight tartness from fresh lime. Perfect for the peach trend and for any mojito fans looking to try something new. 

19. El Presidente

Dubbed ‘Cuba’s other rum cocktail’ the El Presidente dates back to the early 1900s and was a popular choice for Havana’s elite. This simple yet sophisticated spirit-forward rum cocktail blends the light sweetness of Captain Morgan White Rum with lime, apple and pomegranate for a taste that’s fresh and elegant.  

20. Island Spice

If white sand, blue seas and a cool breeze were a cocktail, this would be it. The Island Spice is a warm, tropical rum cocktail that evokes the essence of the Caribbean with each sip. The light, crispness of Captain Morgan’s White Rum pairs perfectly with the spice of ginger liqueur and the sweetness of amaretto and orange. Paradise in a martini glass! 

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