Rum, with its incredible versatility and rich history, is the perfect spirit to transport your taste buds straight to sun-drenched beaches and balmy evenings.
From light and crisp to dark and complex, there's a rum for every summer occasion. As we continue our Summer Spirits Spotlight, let's explore some iconic rum serves and uncover a truly unique choice.
The Classics: Three Essential Rum Cocktails
These cocktails are celebrated for their ability to highlight rum's diverse flavour profiles, making them enduring favourites.
The Mojito
- Why it's a classic: Originating from Cuba, the Mojito is synonymous with refreshing relief. Its vibrant mix of fresh mint, zesty lime, a touch of sweetness, and effervescent soda water perfectly complements light rum, creating an invigorating and highly quaffable drink.
- Flavour Profile: Fresh, minty, zesty, and sweet, with a light rum backbone.
- Best for: Hot summer days, garden parties, or when you need a truly refreshing pick-me-up.
Simple Recipe:
- 50ml White Rum
- 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 2tsp Caster Sugar (or 15ml Sugar Syrup)
- 8-10 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Soda Water, to top
- Garnish: A sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
- Method: Gently muddle mint leaves and sugar/syrup in a highball glass. Add lime juice and rum. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Top with soda water and stir gently to combine. Garnish and serve.
The Daiquiri
- Why it's a classic: Another Cuban gem, the Daiquiri is the epitome of simplicity and balance. Its three core ingredients – rum, lime, and sugar – create a perfectly harmonious cocktail that allows the quality of the rum to shine. It's a foundational drink that proves less is often more.
- Flavour Profile: Tart, sweet, and crisp, showcasing the rum's character.
- Best for: A clean, sharp aperitif, or for those who appreciate perfectly balanced simplicity.
Simple Recipe:
- 60ml White Rum
- 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 15ml Sugar Syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- Garnish: A lime wheel or wedge
- Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass. Garnish and serve.
The Piña Colada
- Why it's a classic: The official drink of Puerto Rico, the Piña Colada is a creamy, tropical escape in a glass. Its blend of rum, coconut, and pineapple instantly transports you to a Caribbean beach, making it a beloved holiday favourite.
- Flavour Profile: Sweet, creamy, and intensely tropical with prominent notes of pineapple and coconut.
- Best for: Indulgent treats, poolside sipping, or as a dessert cocktail.
Simple Recipe:
- 50ml White or Gold Rum
- 50ml Coconut Cream (or Cream of Coconut)
- 100ml Pineapple Juice
- Garnish: A pineapple wedge and/or a maraschino cherry.
- Method: Combine all ingredients with a scoop of ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a chilled hurricane or highball glass. Garnish and serve.
The Niche Gem: The Dark 'n' Stormy
While not as globally ubiquitous as the above, the Dark 'n' Stormy is a cult favourite with a protected name, offering a delightful kick of ginger that perfectly complements dark rum.
- Why it's niche (but a must-try): This Bermuda-born drink is famously made only with Gosling's Black Seal Rum and ginger beer, creating a spicy, warming, and deeply satisfying serve. The distinct layering of the dark rum floating on top of the ginger beer gives it its name and striking appearance.
- Flavour Profile: Spicy, gingery, and robust, with the rich, caramel notes of dark rum. Refreshing yet warming.
- Best for: Fans of ginger, those seeking a bolder rum experience, or as a comforting yet zesty evening drink.
Simple Recipe:
- 60ml Gosling's Black Seal Rum (essential for authenticity!)
- 120ml Premium Ginger Beer
- Garnish: A lime wedge.
- Method: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the ginger beer. Gently float the Gosling's Black Seal Rum on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon, creating the signature "storm" effect. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve without stirring.
