In a world where gin has grown as a popular alcoholic drink choice, let us not forget about rum. Rum is actually one of the spirits that have been enjoyed and drunk for well over 500 years.
The versatility of this special drink should not be forgotten, with its smoky and sweet flavours. Commonly sourced and associated with the Caribbean and Latin America, rum has been a staple among spirit and party goes alike. Find out more on the history of rum and its origins here and carry on reading this article if you would like to know some recipes for the best ways to drink rum this summer.
What is Rum?
Rum is distilled from sugarcane – it contains the natural flavour and oils from the sugarcane with other notes of caramel, vanilla, nutmeg and spice, with the underlying note profile of sweet and toasted sugar. Different ages of rum can be blended to create a more consistent flavour.
Different Types of Rum
Rum comes in a variety of different types including white, dark, spiced and aged to name a few. It is a great drink to pair with an array of different mixers to produce an entirely different beverage or to be enjoyed by sipping on its own with some ice. It is also perfect in so many cocktails and makes for the perfect accompaniment to a holiday in the sun.
The Best Mixers for Rum
The most refreshing rum and mixer ideas for the summer months, to keep you refreshed all summer long. Keep on reading below for some summer rum inspiration.
Cola
A classic. Dating back at least 100 years, the combination of bittersweet cola and a funky rum is a clear and classic match. Do I need to say more?
Ginger Beer
Ginger beer or ginger ale is a popular and great choice to pair with rum. It has a spicy and warming nature and a gently sweet taste – an iconic rum companion. As evidenced by the popular cocktail ‘Dark & Stormy’ – for this pour 1 part rum with 3 parts ginger beer and garnish with some lime, throw in some crushed ice for the ultimate summer refresher you can’t go wrong with.
Coconut Water
Coconut water adds a light and refreshing change to your rum. It also supplies the same tropical flair as the liquor ‘Malibu’. Not to mention this healthy mixer is full of electrolytes and may even help to prevent your hangover in the morning – although please drink responsibly of course.
Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice and rum is another tasty and refreshing beverage. Fill 1 part rum to 2.5 parts orange juice for the perfect balance and finish off with a slice of orange to garnish.
Pineapple Juice
As one of the main ingredients in a ‘Piña Colada’ cocktail, it makes for no surprise that rum and pineapple juice are a great combination. Pineapple juice has the same balancing effect as rum as it does citrus fruits – it complements the natural woody notes of a dark or gold rum.
Grapefruit Juice
To enhance rum with grapefruit juice combine a cup; of fresh grapefruit juice along with a tablespoon of sugar and half a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Then combine with one part rum and some chilled soda water and pour over ice for the ultimate summer drink!
Tonic Water
Not only to be enjoyed with gin, adding tonic water to a well-aged rum creates a beautiful and refreshing beverage. Who needs lots of added flavours when rum can be the main flavour on its own. Use 1 part rum to 4 parts tonic water, add an optional slice of lemon if you wish and finish off by garnishing with mint for a quick and easy cocktail.
Rum Cocktails for Summer
Nothing screams summer like a nice refreshing cocktail and rum is the base that make up so many amazing ones, some ideas are listed below if you wish to make your own.
Mojito
Who doesn’t like a cool, refreshing mojito when summer comes around. You can make this classic go-to cocktail really easily at home. Put several wedges of lime and fresh mint leaves into a glass and bash them together to release the flavours, add one part rum and top up with soda and there you have it!
Piña Colada
Another classic that you cannot go wrong with for the summer months. One of the many delicate white rum cocktails, this drink should have plenty of coconut cream and a dash of tangy pineapple. Drink this tropical drink if you want to be transported to somewhere hot and sunny.
Painkiller
This is a richer and creamier version of the piña colada. Juice mixes a dark rum with pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut and a dash of nutmeg for a smoky and tropical taste.
Cuba Libre
A total crowd-pleaser, simple yet effective. Squeeze a quarter of a lime into a glass and top by throwing in two slices of lime also. Fill the glass with 1 part rum and top up the rest with cola and ice and voila!
Save this page so you can come back for inspiration later and do let me know in the comments section if you try any of these cocktails and what you think of them.