Rum has been around since the 1600s, and it's never gone out of style! If you think of it as the perfect drink for cruise ships and island holidays, you're right - but it's so much more versatile than that.
Not everyone likes to drink rum straight or on the rocks, but figuring out which drinks to use as a mixer can leave you feeling slightly stumped.
Whether you're on an island paradise or simply wishing you were, rum is sweet, spicy, and perfect for summer. Because it's so versatile, feel free to experiment by mixing it with your favourite drinks or try your hand at an oh-so-tropical cocktail.
If you need a pointer in the right direction, keep on reading. We've put together a list of our favourite mixers for rum, and, if you're feeling inspired, we've got rum too! Check out our online store for various rums, including our Red.H Caribbean Spiced Rum.
1. Rum & Tonic Water
When you think of tonic water, you probably think of a good old G&T - but that's not all tonic is good for. Known for the iconic bittersweet taste of its key ingredient, quinine, tonic is one of the most versatile mixers around. Add a splash of tonic water to a well-aged rum to create something sweeter and deeper than a classic G&T.
Here's how to create an irresistible rum & tonic water:
- Fill a highball glass with ice
- Use one part rum to four parts tonic
- Shake or stir it well
- Add a slice of lemon and a few mint leaves to garnish
2. Rum, Lime Juice & a Twist of Lemon
The bright, zesty flavours of lime contrast perfectly with the sweet, spiced flavours of rum to create a well-balanced drink that's refreshing, tropical, and infinitely drinkable.
Here's how to mix up the perfect tipple:
- Add lime juice, mint, and sugar into a cocktail shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 20 seconds.
- Add 180ml of light rum and shake it again until it's thoroughly combined.
- Strain it into a glass and garnish with lime wedges and mint leaves.
- To create a less intense cocktail, top it off with soda water.
3. Rum & Ginger Ale
A classic Dark and Stormy cocktail is never out of season. This essential on the International Bartender Association cocktail list doesn't include lime, but if you want to make this drink even more refreshing, feel free to add a splash of lime juice.
The flavours of ginger ale and rum are such a perfect match that you can use any kind of rum for this drink, although our favourite is spiced-aged rum.
Here's how to make a delicious Dark and Stormy cocktail:
- Add one part rum to three parts ginger ale
- If you want an extra bit of zest, add lime juice. Otherwise, simply garnish with lime.
- If you're making this during summer - and you definitely should - add crushed ice to your glass before pouring.
4. Rum & Orange Juice
Sweet, tart, and perfectly delicious, a rum and orange juice is a fresh spin on a classic Screwdriver cocktail. Depending on your preference, you can use aged rum, dark rum, coconut rum, or white rum - either way, it's bursting with tropical flavours that make it perfect for a hot summer's day.
Here's how to mix up a wonderfully simple rum and orange juice:
- Mix one part rum to 2.5 parts orange juice.
- Add some grenadine syrup and lime juice if you want to jazz it up.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel, and you're ready to lounge in the sunshine.
5. Rum & Coconut Water
Coconut water probably conjures up thoughts of post-exercise electrolyte-replenishing hydration, but that's not all coconut water is suitable for. It's also amazing when mixed with rum.
The delicate coconut flavours blend perfectly with dark or white rum to create an instant Caribbean classic.
Here's how:
- Combine one part rum with two parts coconut water.
- Use vanilla rum for more warmth, sweetness, and an extra dash of fun.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
6. Rum & Cranberry Juice
While it isn't as well-known as its sibling, vodka and cranberry juice, rum, and cranberry juice is a tart, fresh, and easy-to-drink summer favourite - plus, it couldn't be any easier to whip up. Add loads of crushed ice for a summer cooler, or use spiced rum to transform this drink into a winter warmer.
Here's how to create this super-refreshing summer delight:
- Mix one part rum to 2.5 parts cranberry juice.
- Garnish with a wedge of lime.
7. Rum & Grapefruit Juice
This cheeky citrus cooler is perfect for a party or relaxing on your patio while watching the sunset. If you want to turn this into a Dirty Diana cocktail, simply add peach bitters, agave nectar, and lime juice.
But, if you want something straightforward, simple, and oh-so-refreshing, you can mix it up with only two ingredients.
Here's how to make this juicy, tropical favourite:
- Combine two-thirds of a cup of grapefruit juice with 90ml of light rum.
- If you want to transform it into a Dirty Diana, add 25ml lime juice, 25ml agave nectar, and a splash of peach bitters.
- If you want to tone down the intensity of your drink, top it up with some soda water.
There you have it, seven summer refreshers made from rum and only one additional ingredient (unless you want to take your mixology to the next level and get creative with a few extra ingredients).
While there's nothing wrong with a classic rum and coke, hopefully these tropical rum mixers have inspired you to take the leap and try something new.
If you're keen to try one of our recipes but don't have any rum in the cupboard, don't worry, we've got you covered. Head to our online store for a wide selection of dark, light, aged, and spiced rums - you name it, we've got it!