Today, we’re talking rum! Specifically, white rum. 

I’ve always loved how versatile it is – it’s pretty much a chameleon of the cocktail world. 

It can be light and refreshing, or it can be the base for something a bit more… tropical. 

So, if you’re looking to up your cocktail game, or just want some easy and delicious drinks to impress your friends (or just yourself!), I’ve got you covered. 

I’m even going to share some tips on building your own bar and finding the perfect mixer for your taste.

Understanding Your Rum

There are different types of rum, and knowing the difference is key to creating the perfect drink. 

Today, we’re focusing on white rum, also known as light rum or light-bodied variant. It’s a light-bodied variant and a popular choice for refreshing cocktails. It’s the base for so many amazing drinks, and it mixes well with just about anything. 

Then you have dark rum, aged rum, coconut rum, and spiced rum – but we’l keep those for another day.

For now, we’re keeping it easy breezy with our white rum drinks.  Aged white rums, by the way, offer a smoother, more complex flavor than unaged, so they’re excellent for sipping or mixing in more sophisticated drinks.

The Classic White Rum Cocktails: Timeless Classics

Mojito: The classic mojito recipe is a Cuban cocktail and a timeless classic for a reason. Fresh mint, white rum, sugar syrup, zesty lime, and soda water – it’s the first ever mojito and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and minty. 

Make it: Muddle 6-8 mint leaves with 2 tsp sugar or simple syrup. Add 2 oz white rum and 1 oz fresh lime juice. Fill glass with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with mint and a lime wedge.

Cuba Libre: This is such an easy drink to make. It’s basically rum and Coke with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It’s simple, but so satisfying. I mean, who doesn’t love a good rum and coke? A squeeze of fresh lime is the perfect mixer.  

Make it: Combine 2 oz white rum, 4 oz cola, and 1/2 oz fresh lime juice in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Daiquiri: Another simple but delicious cocktail. White rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup – that’s it! Shake it all up with ice and strain into a glass. It’s a refreshing and flavorful cocktail. It’s a classic choice.

Make it: Shake 2 oz white rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled glass.

Next Level White Rum Cocktails

Piña Colada: Okay, this might be the tropical drink. White rum, coconut cream (or coconut milk!), and pineapple juice. Blend it all up with ice and you’ve got yourself a taste of paradise. It’s the perfect mixer and an excellent choice. It’s a delicious drink. 

Make it: Blend 2 oz white rum, 2 oz coconut cream (or milk), and 4 oz pineapple juice with ice until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and/or maraschino cherry.

Mai Tai: This is a more complex tiki drink, but so worth it. It usually includes white rum, dark rum, orange juice, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and sometimes a splash of grenadine or maraschino liqueur. It’s a fruity drink and impressive drink.  

Make it: Combine 1 oz light rum, 1 oz dark rum, 1/2 oz orange curaçao, 1/2 oz orgeat syrup, and 1 oz fresh lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a double old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Float 1/2 oz dark rum on top. Garnish with a lime wedge and/or mint sprig.

Strawberry Daiquiri: A fun and fruity twist on the classic daiquiri. Blend white rum, fresh strawberries, lime juice, and simple syrup for a delicious and refreshing drink.

Make it: Blend 2 oz white rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup, and 1/2 cup fresh strawberries with ice until smooth. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a strawberry.

The Best White Rum Mixers

The right mixer can make all the difference. Here are some of my favorite best white rum mixers.

Fruit Juices: Pineapple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, passion fruit – all excellent choices for creating a fruity drink.  Passion fruit, especially, adds a unique twist.

Sodas: Club soda, soda water, ginger ale, ginger beer, tonic water – these add fizz and flavor. Ginger beer is a classic mixer for a dark and stormy cocktail.  Ginger ale is a lighter, sweeter option.

Coconut Water: A refreshing and healthy option. It’s a great way to add flavor and electrolytes.

Other: Coconut milk, coconut cream, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, lemon juice – these are all great for adding flavor and sweetness.  Sweet vermouth and even apple cider can be fun additions.

Tips & Tricks

1. Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice and other fresh fruit juices whenever possible. It makes a huge difference in the resulting drinks.  A squeeze of fresh lime is key!

2. Don’t Overdo It: Start with a little bit of each mixer and adjust to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!  Finding the perfect balance is key.

Ice, Ice, Baby: Use plenty of ice to keep your drinks cold and refreshing.  It’s important for a stormy cocktail and other refreshing drinks.

Garnish Game Strong: A lime wedge, mint leaves, or a maraschino cherry can elevate your drink.  Fresh mint is a must for mojitos.

Invest in Your Own Bar: Having your own tropical cocktail kit makes it easy to whip up your favorite drinks at home. It’s a great way to impress your friends. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What’s the best white rum?

A: Bacardí Superior is a popular choice and a light white rum. It’s the world’s largest premium rum distillery and the world’s first vinyl record. They also sell personalized Bacardí and have live events and the return of live music. It’s a classic choice.

Q: Can I use aged white rums?

A: Absolutely! Aged white rums add more depth and complexity to your cocktails. They’re 

excellent for sipping or mixing in more sophisticated drinks.

Q: What about other mixers?

A: Get creative! Apple cider, root beer, even hot buttered rum (for those cozy nights) can be delicious with white rum. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Q: Where can I find cocktail recipes?

A: There are tons of resources online, including right here! You can also check out the Bacardí online store. Many bars also share their recipes.

White rum is such a versatile spirit, and I hope this post has inspired you to try some new and delicious drinks. 

So, grab your favorite white rum, some of the best mixers, and get mixing! Cheers!