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If you’ve never been to a Tiki bar, you may not understand the grasp, the thrill, the possibility of a classic rum cocktail recipe. It’s escapism in a glass. Everyone knows that you can’t spend the rest of your days bedecked in linen, your feet in white sand, staring out at an impossibly blue ocean. But that doesn’t mean you can’t, for as long as you take to drink a Mai Tai, pretend that your worries are far away. And because Tiki drinks come with a sailor’s ration of rum in them, you’re guaranteed to feel more laid back after drinking one. We’ve rounded up nine of the best ways to mix rum to help you mellow out and escape your worries.
Jungle Bird
This delicate cocktail perches in between sweet, tart, and bitter.
- 1 ½ ounce dark rum.
- ¾ ounce Campari.
- ½ ounce simple syrup.
- ½ ounce lime juice.
- 1 ½ ounce fresh pineapple juice.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold and frothy, and strain into a glass over a giant ice cube.
Mai Tai
Given the too-sweet mainstream versions of this recipe in most bars, the best Mai Tai you’ll ever taste will likely be of your making.
- 2 ounces rum.
- ½ ounce orange curaçao.
- ¼ ounce orgeat.
- ¾ ounce lime juice.
- ½ ounce simple syrup.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake. Pour everything, including ice, into a chilled rocks glass.
Zombie
The creator of this rum drink recipe, Donn Beach, would only serve two maximum to his bar guests. Imbibe with caution.
- 1 ½ ounces gold rum.
- 1 ½ ounces dark rum
- 1 ounce Lemonhart Overproof Rum.
- ½ ounce falernum.
- ½ ounce grapefruit juice.
- ¾ ounce lime juice.
- ¼ ounce cinnamon/sugar syrup.
- ¼ ounce grenadine.
- 6 drops absinthe.
- Dash Angostura bitters.
Combine all ingredients in a blender with ¾ cup of ice and blend on high for five seconds. Pour into a chilled collins glass. Drink with caution.
Navy Grog
Three kinds of rum may seem excessive, but it’s worth it to experience the cocktail as it’s intended.
- 1 ounce light rum.
- 1 ounce dark rum.
- 1 ounce demerara rum.
- 1 ounce honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water).
- ¾ ounce lime juice.
- ¾ ounce grapefruit juice.
- ¾ ounce club soda.
Combine the first six ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until frothy. Strain into a chilled rocks glass with crushed ice. Top with a splash of club soda.
Bahama Mama
The quality of coconut rum you use makes all the difference in this classic cocktail recipe, no sugary liqueurs for a strong, tart tropical sipper.
- 1 ounce light rum.
- 1 ounce high-quality coconut rum.
- ½ ounce dark rum.
- 2 ounces orange juice.
- 1 ounce pineapple juice.
- Splash traditional grenadine.
Combine the first six ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until frothy—strain into a hurricane glass over crushed ice and top with a splash of grenadine.
Daiquiri
Perfection in simplicity, just three ingredients make the world of cocktails go round–add seasonal fruit if you’re feeling très fancy.
- 2 ounces light rum.
- 1 ounce lime juice.
- ¾ ounce simple syrup.
Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
Mojito
When mint’s in season, there’s no better way to use up aromatic bunches from the farmer’s market with this drink recipe.
- 2 ounces light rum.
- ¾ ounce lime juice.
- ¾ ounce simple syrup.
- 2 ounces club soda.
- Lots of fresh mint.
Muddle the mint in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake, and strain into a collins glass over ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig.
Scorpion Bowl
Next time you have a party, put out a Scorpion Bowl to take it to the next level. Don’t forget wild garnishes to set the mood.
- 8 ounces dark rum.
- 2 ounces cognac.
- 2 ounces gin.
- 4 ounces lemon juice.
- 3 ounces orange juice.
- 3 ounces orgeat.
- 3 cups ice.
Combine all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend on high until the ice breaks into fine chips. Pour into a punch bowl and garnish with abandon.
Find the Best Gin Drinks Not a G&T
Not a rum person? View our list of the best ways to make gin drinks that aren’t a standard G&T.
Find the Best Gin Drinks That Aren’t a G&T
Hot Buttered Rum
In acknowledgment of the changing season, a delightfully decadent cold-weather drink rum cocktail recipe.
- 2 ounces dark rum.
- 6 ounces hot water.
- 1 ounce spiced butter.
- 4 ounces butter.
- ½ cup light brown sugar.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- 1 tsp cinnamon.
- 1 tsp ground clove.
- 1 tsp nutmeg.
- 1 tsp allspice.
- Pinch salt.
To make spiced butter, cream spices with softened butter. You can store the mixture in the fridge all winter. Mix rum with spiced butter, then add hot water, stirring until butter melts and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
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