The sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun—alright, it’s simply the sound of your children in the pool and the warmth of your barbecue, but similar enough. Do you long for that island-vibe summer cocktail experience without requiring a passport? You’re not alone. This summer, add a splash of fun to your party with some tropical classics and their modern twists. It’s high tide for rum cocktails, and we’ve got the anchor for your bar.
The Classic Mojito
If cocktails were royalty, the Mojito would be king. It’s the patron saint of summer, mint-fresh and lime-crisp. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Just muddle 2 parts white rum with mint sprigs, 1 part lime juice, and agave nectar, then top it all off with soda. Float a mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish, and you might hear a faint “Olé!” from your glass.
Piña Colada
Do you like getting caught in the rain? No? That’s okay. You’ll love the Piña Colada anyway. It’s as easy as blending 3 parts white rum with 3 parts pineapple juice and 1 part cream of coconut until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass (frozen if that caught-in-the-rain thing is your style) and garnish with a pineapple wedge. And if you have a tiny umbrella, this… this is the moment it was made for.
Mai Tai
Ah, the mystery Mai Tai. There’s no need for a time travel machine — just a shaker. Just add Kraken rum to half a part each of orgeat, orange curaçao, and lime juice, and you’re in the tiki room. How you float your extra rum in there is your own personal touch, but one thing’s for sure, that almond syrup’s got secrets worth sipping.
Rum Punch
For the party starter, Rum Punch is the freestyler’s dream. It’s like jazz — a basic framework (1 part sour, 2 parts sweet, 3 parts strong, 4 parts weak), but every player’s got their own riff. Whether you go English-Style with tea or just keep pouring layers of fruit juice, you’re good. Don’t forget to top it with nutmeg — the final trill.
Daiquiri
Hemingway didn’t just write novels; he kind of inspired a cocktail. The Hemingway Daiquiri, or the Papa Doble, presents a drier and tangier rendition of the classic cocktail. Incorporate grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur into your 2:1:1 ratio of simple syrup, lime juice, and rum. Shake with ice, then strain for a refined drink.
Hurricane
This New Orleans classic is as wild as the storm it’s named for. 2 parts light rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, a splash of grenadine, and maybe a hint of mystery. Make sure to serve this in specialty hurricane glasses, or in a pinch (pun intended), a tall glass.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy
For an esteemed cocktail like a bar bet in Bermuda, consider the Dark ‘n’ Stormy. The key ingredients of dark rum, ginger beer, and a lime wedge create a delightful and invigorating mix. Adhering to the principle of upholding the revered Gosling’s trademark, it is imperative to use their Black Seal Rum in your glass.