Spiced rum cocktails are a favorite for many. They’re perfect for beach days ánd relaxing at home during Christmas time.
Imagine the warm breezes of the Caribbean, where rum isnw’t just a drink but a way of life! From this tropical paradise comes a variety of rum types. But there’s one type that stands out with its bold flavors and spicy kick: spiced rum. Did you know that sailors once believed spiced rum had healing powers? While we can’t promise it’ll cure your ailments, we can guarantee it makes some of the tastiest and easy-to-make exotic spice mixes. Let’s see which simple spiced rum drinks we can make with brands such as Kraken and Captain Morgan.
16 Best Spiced Rum Cocktails
Our DrinksWorld experts made a solid selection to spice things up:
Spiced Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a Caribbean classic and a flavorful explosion in a glass. Traditionally, it follows the rhyme: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak,” an ingredient guideline.
Spiced Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a classic cocktail that has existed since the late 1800s. It has a warm, aromatic flavor profile. It’s believed that the drink was named after a beach near Santiago, Cuba.
Spiced Mojito
The Mojito is a Cuban classic, and when made with spiced rum, it offers a delightful twist. Combining mint, lime, and spiced rum creates a refreshing and aromatic drink.
Spiced Pina Colada
The Pina Colada hails from Puerto Rico and is a creamy, tropical delight. This variation has an extra layer of flavor and warmth.
Pirate’s Punch
The Pirate’s Punch is a bold and robust cocktail that’s fit for a buccaneer. It’s a mix of tropical flavors with the spicy kick of rum. The name evokes images of pirates sailing the Caribbean, searching for hidden treasures.
Drunken Monkey Rum Cocktail
The Drunken Monkey Rum Cocktail is a playful, fruity mix reminiscent of tropical jungles and mischievous monkeys. It’s a delightful blend of banana and coconut flavors, making it a favorite for beach parties and summer get-togethers.
Spiced Hurricane
The Hurricane is a classic New Orleans cocktail, and the spiced version adds depth and warmth. It’s a vibrant and tangy drink, often served in tall glasses and garnished with a cherry and an orange slice. The Hurricane is a Mardi Gras favorite!
Spiced Caribbean Mule
A tropical twist on the classic Moscow Mule, the Spiced Caribbean Mule combines the spicy kick of ginger beer with the aromatic flavors of the liquor. It’s a refreshing and zesty drink, perfect for warm evenings on the patio.
Creamy Root Beer Rum Cocktail
This cocktail is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, combining the classic flavors of root beer with the creamy richness of the liquor. It’s like an adult version of a root beer float, making it a hit at parties and gatherings.
Spiced Palmer
A delightful twist on the classic Arnold Palmer, the Spiced Palmer combines the refreshing flavors of iced tea and lemonade with the warmth of spiced rum. It’s a perfect drink for golf outings or lazy afternoons in the backyard.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum is a cozy and comforting drink, perfect for cold winter nights by the fireplace. It’s a rich blend of spiced rum, butter, and warm spices, making it a holiday favorite for many.
Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame cocktail is as glamorous as its name suggests. It’s a perfect fusion of coffee and spiced rum, perfect to elevate your evenings.
Spiced Rum Bloody Mary
A bold and savory twist on the classic Bloody Mary, this version is a brunch favorite. The aromatic spices of the rum complement the tangy tomato juice, making it a perfect pick-me-up for lazy Sunday mornings.
Bahama Papa
The Bahama Papa is a tropical delight that transports you straight to the sandy beaches of the Bahamas. It’s a fruity and creamy concoction reminiscent of island breezes and palm trees.
Spiced Hot Cider
The Spiced Hot Cider is a warm and inviting drink, perfect for autumn evenings and holiday gatherings. The spiced rum adds depth and warmth to the sweet apple cider, making it a seasonal favorite.
Top spiced rum brands to use in cocktails (Kraken and Captain Morgan included in the list)
We’ve reached out to rum-enthusiast Drinks World bartenders to gather their top picks for essential rums that are perfect for cocktail mixing. Here are the brands that they recommend:
Kraken
Kraken is a dark brand from the Caribbean. It has flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and clove. The bottle looks old-fashioned, which many people think is cool.
Bacardi
Bacardi is a famous rum brand. The Bacardi Oakheart has a smoky taste because it’s aged in special barrels. It also has sweet flavors like maple and vanilla, making it great for mixing in drinks.
Captain Morgan
Almost everyone knows Captain Morgan because of its pirate logo. Their bottles tastes sweet and spicy, with vanilla and dried fruit. It’s a popular choice for many drinks.
Sailor Jerry
Sailor Jerry Rum is named after a famous tattoo artist. The rum is strong and has flavors like caramel and cherry. The bottle has cool tattoo designs on it, which stands out.
Other Rum types
White Rum
Clear and light-flavored, white rum is perfect for cocktails like Mojitos.
Dark Rum
Dark rum is aged in oak barrels and has rich caramel and chocolate notes. Ideal for sipping or in a Dark ‘n’ Stormy.
Gold Rum
A middle-ground rum with a golden hue offers hints of vanilla and coconut.
Aged Rum
This rum has complex flavors of oak and spice. Best enjoyed straight.
Overproof Rum
Super strong with high alcohol content, it’s used sparingly in drinks or cooking.
Rhum Agricole
It’s made from sugarcane from the French Caribbean and has a grassy taste.
When to serve spiced rum cocktails?
- Seasonal Gatherings: These cocktails are perfect for fall and winter gatherings due to their warm and aromatic flavors. They complement the festive atmosphere of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
- Beach Parties: The tropical origins make it a hit at beach parties and summer barbecues. They evoke the feeling of sandy shores and ocean breezes.
- Themed Nights: Hosting a pirate-themed party or a Caribbean night? Spiced rum cocktails fit right in, adding authenticity to the theme.
- After Dinner: The rich and spicy notes make it an excellent choice for after-dinner drinks, either on the rocks or in a cocktail.
- Cold Evenings: On a chilly evening, a warm cocktail, like hot buttered rum, can be comforting and warming.
More Rum Cocktail recipes
FAQs
- How is spiced rum different from regular rum? Spiced rum is infused with spices like vanilla, cinnamon, and clove, giving it a distinct aromatic flavor.
- What mixers go well with spiced rum? Common mixers include cola, ginger beer, pineapple juice, and apple cider.
- Is spiced rum good for sipping? While traditionally used in cocktails, many enjoy sipping quality spiced rums neat or on the rocks.
- How should I store my spiced rum? Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
- What’s the alcohol content in spiced rum? Typically, it ranges from 35% to 50% alcohol by volume, but this can vary by brand.
- How long does an opened bottle of spiced rum last? An opened bottle can last for years if stored properly, but it’s best consumed within 1-2 years for optimal flavor.
- Are there any low-calorie spiced rum cocktails? Mixing with calorie-free mixers like soda water can reduce calorie content.
- Where did spiced rum originate? Its roots in the Caribbean, where rum production has a long history.
Simple Hot Buttered Rum recipe
Check out this Hot Buttered Rum recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Dark Rum
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg - or grate ⅛ of a nutmeg
- 4 oz water - hot
- Lemon wheel - for garnish, optional
- Cinnamon stick - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Mug
- Measuring Jigger
- Spoon
- Small Saucepan
Instructions
- Prep Mug: Warm your mug by filling it with hot water. Empty it after a minute.
- Add Honey: Add 1 tsp honey to your mug.
- Add Butter: Add 1 tsp unsalted butter to the spice mixture in the mug.
- Add Rum: Measure and pour 2 oz Dark Rum into the mug.
- Add Ground Nutmeg: Add either ¼ tsp ground nutmeg on top of the mixture.
- Pour Hot Water: Bring 4 oz water to a boil in a small saucepan. Then, add the boiling water to the mug.
- Stir: Stir the mixture well with a spoon until the butter and the honey dissolve completely.
- Garnish: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon wheel if desired.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Dark Rum: If you're out of dark Rum, spiced Rum also works well, adding an extra layer of flavor. I've even used bourbon in a pinch; it changes the drink but still tastes great.
- Butter: You can use salted butter if that's all you have; just be aware it will add a salty note to the drink.
Making a Pitcher of Hot Buttered Rum:
- Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of dark Rum, 8 tsp of butter, and 8 tsp of Honey.
- Mix: In a large saucepan, combine the water, butter, honey and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then add the Rum.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into pre-warmed mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum flavoring or extract.
- Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps for a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Butter Substitute: Use a plant-based butter to keep the drink vegan. Coconut oil also works but changes the flavor profile a bit.
