25 White Rum Cocktails—Simple Light or Silver Rum Drinks

White rum cocktails take us back to sunny beach days. You can’t go wrong, whether sipping on a classic Mojito or mixing something new.

White rum cocktails (also known as Clear, Light or Silver Rum drinks) are a favorite for many. They’re among the top drinks you can make at home with a clear spirit. They’re not just well-liked; they’re also easy to mix. You can quickly make great rum drinks with basic ingredients and well-known recipes. As you learn more about these drinks, you’ll come across cool cocktail names like “Rum Runner”, “Hurricane”, and “Beachcomber”. So, when you want a cool drink, remember that making these cocktails is simple and fun.

Our Top 5: We love white rum drinks! First is the Mojito, which is minty and tangy. Next is the Daiquiri with its simple mix. We also love the tropical Piña Colada. The Cuba Libre is cool with cola, and the Caipirissima is sweet and tangy. These mixed drinks make us think of good times!

25 Best White Rum Cocktails

Our team at DrinksWorld has experimented with many recipes and created a selection of notable drinks using white rum.

Mojito

The Mojito hails from Cuba and is one of its most iconic drinks. Legend has it that this refreshing cocktail was a favorite of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway when he lived in Havana. The combination of mint and lime gives it a refreshing taste, perfect for hot days.

Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a true classic named after a small village in Cuba. With just three ingredients, it shows how simple can often be best. This drink became popular in the US in the early 1900s, and its fame skyrocketed when President John F. Kennedy declared it his favorite cocktail.

Piña Colada

If you love tropical vibes, the Piña Colada is for you. Originating in Puerto Rico, this cocktail instantly transports you to the beach with its creamy coconut and tangy pineapple flavors. Fun fact: it’s been Puerto Rico’s national drink since 1978!

Cuba Libre

The Cuba Libre, which means “Free Cuba”, is more than just a rum and cola. Its name and creation are tied to the end of the Spanish-American War. When served with a wedge of lime, it’s a nod to freedom and the Cuban spirit.

Caipirissima

The Caipirissima is a twist on Brazil’s famous Caipirinha but swaps out cachaça for white rum. Like its sibling, it’s all about muddling the lime and sugar together to get that sweet and tangy flavor. It’s a testament to how versatile and international cocktails can be.

Tom Collins

Originally a gin-based drink, swapping gin for white rum becomes a refreshing and fizzy delight. The Tom Collins is served in a tall glass, often with a cherry and a slice of lemon as garnish. Fun fact: It’s named after a hoax in New York in the 1870s called “The Great Tom Collins Hoax.”

Mai Tai

A tropical treat that means “very good” in Tahitian. The Mai Tai is a colorful cocktail with a fruity and nutty flavor. Legend says it was invented in the 1940s in California, though two different bars claim to be its birthplace!

Rum Punch

A party staple in the Caribbean, Rum Punch is all about its fruity flavors. The saying “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak” is an old rhyme used to remember the recipe.

Hemingway Daiquiri

This is a tangy variant of the classic Daiquiri named after Ernest Hemingway. It’s said Hemingway loved rum it so much he’d have doubles, which were eventually called “Papa Dobles” in his honor.

Rum Sour

Like a Whiskey Sour, but with rum! The egg white (if added) gives it a creamy froth on top. Cocktails with egg whites have been around since the 19th century, making them classic choices for those in the know.

Coconut Mojito

A tropical spin on the traditional Mojito. Adding coconut cream gives this cocktail a creamy texture and tropical flavor, making you feel like you’re on a beach vacation.

Blue Hawaii

This vibrant blue cocktail instantly stands out. Invented in Hawaii in the 1950s, it’s like a tropical postcard in a glass, both in taste and appearance.

Rum Runner

Named after the real rum runners who smuggled during Prohibition, this fruity drink is packed with berry and banana flavors.

Rum Rickey

It’s a fizzy and zesty cocktail that was traditionally made with gin. This version offers a sweeter and more tropical twist. The “Rickey” part of the name dates back to an American lobbyist, Colonel Joe Rickey, who inspired the drink in the 1880s.

Rum Swizzle

Known as Bermuda’s national drink, the Rum Swizzle is a mix of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. “swizzle” refers to the traditional method of stirring the drink with a special swizzle stick.

Bahama Mama

This vibrant cocktail takes its inspiration directly from the sun-kissed shores of the Bahamas. With a mix of three different spirits, it’s a heady and tropical treat. The name, while fun and catchy, is a nod to the rich and diverse culture of the Bahamas. When sipped, it’s as if you’re lounging on a Bahamian beach, with the waves gently crashing nearby.

Zombie

A drink with a curious name, the Zombie traces its roots to the tiki culture of the 1930s. Donn Beach, the founder of the famous Don the Beachcomber bar, reportedly crafted this drink to help a hangover customer. It’s said that after drinking it, the customer exclaimed that it made him feel like the living dead, hence the name. 

White Cuban

A creamy twist on the famous Black Russian, the White Cuban marries the tropical notes with the deep richness of coffee. The cocktail is a testament to the versatility of white rum, proving that it can be both refreshing in light concoctions and indulgent in creamy mixtures. It’s a delightful after-dinner drink that hints at the Caribbean nightlife.

Painkiller

The Painkiller is a sailor’s delight born in the British Virgin Islands. Crafted initially at the Soggy Dollar Bar, where patrons would swim to the bar, spending their drenched bills, the cocktail promises a sweet escape from life’s pains. Its tropical ingredients and a dash of warming nutmeg make it the perfect antidote to a rough day.

Ti’ Punch

A staple in the French Caribbean, especially Martinique and Guadeloupe, “Ti'” stands for “petit” or “small” in Creole. The drink is often served as an aperitif. The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity and deep connection to the islands culture. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a ritual where drinkers are encouraged to customize their balance of sweetness and tartness.

Sea Breeze

While traditionally a vodka-based drink, the Sea Breeze transforms into a tropical refresher when made with white rum. The sea’s cool winds and the sun’s warmth are captured in a glass. Thanks to the cranberry juice, the pink hue makes it a visual delight.

Planter’s Punch

With its origins in Jamaica, Planter’s Punch has an old rhyme: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.” This age-old formula ensures a perfect blend of flavors. The cocktail’s name is believed to be tied to the old plantations, where it was a favorite among the planters.

Cable Car

A modern classic was invented in the 1990s at the Starlight Room in San Francisco. The cocktail’s name and inspiration come from the city’s iconic cable cars. The cinnamon sugar rim gives this drink a unique twist, making it a delightful tangy, sweet, and spicy balance.

Rum Flip

Flips have been around since colonial times, often seen as a warming winter drink. The Rum Flip is a rich and nourishing drink with a creamy texture from the whole egg. It’s a liquid dessert, and the sprinkle of nutmeg on top makes it perfect for cozy nights.

El Floridita

It is named after the famous El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba, where Hemingway was known to enjoy his drinks. This cocktail is a sweeter and more colorful variant of the Daiquiri. The maraschino liqueur adds a cherry-almond flavor.

Top 5 white rum brands (aka Silver or Light) to use in cocktails (Yes, Bacardi made the list… )

We requested our DrinksWorld specialists and bartenders to recommend the top white rums for mixing. These are their top choices:

1. Bacardi

   Bacardi started in Cuba in 1862. Today, people everywhere recognize its bat logo. This smooth rum is popular for classic drinks like Mojitos and Daiquiris.

2. Havana Club

   Havana Club also comes from Cuba and began in 1934. It offers a strong and rich flavor, capturing the spirit of Cuban beaches and parties. When you add Havana Club to a cocktail, you get a little touch of vacation.

3. Captain Morgan

   Many know Captain Morgan for spiced rum, but their white rum shines, too. They distill it five times to make sure it’s clean and pure. It’s great in a mix with a fun pirate name and smooth taste.

4. Mount Gay

   Mount Gay comes from Barbados. It’s special because it’s one of the oldest brands, starting in 1703. It has a slightly sweet flavor, which makes it a favorite for mixing in various drinks.

5. Wray and Nephew

   This one stands out because of its strong taste. Made in Jamaica, Wray and Nephew packs a punch. People love it in traditional Jamaican drinks, which always leaves an impression.

Other Rum types

Gold

This type has a deeper color with hints of caramel and vanilla. Great for sipping or mixing.

Dark

Dark rum offers strong molasses and chocolate notes. It’s a favorite in desserts and warm drinks.

Spiced

This type is infused with spices like vanilla and cinnamon and stands out in flavor. It’s ideal with cola or in a punch.

Overproof

With a high alcohol content, overproof rum brings strength and boldness. Use sparingly in cocktails for an extra kick.

Aged

Sitting in barrels for years, aged rum is rich in flavors like tobacco and tropical fruits. Best enjoyed straight.

When to serve white rum cocktails?

• Summer Days: White rum cocktails are great for summer because they’re light and refreshing, perfect for barbecues and pool parties.
• Tropical Vibes: For beach or island-themed parties, white rum fits right in, giving that Caribbean feel.
• Day Events: Their lightness makes white rum drinks popular for daytime gatherings like brunches and picnics.
• Casual Hangouts: For relaxed times with friends or watching a game, white rum cocktails keep things simple and tasty.

More Rum Drinks:

Besides white rum drinks, other rum drinks make tasty cocktails worth trying:

• Dark Rum Cocktails
• Spiced Rum cocktails
• Gold Rum Cocktails
• 2-ingredient white rum drinks

Other classic drinks:

• Vodka cocktails
• Tequila cocktails
• Triple Sec cocktails

FAQs

1. How is white rum different from dark rum? White rum is typically aged for a shorter period than dark rum, and it’s often filtered to remove any color. Dark rum has a deeper, richer flavor due to its longer aging process.
2. Is white rum good for beginners? Yes, its light and mild flavor makes it an excellent choice for those new to rum or cocktails.
3. What mixers go well with white rum? Common mixers include coke, ginger ale, fruit juices (like pineapple, orange, or lime), and soda water.
4. How long does a white rum cocktail last once made? For the best taste, consume it immediately. However, if needed, you can refrigerate it for a day.
5. What fruits pair well with white rum cocktails? Lime, lemon, pineapple, mango, and berries.
6. Is ice necessary? Ice chills and dilutes the drink, enhancing the flavors. Most cocktails benefit from ice, but it’s not mandatory.
7. What glasses are best for white rum cocktails? Depending on the cocktail, you might use a tumbler, martini, or highball glass.

Easy white rum cocktail: Daiquiri Recipe (and 24 More)

Check out this easy daiquiri recipe! It’s a simple yet tasty choice with rum, lime juice, and syrup.