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All You Need to Know About Rum

Source shutterstock.com I Rum drink

Rum is a wonder drink and if you love mojitos, coke, or other Caribbean cocktails then that means you have tasted rum before. There are different kinds of rum in the market which leaves many people confused as to which one is the best. The major types are the dark and light rum. First, let us know more about rum. Rum is an alcohol that is made from sugarcane or sugarcane by-products like molasses or sugar cane syrup. The sugar is distilled into liquid alcohol. It can be distilled in different strengths but usually, it is higher than 40% alcohol.

The difference between light and dark rum is that light, silver, or white rum is aged for a smaller period of time. After distilled it is clear. It is filtered until it is free of impurities and can be used in cocktails. It has a sweet and subtle flavor. The dark, black or golden rum on the other hand is aged first. It is kept in a charred oak or wooden barrels for a long time and it turns into a darker color with a bolder flavor. Molasses, burnt sugar, or caramel is also added in it to make enhance its color and flavor.

White rum is used in making cocktails whereas dark rum is usually drunk as it is or can be used in cooking various dishes. Countries like Cuba, Panama, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Venezuela produce white rum with a clean taste and dark rum is produced in Belize, Bermuda, Trinidad, Jamaica, etc.

Now that we know about the difference between white and dark rum, we are all set to start making some great tasting cocktails using white rum. Read through to learn the basics of making cocktails before we jump to the recipes.

Rules for Making a Perfect Cocktail

Source shutterstock.com I Making a Perfect Cocktail

Making cocktails is fairly easy; all you need to know is some basic rules and you can make great tasting cocktails for your friends this season. The three major components of a great cocktail are the base, the modifier, and the flavor or coloring. The base of a cocktail is a single spirit like vodka, whiskey, or rum. The added component to the base is called the modifier which gives it a flavor and its texture. It could be fruit juices, eggs, creams, etc. Lastly comes the flavoring or the coloring of the cocktail. You can add things like bitters, syrups, etc to enhance its flavor and you are all set with a cocktail.

Here are some basic rules you need to follow before you start making cocktails at home.

  • Start with the basics. Don't start experimenting just yet, stick to the basics. Learn the simple cocktail mixes first and follow the steps before you try the harder ones.
  • Always remember that alcohol is the base of a cocktail therefore at least 50 ml of the cocktail should be alcohol.
  • Ice is another major component in a cocktail. People think that adding ice is a way to cheat them of a drink but unless your cocktail is chilled it won't be perfect. It also dilutes the alcohol properly, using dry ice is always better. When using ice cubes make sure they poke above the alcohol line, so fill up that glass with loads of ice before serving your cocktail.
  • A cocktail should be well balanced. Think of how you want the taste to be, it could be sweet, sour, or bitter. Whatever you chose it should be the best from the first sip to the last. Make sure you taste the cocktail after adding each ingredient to serve a perfect glass.
  • Presentation is the key. A cocktail glass should always look nice. Add garnish like lemon zest or fruit wedges, you can also try frosted glasses, etc to make it look more appealing.

Bar Accessories for the Perfect Cocktail

Source shutterstock.com I Bar Accessories for Making Cocktail

Cocktail making is quite creative and as daunting as it might seem, it is actually fun. With the below bar tools in hand, you can surprise your friends with killer cocktails.

Things you need to make a cocktail.

  • Jigger is a small hourglass shape double cup which is made of metal and is used to measure the ingredients.
  • A cocktail shaker is used to shake or mix the ingredients of a cocktail. You can find a Boston shaker with which you will have to buy a separate strainer or you can buy a standard shaker that comes with a built-in strainer.
  • A muddler is used to mash the ingredients like mint leaves or to break the sugar cubes.
  • A long handle metal bar spoon is needed to stir the cocktail.
  • You also need a blender for frozen drinks like the daiquiris and margaritas or if you have to use crushed ice.

10 Great White Rum Cocktail Recipes

Punch Romaine

Source saveur.com I Punch Romaine

The Punch Romaine goes way back to the early 1900s. Although it seems like a long list of ingredients, it is quite easy to make it. Adding all the ingredients with a whole lot of ice turns it into a tasty snow cone. It is said that this cocktail was served as the last drink on the ill-fated Titanic. Here is how you can make it at home.

Ingredients
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 oz. white rum
  • 1 oz. white wine
  • 1⁄2 oz. simple syrup
  • 1⁄2 oz. lemon juice
  • 1 oz. fresh orange juice
  • 2 oz. Champagne or sparkling wine
  • Twist of orange peel, for garnish

Method
  • Take a cocktail shaker and fill it up with ice
  • Add egg white, rum, wine, simple syrup, lemon, and orange juice
  • Shake it vigorously until it becomes frothy
  • Fill up a large couple glass with crushed ice and pour the drink
  • Top it up with champagne and garnish with orange peel

Mary Pickford

Source shutterstock.com I Mary Pickford

If you like sweet beverage then you will love Mary Pickford. It is a simple drink with a beautiful pink color to it. It is a great drink for summers. Your guests will love your company when served Mary Pickford.

Ingredients
  • 2 ounces light rum
  • 2 ounces pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon grenadine
  • Garnish: maraschino cherry

Method
  • Take a cocktail shaker and fill it up with ice cubes
  • Add rum, pineapple juice and grenadine in it
  • Shake well and strain it in a chilled cocktail glass
  • Garnish it with a cherry and serve.

Coconut Breeze

Source shutterstock.com I Coconut Breeze

Coconut Breeze is one of the favorites of cocktail lovers. It has a unique flavor to it and it very refreshing due to the coconut flavor. Sipping on this delicious cocktail will make you yearn for sand and sea.

Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 2 ounces coconut-flavored rum
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons superfine sugar
  • club soda
  • a wedge of lime

Method
  • Take a tall glass and put pineapple juice, rum, lime juice, and sugar in it
  • Stir well to dissolve the sugar
  • Add till the glass it three quarters filled and stir again
  • Add a splash of soda
  • Squeeze the lime wedge and serve immediately.

White Rum, Ginger, And Lime

Source cookswithcocktails.com I White Rum, Ginger, And Lime

The Rum and Ginger Cocktail is a great and refreshing cocktail and is great for summers. You can make it at home and throw a pool party and have a great time with your friends.

Ingredients
For The Giger Syrup
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh ginger cut into 1 inch chunks
For The Cocktail
  • 2 oz rum
  • 1 oz ginger syrup
  • 4 oz club soda
  • 1 tbsp lime juice or about 2 lime wedges squeezed
  • fresh grated ginger for on top

Method
  • Take a pot and put sugar, water and ginger in it. Place it on medium heat
  • Boil it once and lower the heat
  • Let it cook on low flame for 30 minutes and let it cool
  • Strain the ginger before using it
  • Take a glass full of ice
  • Pour rum, ginger syrup and lime in it and mix it well
  • Add club soda and stir again
  • Grate fresh ginger in it and serve

Pina Colada

Source shutterstock.com I Pina Colada

Pina Colada is a classic cocktail loved by all. It was invented in Puerto Rico in 1952. You won't find too many people disliking this great cocktail. Here is how you can make it easily at home for the next get together.

Ingredients
  • 6-7 chunks of pineapple
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon coconut cream
  • 50ml Bacardi Carta Blanco
  • 50ml fresh pineapple juice
  • Ice
  • To garnish: A pineapple triangle

Method
  • Take all the ingredients and put them in a blender.
  • Blend them till it is nice and smooth
  • Pour it in a chilled glass and add the garnish.
  • Serve immediately for a perfect taste

Jamaican White Mule

Source sainsburysmagazine.co.uk I Jamaican White Mule

The next cocktail is the Jamaican White Mule. It is another classic cocktail that is loved by people around the globe. It is easy to make it and makes a great drink for summer.

Ingredients
  • 50ml Appleton Estate V/X
  • 150ml ginger beer
  • a squeeze of lime
  • a lime wedge
  • cubed ice

Method
  • Take the Appleton Estate V/X and pour it in a glass full of ice
  • Squeeze lime juice in it
  • Top it up with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge
  • Serve chilled.

Hemingway Daiquiri

Source shutterstock.com I Hemingway Daiquiri

If you like cocktails you will love the Hemingway Daiquiri. It is a great cocktail that can be sipped all through the day. It tastes great and keeps you fresh for a long time. Try it out by using the recipe given below.

Ingredients
  • 2 ounces white rum
  • 3/4 ounce key lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur
  • 2 tbsp simple syrup
  • Garnish: lime wheel

Method
  • Take all the ingredients and throw them in a blender
  • Add ice to it and blend until it gets slushy
  • Pour it in a glass and garnish with a lime wheel
  • Serve it on a hot and humid day

Louanalao

Source seriouseats.com I Louanalao

This is a beautiful brink pink cocktail with a sweet, tart flavor. The mixed taste of rum with bitter Campari and strawberry makes it a delicious mix. A sip of this drink will keep you refreshed during a hot summer day.

Ingredients
  • 1 strawberry, quartered
  • 1 1/2 ounces white rum
  • 1/2 ounce campari
  • 1/4 ounce allspice dram
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • garnish: orange wheel and a strawberry

Method
  • Take the quartered strawberry and put in a shaker, muddle properly.
  • Take the other ingredients and add ice in it and shake well
  • Double strain it and pour it in an ice-filled glass
  • Garnish it with an orange wheel and strawberry and serve chilled.

Beach-Bum Rum Punch

Source inspiredbycharm.com I Beach-Bum Rum Punch

Another word for rum is fun; sipping on rum takes you to a carefree state of mind and makes life a lot easier for a while. Sipping on Beach Bum Rum Punch is the Hawaiian way of having a great time as it is loaded with rum and will bring out the naughty child in you. Rum mixed with fruit juice is classic so try out this Beach Bum Rum Punch and have a great time.

Ingredients
  • 3 ounces of pineapple juice
  • 2 ounces of orange juice
  • 1 ounce dark rum - plus 1/2 ounce to splash on top
  • 1 ounce coconut rum
  • splash of grenadine
  • lime slice for garnish

Method
  • Take a glass and put pineapple juice, orange juice, 1 oz of dark rum and 1 oz of coconut rum. Stir well
  • Add a splash of grenadine gradually, watch it as it sinks at the bottom and gives it its beautiful color
  • Add 1/2 oz of dark rum to the top
  • Garnish it with a slice of lime and take a sip of this heavenly drink

Double Apple Mojito

Source shutterstock.com I Double Apple Mojito

Learning how to make cocktails without learning to make a mojito is incomplete. This Double Apple Mojito is a classic and is refreshing during the summer heat. Try it out and see how your friends like it.

Ingredients
  • Small handful fresh mint (about 10 leaves)
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • Splash simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves, cooled)
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1/3 cup vodka
  • 2 red apple slices, for garnish
  • 2 green apple slices, for garnish

Method
  • Take a tall glass
  • Crush some mint leaves with the help of a muddler
  • Put ice, simple syrup, apple juice and vodka in it
  • Garnish it with red and green apple slices and watch it turn into a blessing

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From our editorial team

Choose Your Rum Depending on the Cocktail!

White rum is quite versatile. Unlike other white spirits, white rum is aged up to 4 years and then stripped of its color. Its delicate sweet taste adds another dimension to the cocktail. If you are planning to make one of our delicious cocktails, a good bottle of rum matters as much as the other mixers. For example, light-bodied rums like Flor de Caña 4 works better for light mixed drinks like rum and tonic. Hemmingway's favorite and his namesake cocktail Hemmingway Daiquiri requires blonde rum, like Papa’s Pilar Blonde with its slightly sweet taste and citrus notes. Is your collection even complete without a Bacardi Rum. Though inexpensive, it features a unique taste and distinct notes like vanilla, light oak, and cooked sugar. Also, have an overproof rum like Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum handy. It comes handy when you need a cocktail with a strong kick.