National Rum Day arrives on August 16 in the midst of the Third Rum Revolution. The sugarcane-based spirit hasn’t been this popular since tiki drinks took the world by storm, but this time it’s sipping rums leading the way. Still, there’s plenty of room for good rum cocktails.
To celebrate National Rum Day 2021, we put together a list of sipping rums with options to fit any budget, along with a few cocktails that should get any party going. Check out below for some of our favorite drinks to enjoy this upcoming Monday–or really any time.
Sipping Rums
Diplomático Mantuano ($25)
Diplomático Mantuano is an authentic blend of rums aged for up to eight years. Versatile, Mantuano is ideal for mixing in cocktails while also maintaining its complexity for those who prefer to drink it neat. Opening up with aromas of dried plums, oak and a delicate spiciness, it is complex and well-balanced on the palate, following on with notes of dried fruits, wood and vanilla.
Ron Barcelo Imperial ($27)
Aged in ex-bourbon barrels in the Dominican Republic, Ron Barcelo Imperial arrives in a bright copper-amber color. Aromas of buttercream, dried cherries, intense vanilla, pineapple jam and caramelized walnuts are followed by a dry, fruity body, full of depth and balance. It ends with notes of carrot cake, kola nut, mocha, and a strong toasted flavor that slowly fades.
Zaya Gran Reserva Rum ($40)
Produced in Trinidad & Tobago, Zaya Gran Reserva is an ultra-premium rum comprised of a blend of rare rums aged up to 16 years, carefully selected by the Zaya master blender to achieve a delicate balance and unique profile. On the palate, Zaya offers rich notes of vanilla, caramel, cocoa, apple, banana, and cherry and gives way to a heavy, velvety smooth finish. (40% ABV).
Ron Abuelo Two Oaks Xii Años ($60)
Crafted from a blend of aged (between 8 and 40+ years old) rums averaging just over 11-years old. The benchmark rum was first matured in white oak bourbon barrels before being finished for an additional nine months in first fill extra-charred American oak barrels. The rum offers a bouquet of light smoke and toasted oak supported by vanilla and nuts. Lightly smoky and velvety in the mouth, Two Oaks has an intense taste of spice, caramel and roasted coffee beans with hints of coconut that lead to a long and lingering finish.
Foursquare Redoutable ($132)
Named one of the world’s best rums at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021, Foursquare is known as one of the world’s finest rum distilleries and Redoutable is one of its most exceptional offerings. “Dried lemon and grapefruit hints combine with heady wood aromas on the nose,” said IWSC judges. “The palate is explosive, with opulent notes of vanilla, raisin and woodsmoke. Ridiculously sumptuous, this is an absolute powerhouse of a rum that is quite simply outstanding.”
Rum Cocktails
Ocho Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho
- ¼ oz. simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura® bitters
Add all ingredients into a rocks glass, fill with ice and stir until well mixed and very cold. Garnish with orange peel.
Cruzan Rum Mango Rum Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1 part Cruzan Mango Rum
- 1 part DeKuyper TripleSec Liqueur
- ½ part Lime Juice
- 1 part Mango
Puree the mango. Add mango to ingredients, shake over ice, strain and serve in a margarita glass.
Pusser’s Painkiller
Ingredients:
- 2-ounces (60 ml) Pusser’s Rum
- 4-ounces (120 ml) pineapple juice
- 1-ounce (30 ml) orange juice
- 1-ounce (30 ml) cream of coconut
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Add liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into a big glass or goblet filled with ice. Grate fresh nutmeg on top. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry. Be careful–this is a smooth and sneaky drink. Enjoy!
Mai Tai On The Rocks
As the old tiki adage goes, ‘what one rum can’t do, two rums can’. On The Rocks blends Cruzan’s light and dark rums with flavors of orange, pineapple, orgeat, and coconut to create the perfect Mai Tai. No measuring needed.
The Glorious – (Created by Cristobal Srokowski, Ron Abuelo Global Brand Ambassador)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. Ron Abuelo 12 Años
- 3/4 oz. Fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz. Simple syrup
- 4 Dashes Angostura bitters
- 8-10 Fresh mint leaves
- Top off with Champagne or dry sparkling wine, chilled
Shake and double strain ingredients into a coupette or large flute. Top off with chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine, stir gently and garnish with an orange peel and/or fresh sprig of mint.
Rum Mocha
Ingredients:
- 1 ounces SelvaRey Chocolate Rum
- 3 ounces Sweetened Cold Brew
Combine rum and cold brew over ice. Stir. Garnish with an orange wedge.