Ready to embark on a journey of taste and discovery this summer? Rum, a versatile and rich spirit, has long been a favourite of liquor enthusiasts around the world, and, with National Rum Day around the corner, there has never been a better time to explore all that this classic spirit has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned rum connoisseur or just beginning to explore this delicious spirit, get ready to sip, savour, and uncover the hidden depths of rum drinks with our comprehensive guide on how to drink rum. We’ll delve into the diverse range of rum, from light and fruity to dark and complex, and explore the best ways to enjoy them, so read on to dive into the world of flavourful, innovative rum drinks. 

An Introduction to Rum 

Rum is a spirit with a rich history and a captivating production process. The origins of rum can be traced back to the warmth of the Caribbean in the 1600s, and the original process back involved distilling and fermenting molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, to create a potent and flavourful spirit. This discovery quickly spread throughout the region, and rum became a staple in the diets of sailors travelling across the Caribbean for a quick, accessible alcoholic drink whilst at sea.  

Today, the production process remains very similar to the original recipe. Rum continues to be made by fermenting and distilling sugarcane or its byproducts, such as molasses or sugar cane syrup. The production process varies depending on the type of rum being made, but it generally involves fermenting the ingredients, distilling the resultant liquid, and ageing it in barrels to develop its unique flavours and instantly-recognisable taste. 

The Diverse Range of Rum Styles 

Rum is known for its wide range of styles and flavours, which are influenced by factors such as the type of sugarcane used, the distillation process, and the ageing period. Each style of rum offers its own distinct flavour profiles, from light and fruity rums to dark and complex spirits. There is a rum for every palate, and understanding the different types of rum is key to knowing how to drink rum and enjoying this versatile spirit to its fullest. 

Light Rum 

Light rum, also known as white or silver rum, is a popular choice due to its clean and subtle flavours. This type of rum is typically aged for a short period or not aged at all, resulting in a light and delicate spirit. Whilst this gives the rum a sweet but subtle flavour, it contains just as much alcohol as darker rums, and darker rums are produced by further distilling the light rum. With a light body and a milder flavour than other types of rum, light rum is perfect for creating refreshing cocktails like the classic Mojito or the Daiquiri that showcase the subtle tones of this spirit. 

Dark Rum 

Dark rum is characterised by its rich and full-bodied flavour profile. This type of rum is aged for an extended period, often in charred oak barrels, which gives the rum its rich and deep flavours and a dark, amber colour. The sweet, yet intense and dark flavour profile of dark rum makes it as popular today as it was 400 years ago, and an excellent choice for rum enthusiasts of all taste preferences. Dark rum is ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks thanks to its rich taste, or for pairing with chocolate and other rich desserts.  

Spiced Rum 

The production process for spiced rum involves infusing the spirit with a blend of spices and botanical extracts, giving it a warm and aromatic character. As the name suggests, this spiced spirit is perfect for adding depth, complexity, and a tasty kick to cocktails, and it pairs well with flavours like ginger, cinnamon, and citrus, opening up a world of mixing possibilities.  

Flavoured Rum 

Flavoured rum is infused with various fruits or other natural flavours, resulting in a range of vibrant and tropical options. This type of rum offers a wide range of flavouring options that are often not associated with rum due to their sweet taste, such as coconut, pineapple, mango, and passion fruit. This fun and fruity rum offers an interesting twist to cocktails, and mixing it with speciality mixers or fruit juices is a great way to prepare a unique and refreshing summer drink.  

Tantalising Rum Recipes 

Now that we’ve explored the different types of rum, let’s move on to how to drink rum. Rum is the perfect base spirit for creating a wide variety of cocktails and recipes, from classic favourites to new innovative creations, so here are a few tantalising recipes that will elevate your rum drinking experience to new heights: 

Classic Mojito 

Rum has always been a popular choice in cocktails and drink recipes, but there’s one timeless rum cocktail that stands out from the rest – the classic Mojito. Originating from Cuba, this highball cocktail is made with fresh ingredients like rum, lime, mint and sugar, and topped with soda water. To make the most of this classic cocktail, it is recommended to use fresh and authentic ingredients, and to opt for a white rum, rather than spiced rums.  

To make a perfect Mojito, muddle fresh mint, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a tablespoon of sugar into a highball glass, add rum and ice, and top with soda water. Add a sprig of mint and a garnish with a lime wedge for a classic rum Mojito to enjoy in the sun this summer.   

Dark and Stormy  

The Dark and Stormy cocktail has been a popular drink for over a century, and it’s not hard to see why. This cocktail combines the spiciness of ginger beer with the bold flavour of dark rum for a combination that is both refreshing and satisfying.  

The recipe for the perfect Dark and Stormy is a relatively simple and straightforward method, requiring only dark rum, ginger beer, and a lime wedge. Fill a highball glass with ice, add 50ml of dark rum and top up with your choice of ginger beer. Squeeze the lime wedge into the glass, give it a thorough stir, and garnish with a lime wheel to enjoy the timeless deliciousness of the perfect Dark and Stormy cocktail.  

Spiced Piña Colada 

The classic Spiced Piña Colada is a tropical, perfect balance between sweet and spicy, with a creamy and refreshing texture that is hard to resist. To prepare this delicious rum drink, simply combine 60ml of spiced rum, 60ml of pineapple juice, and 30ml of coconut cream in a blender with ice. Blend until smooth and frothy, and pour into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or soaking up the sun at home, the resultant Spiced Piña Colada is the perfect way to indulge in the flavours and heat of the Caribbean.  

These are just a few examples of the many delicious rum cocktails you can create. Feel free to experiment with different flavours, garnishes, and techniques to find your own signature rum cocktail. 

Dive into The Flavours of the Caribbean with Rum Drinks  

As National Rum Day approaches, why not celebrate by indulging in some exceptional rum this August 16th? As a beloved spirit enjoyed around the world, rum offers a world of taste and discovery to all those who savour it, with a rich history, unique flavours, and a bright future.  

If you’re searching for the perfect introduction to rum, or for something a little different, or for more inspiration on how to drink rum, then The Sweet Potato Spirit Company offers a unique approach to crafting rums, with a range of complex, infused rums waiting to be savoured this summer.