Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in cocktails that are both sweet and spicy, just like love itself. Here are 19 rum-based cocktails that will set the mood for a romantic evening or a fun celebration with friends.
1. Classic Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of white rum
- 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
History:
The Daiquiri, named after a Cuban mining town, became a classic in the early 20th century. Its balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a timeless favorite.
Tips:
Use freshly squeezed lime juice and high-quality white rum for the best results. Chill your glass beforehand for an extra-refreshing sip.
2. Strawberry Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of white rum
- 6 fresh strawberries
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Muddle strawberries, mint, and simple syrup in a glass.
- Add lime juice and rum, then fill the glass with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
History:
The Mojito is a Cuban classic, and the addition of strawberries makes it a perfect Valentine’s drink with its vibrant pink color.
Tips:
Garnish with a mint sprig and a strawberry slice for extra flair. Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness.
3. Spiced Rum Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of spiced rum
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and saturate it with bitters.
- Add a splash of water and muddle until dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour in the spiced rum.
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.
History:
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail steeped in history, dating back to the 1800s. Using spiced rum adds a warm, aromatic twist perfect for a cozy Valentine’s evening.
Tips:
Experiment with different spiced rums to find your favorite flavor profile. Flame the orange peel for an extra aromatic touch.
4. Piña Colada
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of white rum
- 1 ounce of coconut cream
- 2 ounces of pineapple juice
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Blend rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and ice until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
History:
The Piña Colada originated in Puerto Rico in the 1950s and has become a tropical symbol of relaxation and romance.
Tips:
Use fresh pineapple juice for a more authentic flavor. Add a splash of dark rum on top for a richer taste.
5. Rum Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of dark rum
- 1 ounce of orange juice
- 1 ounce of pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce of grenadine
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and bitters in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
History:
Rum punch recipes have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations across the Caribbean. This version is a sweet and tangy Valentine favorite.
Tips:
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less grenadine. Serve in a festive glass for extra charm.
6. Rum and Ginger Beer
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of dark rum
- 4 ounces of ginger beer
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add dark rum and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
History:
This refreshing combination of rum and ginger beer is a variation of the classic “Dark and Stormy,” but with a lighter twist for Valentine’s Day.
Tips:
For a spicier drink, choose a ginger beer with more intense flavor. Experiment with different rums for varying sweetness.
7. Hot Buttered Rum
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of dark rum
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
- Hot water
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mug, combine butter and brown sugar.
- Add dark rum and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Fill with hot water and stir to dissolve the butter and sugar.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
History:
Hot Buttered Rum has a rich history as a cozy winter drink. Its warming properties make it perfect for a chilly Valentine’s evening.
Tips:
Use spiced rum for added complexity, and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Serve in a heatproof mug for the best presentation.
8. Spicy Mango Rum Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of rum
- 3 ounces of mango juice
- 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of jalapeño syrup
- Ice cubes
- Chili salt for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine rum, mango juice, lime juice, and jalapeño syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with chili salt on the rim of the glass for a spicy kick.
History:
The spicy and sweet combination in this cocktail is a modern twist on tropical rum punches that have been enjoyed across the Caribbean.
Tips:
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeño syrup. Adjust sweetness by adding more mango juice.
9. Coconut Rum Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of coconut rum
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Muddle mint and simple syrup in a glass.
- Add lime juice and coconut rum, then fill with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
History:
This twist on the classic Mojito introduces coconut rum, creating a refreshing, tropical drink perfect for a Valentine’s celebration.
Tips:
For extra flavor, add a splash of pineapple juice. Garnish with mint sprigs for a more aromatic experience.
10. Rum Chata White
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of dark rum
- 1 ounce of RumChata
- 1 ounce of coffee liqueur
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine rum, RumChata, and coffee liqueur in a glass with ice.
- Stir well and enjoy.
History:
The RumChata White Russian is a sweet, creamy variation of the classic White Russian cocktail, bringing the rich flavor of RumChata to the mix.
Tips:
If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of coffee liqueur. For a smoother texture, use crushed ice.
11. Raspberry Rum Fizz
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of white rum
- 1/2 ounce of raspberry liqueur
- 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
- Raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine rum, raspberry liqueur, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with fresh raspberries.
History:
This bubbly cocktail brings together the tartness of raspberries and the smoothness of rum, perfect for a sweet and fruity Valentine’s drink.
Tips:
Use fresh raspberries for the garnish to add an extra burst of flavor. Serve in a tall glass for a more dramatic presentation.
12. Cherry Rum Sours
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of dark rum
- 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce of cherry syrup
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine dark rum, lemon juice, and cherry syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a glass with ice.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
History:
Cherry Rum Sours are a twist on the traditional whiskey sour, substituting rum for a tropical flair and offering a cherry sweetness to balance the tartness.
Tips:
For a more vibrant cherry flavor, use fresh cherry juice in place of the syrup. A splash of club soda can add some fizz.
13. Passion Fruit Rum Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of light rum
- 2 ounces of passion fruit juice
- 1 ounce of orange juice
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
History:
This cocktail’s exotic passion fruit flavor transports you to a tropical paradise, making it a perfect choice for a Valentine’s celebration.
Tips:
For a richer taste, add a splash of grenadine. Garnish with a colorful fruit skewer for extra decoration.
14. Tropical Rum Cooler
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of coconut rum
- 1 ounce of pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine coconut rum, pineapple juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
History:
The Tropical Rum Cooler is a refreshing, fruity cocktail that takes you to an island paradise with each sip.
Tips:
Garnish with a pineapple wedge or lime wheel. For a sweeter drink, add a splash of grenadine.
15. Pineapple Rum Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of white rum
- 1 ounce of lime juice
- 1 ounce of pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce of triple sec
- Ice cubes
- Salt for rim
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with salt.
- Combine rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
History:
The Margarita is a classic, and this pineapple rum variation adds a tropical twist to the traditional recipe.
Tips:
Use fresh lime juice and high-quality rum for the best flavor. Add a pineapple slice for a decorative garnish.
16. Banana Rum Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of rum
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of ice cubes
- Honey for sweetness (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately.
History:
This creamy, tropical smoothie is perfect for those who want a sweeter, more indulgent Valentine’s Day treat.
Tips:
Add a handful of spinach for a green, healthy twist. You can also substitute coconut milk with almond milk for a different flavor.
17. Caribbean Rum Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of dark rum
- 1 ounce of lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
History:
The Caribbean Rum Sour is a citrusy, sweet rum cocktail inspired by the classic whiskey sour but with a tropical twist.
Tips:
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best results. Experiment with different rums for varying flavor profiles.
18. Coconut Rum Caipirinha
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of coconut rum
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Muddle lime wedges and sugar in a glass.
- Add coconut rum and ice, and stir well.
History:
The Caipirinha is a Brazilian classic, and the coconut rum twist adds a fun and tropical vibe to this simple cocktail.
Tips:
For a more authentic experience, substitute the coconut rum with Brazilian cachaça. Adjust the sugar level to taste.
19. Honey Rum Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of dark rum
- 2 ounces of lemonade
- 1/2 ounce of honey syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine rum, lemonade, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
History:
This simple, sweet cocktail is a twist on the classic lemonade with a dash of rum to create a balanced, refreshing drink perfect for any romantic occasion.
Tips:
If you want more depth, try using spiced rum. You can also add a splash of soda water for some fizz.
Cheers to a sweet and spicy Valentine’s Day filled with these fun and flavorful rum cocktails! Whether you enjoy them with someone special or as part of a lively celebration, these drinks are sure to enhance the festivities.
