Can you feel it? That buzz in the air as spring blooms into full swing? Well, get ready to shake things up because we're about to whisk you away on a tantalizing journey through the realm of tropical cocktails, perfect for those lazy afternoons on the deck. And what better way to kick off this adventure than with rum? Picture yourself lounging on a sun-soaked beach, waves gently lapping at the shore, a fruity concoction in hand—yep, that's the vibe we're aiming for. So, grab your shaker because we're about to sprinkle a little bit of that island magic into your glass.

But before we get to the sipping part, let's take a quick trip down memory lane and explore the fascinating history of rum. From its humble beginnings, it quickly became the drink of choice for sailors, pirates, and anyone looking to add some spice to their life.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's raise a glass to springtime shenanigans and the deliciously timeless allure of rum. Cheers, friends!

The History of Rum

Picture the Caribbean in the 17th century, a bustling hub of exploration and colonization. Amidst the sugarcane fields, a byproduct emerged – molasses. Enterprising souls soon discovered that fermenting and distilling molasses yielded a potent libation: rum.

Initially dismissed as a mere byproduct, rum swiftly found favour among sailors, pirates, and settlers alike. Its intoxicating allure wasn't just in its taste; it symbolized adventure, rebellion, and camaraderie. From the raucous revelry aboard pirate ships to the refined cocktail culture of Havana, rum became woven into the fabric of social gatherings and celebrations. As trade routes expanded, rum's popularity spread like wildfire. Distilleries sprung up across the Caribbean, each adding a unique twist to the spirit. From Barbadian rum's smooth and mellow notes to the robust and full-bodied flavours of Jamaican varieties, rum became as diverse as the islands that produced it.

Fast-forward to the present day and rum continues to captivate drinkers with its endless variety and versatility for every cocktail. White rum, with a clean and crisp flavour, is quite versatile for a wide variety of cocktails. On the other hand, dark rum adds depth to cocktails with its full character. Then, flavoured rums, like flavoured vodkas, have caused the industry to innovate with a full new spectrum of flavours.

Of course, while respecting its tropical roots, it’s only right to be missing the sweet spirit in a variety of cocktails with equally refreshing flavours. Find a few of our favourites below.

Rum Sunset

Perfect for the rum enthusiast who's stocked up on all sorts of rum varieties! Check out the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 1 oz Light Rum
• 1 oz Dark Rum
• 3 oz Orange Juice (We recommend Co-op Gold Orange Juice, available at many of our locations)
• ½ oz Lime Juice
• ½ oz Grenadine
• 1 oz Overproof Rum
• Optional: Orange Wedge for Garnish

Directions

Combine all ingredients, except Overproof Rum and Grenadine, in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until thoroughly combined and chilled. Pour Grenadine into a tall glass filled with ice, followed by the contents of the cocktail shaker, and then top with Overproof Rum to create a layered effect. Garnish to your liking.

Frozen Cherry Rum and Cola

Ready to take your rum and cola game to the next level? Check out this fun recipe. View the original here.

Ingredients

• 1 L Cola
• ½ cup Frozen Cherries
• 1 ½ Rum, we recommend Vanilla flavoured
• ½ oz Lime Juice

Directions

Start by pouring your cola into an ice cube tray and popping it into the freezer until it's nice and frozen. Once your cola cubes are ready, grab half the tray and toss them into a blender along with the frozen cherries, rum, and lime juice. Blend it all up until it's smooth and combined. If you want it even slushier, throw in some more ice cubes. Pour into glasses, kick back, and enjoy the fruity, frozen goodness!

Rum n’ Grapefruit Spritz

Get ready to elevate your summer sipping with the Rum n' Passionfruit cocktail! This delightful blend of tropical flavors is sure to be a hit at any gathering. View the original recipe here.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ Dark Rum
• 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur
• 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
• 1 oz Tonic Water
• Optional: Mint and Grapefruit peel for Garnish

Directions

Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Add in all the ingredients and shake it up until everything is mixed and nicely chilled. Pour the concoction over ice in a highball glass. Want to take it up a notch? Go ahead and garnish it to your preference.

Rum Punch

Indulge in a taste of the tropics with our irresistible Rum Punch recipe. View the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

1 oz Dark Rum
¾ oz Aperol
¾ oz Passionfruit Liqueur
½ oz Lime Juice
1 oz Passionfruit Juice
½ oz Simple Syrup

Directions

Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Add all the ingredients and shake it until everything is mixed and nicely chilled. Pour the concoction over ice in a highball glass. Want to take it up a notch? Go ahead and garnish it however you like! Whether it's a slice of lime, a sprig of mint, or even a little umbrella.

Spiced Lavender Fizz

Get ready to refresh your taste buds with a delightful springtime cocktail that's sure to become your new favorite. Find the original recipe here.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Spiced Rum
• ¾ oz Lemon Juice
• ¾ oz Lavender Syrup (We recommend infusing our original Simple Syrup Recipe with Lavender)
• Optional: Lemon Wedge for Garnish

Directions

Start by adding all the ingredients except the Club Soda into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake it up until everything is nicely combined. Then, grab a glass filled with ice and pour in your concoction. Top it off with a splash of Club Soda to give it that fizzy kick. Garnish to your preference and enjoy.

If you make any of the cocktails above, make sure to share them with us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.