When I think of the sights, scents, and tastes of summer, a beachside cocktail is right up there with the smell of a fresh bottle of SPF 50 and the hot sand under my feet. Always a sucker for a good Mai Tai at a Tiki bar, Rum-based cocktails always transport me to some faraway tropical island where I’m working on my base tan.
Whether you’re on a sandy beach in Jamaica or just pretending to be from the comfort of your own home, we’ve got you covered on the best rum drinks this summer. Rum is also the perfect liquor to improvise with on the fly – try coconut rum on the rocks with a splash of pineapple juice, a hot and spicy ginger beer mixed with dark spiced rum, or white rum blended with ice, lime juice, fresh fruit you have on hand, and a simple syrup for a no-fuss daiquiri.
From classic pina coladas to mixing up the perfect rum and coke, you’ll be bonding with your shaker and blender all summer long with these iconic rum drinks. What’s my ultimate favorite way to use rum, you ask? Well, I love to swap rum in place of tequila, gin, and vodka for a fresh and unexpected spin on a margarita, martini, and even a rum sunset.
We know you’ll love our list of the best summertime rum cocktails – be sure to enjoy them poolside (or even couch-side.) Want even more summer cocktail ideas? Check out our best vodka cocktails, best gin cocktails, and best big batch cocktail recipes!
For more boozy summer ideas, check out our favorite summer cocktails, too!