Summer is the season of barefoot evenings, beach days, BBQs, and—of course—cocktails. And when it comes to warm-weather sipping, rum is a classic that never goes out of style. From light and zesty to dark and spicy, rum’s tropical roots and versatility make it the ideal spirit for summer drinks.
Whether you're lounging in a hammock or hosting a garden party, here are some rum cocktails guaranteed to keep the summer vibes flowing.
🍍 1. Classic Piña Colada
You can’t talk about summer rum cocktails without mentioning the Piña Colada. Creamy, fruity, and endlessly tropical, it’s basically a beach holiday in a glass.
Ingredients:
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50ml white rum
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25ml coconut cream
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50ml pineapple juice
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Ice
Method: Blend everything until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass with a pineapple wedge and cocktail umbrella.
🍋 2. Mojito
Crisp, cool, and minty-fresh, the Mojito is the ultimate garden party refresher.
Ingredients:
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50ml white rum
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1 tbsp sugar
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Juice of half a lime
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Handful of mint leaves
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Soda water
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Ice
Method: Muddle lime, sugar, and mint. Add rum and ice, top with soda, and stir. Garnish with mint and lime.
🍓 3. Strawberry Rum Smash
This is a fruity, fizzy cocktail that’s perfect for summer evenings—and a great way to use up fresh berries.
Ingredients:
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50ml golden rum
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A handful of strawberries
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10ml simple syrup
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Soda water
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Mint leaves
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Ice
Method: Muddle strawberries, mint, and syrup. Add rum and ice, top with soda, and stir. Garnish with a strawberry.
🌴 4. Dark 'n Stormy
Bold and spicy, this cocktail pairs perfectly with grilled food and late-night chats.
Ingredients:
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50ml dark rum
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100ml ginger beer
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Juice of half a lime
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Lime wedge to garnish
Method: Fill a glass with ice, pour in ginger beer, then float the rum on top. Squeeze in lime juice and garnish.
🥭 5. Mango Rum Punch
Fruity, vibrant, and dangerously easy to drink—this punch is a summer crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
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50ml spiced rum
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50ml mango juice
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25ml orange juice
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10ml lime juice
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Dash of grenadine
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Ice
Method: Shake all ingredients except grenadine. Pour into a glass over ice, then drizzle grenadine for a sunset effect.
🍹 Bonus Tip: Make It Local
Want to add a twist? Try using locally made rums or infuse your own with tropical fruits, herbs, or spices. A Yorkshire rum with ginger and honey, for example, can make any of these recipes uniquely British.
Raise a Glass to Summer
With just a few ingredients and some good company, you can turn your summer days into something unforgettable—one rum cocktail at a time. So stock up on citrus, shake out your sun hat, and get mixing.