Take a taste adventure through the fruity, tropical world of the Delicious Rum Runner Cocktail, an iconic blend combining dark and light rums with exotic fruit flavors – a perfect escape in a glass.
The Rum Runner Cocktail is this killer mix of light and dark rums, pepped up with banana and blackberry liqueurs, and touched with fresh orange juice. Add some pineapple juice and grenadine and you’ve got an all-access pass to a tropical paradise. Doesn’t matter whether you’re in front of the TV on a Wednesday evening in the dead of winter — one drink of this cocktail and you will be instantly transported to a sunny sandy beach. (This is why I always keep my passport in the living room.)
What’s so cool about the Rum Runner (other than the really fun name, of course)? Sure, it’s a rum-based cocktail like your Pina Colada and Mai Tai (or Spiced Coconut Rum Shakes!), but it has a unique flavor mix and oh so many layers of taste. Add to those tastes the 1-2 punch of light and dark rum and you won’t be able to ignore the perfect blend of refreshing and robust in this drink.
Why You WIll Love My Rum Runner
- If you’re dreaming of palm trees and the ocean, then this is your drink!
- I love how easy to make the Rum Runner is. Who says complex has to mean complicated? Sure, the Rum Runner tastes like a million bucks, but it’s a cinch to make. Grab your ingredients, mix them, and voila— instant party in a glass!
- The Rum Runner gives that lovely beach vive without being too rich. I often find tropical cocktails delightful but unfortunately too rich and the coconut cream is usually the one to blame for that richness.
Equipment
- A cocktail shaker or mixing glass
- Jigger (to measure liquids)
- Strainer
- A tall cocktail glass
- Spoon or stirrer
Ingredients
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 0.5 oz banana liqueur
- 0.5 oz blackberry liqueur
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz grenadine
- ice crushed
- orange slice pineapple wedge, or cherry, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine the light rum, dark rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
- Add ice to the shaker or mixing glass, and either shake it vigorously or stir it thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are blended well and the mixture is cold.
- Fill a tall glass with crushed ice, strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, and add extra ice if necessary. Add a fruit garnish, such as an orange slice, pineapple wedge, or cherry (this is optional).
Top Tips For a Perfect Rum Runner Cocktail
- Good-quality rum can make a world of a difference in how your Rum Runner tastes. Cheaper rums may have aggressive or harsh flavors and I find that they overpower the fruit’s freshness.
- While it’s not mandatory, you need to remember that chilling your glass before serving helps keep your cocktail cool for longer. Simply put your glass in the freezer a few hours (at least one) before you plan to make the cocktail.
- This tips is probably obvious to everyone but always opt for fresh juice when possible. Freshly squeezed orange and pineapple juices taste SO MUCH BETTER.
FAQs
A typical serving of this cocktail sits at the 310-340 calorie mark.
You can prep a rum runner before a big party; just mix everything up, but hold off on the ice, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, shake or stir it up with heaps of ice, strain it into some frosty glasses, toss on a garnish, and you’re good to go.
You can switch up the rum and liqueurs with non-alcoholic substitutes.
Rum can be a personal thing. For some, a top-shelf rum amplifies the flavor, but you can still make a killer Rum Runner with a mid-range rum. It’s all about trial and error until you find your perfect match.
Delicious Rum Runner Cocktail Variations Worth Trying
The Spiced Rum Runner: If you’re looking for a bit more warmth in your cocktail, use spiced rum.
The Frozen Rum Runner: Perfect for those scorching summer days, just blend all the components with ice to create a delicious rum-infused slushie.
