A potent mix of light and dark rums swimming together in an inviting elixir of tropical flavors.
The name Rum Runner sounds like a dashing booze smuggler or bootlegger, transporting their wares through exotic island locales and evading corrupt local policemen. After any number of pitfalls, chases and booby traps, our hero reaches a rickety, but welcoming, seaside bar to cheers and a celebratory libation.
Maybe there was somebody like that years and years ago, but seeing as how rum was and is pretty easy to get, maybe not? We can’t be sure though. During Prohibition a figure like that would have become quite the legend, but most of what was served at speakeasies were gin, whiskey and champagne. And where rum was plentiful in the world at that time, well it didn’t need any runners running it.
So tonight’s drink, the Rum Runner, doesn’t have the most romantic or exciting history. It doesn’t have to, though. The cocktail itself, with its delectable blend of tropical flavors and two types of rum, can evoke any number of wistful and faraway daydreams. All it takes is one sip and your imagination begins to work its magic. This libation is quite the muse, if I’m being honest.
While there have been a few mixed drinks that have had the name Rum Runner over the years, from the 1930s to the 1950s, it was the recipe that was created in the 1970s that has become the most well-known. At the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida, bar manager John Elber had an overstock of both light and dark rums in his stores. In an attempt to thin it out, he crafted the Rum Runner in order to use both spirits up as quickly as possible. The resulting drink turned out to be quite popular, and Elber needed to keep the bar regularly stocked with rum to make them.
What Is The Best Rum To Use In A Rum Runner?
As you’ll need both light and dark rums for this drink, you have quite a few options to choose from. I’ll try and help. Whenever I need a light variety of rum, I turn to a trusty and reliable bottle of Bacardi Silver. It’s inexpensive and an all around great spirit for mixing. For the dark, a strong and potent Kraken rum will do the trick, and makes for a great sipper when served neat. For a more top-shelf experience, I highly recommend grabbing a light and dark bottle from Kōloa, the Hawaiian distiller.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1/2 ounce banana liqueur
- 1/2 ounce blackberry liqueur
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- Crushed ice
- 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 cubes to the shaker or mixing glass, and either shake it vigorously or stir it thoroughly.
- Fill a hurricane glass with crushed ice, strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, and add extra ice if necessary. Optionally, add a fruit garnish, such as an orange slice, pineapple wedge, or cherry.
Nutrition
What Glassware and Garnish Is Used?
A big drink demands a big glass. Anything less and you run the risk of your glassware exploding. Okay, not really. But anyway, a hurricane glass filled with ice is the way to go with a Rum Runner. Garnish with some slices of fruit, such as orange or pineapple. A cherry on top works, too.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Rum Runner Cocktail?
Absolutely. Nix the rums and replace the banana and blackberry liqueurs with flavored syrups instead, like what you’d put on top of a snow cone. Take a break from the alcohol, but not the tropical flavors.
Similar Cocktails to the Rum Runner
Feeling like taking an island vacation this weekend? But you can’t get to any islands, nor can you afford the vacation. Twist & Toast can at least help with a few drinks to ease the sting as you look forward to that day. Check out some of these resort-ready concoctions that’ll spark your imagination.
- Rum Punch – An ice-cold and fruity-flavored rum drink that’ll remind you of a warm Caribbean breeze.
- Planter’s Punch – This bubbly and punchy beverage will keep your spirits up as you wait for the summer months.
- Bahama Mama – A classic dram that’ll whisk you away from the troubles of the day.
- Dirty Monkey – Bananas and coconuts meet in this strong and creamy cocktail.
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