Rum Runner

This Rum Runner is a sweet and fruity rum cocktail with fruit liqueurs, juices, and a hidden kick. It tastes smooth and sweet but hides the fact that it packs a punch. Be careful! If you’re craving a tropical drink on the stronger side, this is the cocktail to make.

A rum runner is a classic Key West cocktail that is so well known for a reason – it’s both incredibly delicious and strong! When I think of summertime cocktails, my mind immediately jumps to a drink like this.

What Is A Rum Runner Cocktail

This history behind this tiki cocktail is pretty interesting! The rum runner was first concocted by a man named John Ebert who worked at a tiki bar in the Florida Keys in the 1950’s.

Apparently, there was an excessive amount of rum at the bar, and they needed to get rid of it to make room for their new inventory. So, to clear it all out, John started mixing these fruity rum drinks that we now know as rum runners.

The name of the drink itself comes from the term “rum runners!” They were people who would smuggle alcohol into the Keys during the prohibition period. In true Florida fashion, they smuggled the alcohol by water – not by land.

Even if you’re nowhere near the ocean, you’re going to love making this easy rum runner recipe. Each fruity sip will taste like a vacation on the beach!

Ingredients in the Rum Runner

This list of ingredients may seem a bit extensive, but it’s super easy because it’s only 1 oz of each! You’re going to LOVE this easy rum runner recipe.

• Dark Rum – The rule of thumb when choosing a dark rum is to be selective. While you don’t necessarily need a top shelf bottle of rum, you want to steer clear of the cheap stuff too.
• White Rum – Just like dark rum, you want to be sure you’re choosing a good quality bottle of white rum to mix into your rum runners. The white and dark rums are the base of the cocktail, and the quality of the rum determines the quality of the overall cocktail.
• Banana Liqueur – If you have any extra banana liqueur after mixing this cocktail, put it to good use by making a dessert like Bananas Foster Pudding Parfait! I always keep a bottle of this liqueur on hand, especially since it has such a long shelf life.
• Blackberry Liqueur – (or blackberry brandy!) You can also use this fruity liqueur to flavor other cocktails, like a Classic Sidecar Cocktail, Manhattan Cocktail, or even an Old Fashioned! Just toss in 1 oz of this liqueur to any of those cocktails to add a fresh blackberry twist.
• Pineapple Juice – If you’re having trouble finding pure bottled pineapple juice, the juice from canned pineapple works too. You could also use the sliced pineapple to garnish your cocktail glasses.
• Orange Juice – Use a pulp-free orange juice to make sure your rum runner is perfectly smooth.

How to Make a Rum Runner Cocktail

Just like the Florida Keys, this rum runner is laid back. The steps to making this tiki bar classic cocktail couldn’t be easier!

As long as you have a 1 oz jigger or a shot glass for measuring, a cocktail shaker for mixing, hurricane glasses for serving, and all of the ingredients, you have what it takes to make a perfect rum runner.

First, stay by adding ice to a hurricane glass, then set it aside. You’ll also want to add a few ice cubes to the cocktail shaker, so your drink gets deliciously cold as it mixes.

Pour all of the ingredients into the cocktail shaker.

Shake it well for just a few seconds.

Using a strainer top, strain the mixture into a hurricane glass.

Garnish the glasses, and enjoy! Don’t be afraid to really have fun with the garnishes, too. Making a rum runner is the perfect excuse to whip out the mini umbrellas!

Variations to Try:

• While mini umbrellas, blackberries and orange slices are my favorite rum runner garnishes, you can get even more creative! Sliced strawberries, pineapple, and maraschino cherries are all gorgeous on top of this tropical drink. Whip out your tiki glasses too!
• You can make this drink even more summer-friendly by making it frozen! Simply pour all of the ingredients into a blender and add 1/2 to 1 cup of ice. Blend it all together until smooth, and you’ll have the best boozy slushy to enjoy by the pool.
• For an extra island-inspired flavor, substitute the plain white rum for Malibu coconut rum. It’s a wonderful way to get just a delicate hint of coconut! I would advise against any other flavored rums, as there are already so many other strongly flavored juices and liqueurs here.

More Cocktails to Make this Summer

Classic Mojito – a beautiful Cuban cocktail that is slightly sweet and refreshing.

Bahama Mama – a sweet tropical cocktail that features coconut rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, touch of grenadine, and dark rum.

Mai Tai – a well balanced tropical cocktail that features lime juice, simple syrup, orgeat syrup, curacao, and rum.

Bay Breeze – a beautiful tropical cocktail that has only 3 ingredients.

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