The Spiced Rum Hot Toddy

If you ask for a Hot Toddy, then you’ll usually get a whisky, but rum is the perfect alternative, especially spiced rum with those warming spices and rich sweetness made the most of. Enjoy the complex, spicy and caramel notes of spiced rum with the floral viscosity of honey and the vibrant tang of fresh lemon, all stirred up with the woody spice of a cinnamon stick – a true hug in a cocktail.

Ingredients
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
35ml / 1oz spiced rum
100ml / 3oz hot water
1 cinnamon stick
Lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
1.      Whilst the kettle is boiling, measure out your preferred spiced rum and pour into a mug or handled glass.
2.      Pour in the honey too, making sure every delicious drop is in there.
3.      Add the lemon juice. Remember, a room temperature lemon rolled over the worktop makes juicing it much easier.
4.      Top up with your hot water and before getting out the spoon, grab the cinnamon stick and swirl your mix whilst infusing that gorgeous unmistakable oaky spice. Add a lemon wedge for that extra touch and you’re good to go.

You can experiment with adding star anise or using different kinds of rums too, but we think this recipe is pretty perfect if we do say so.

We love trying out different Hot Toddy recipes and you can see some of our others here, including the Toffee Apple Hot Toddy and the Hot Gin Toddy.

KFC and Dead Man’s Fingers Unite for New Spiced Rum

We’re more than used to unusual drinks collaborations by now, but KFC and Dead Man’s Fingers still raised an eyebrow from us. Introducing the limited edition '11 Herbed and Spiced Rum', a bespoke blend born from the unexpected marriage of Kentucky zing and Cornish soul, aiming to tantalize taste buds and show that innovation pays off.

It’s a curious infusion of Dead Man's Fingers' spiced rum with a dash of KFC's legendary secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. Yes, the Colonel's finger-licking formula is part of this spirited concoction! This audacious blend has been artfully crafted to mark the occasion of National Rum Day (16 August), giving you a delightful reason to raise your glass and toast to creativity.

So, let’s get into what you must be wondering – the taste. Well, KFC say this, ‘Although the Colonel’s recipe remains a secret, we can reveal it has the perfect balance of our herbs and spices including black and white pepper, together with the freshly fried goodness of our golden breading that makes our chicken taste so damn good. Infused with the unmistakeable notes of Dead Man’s Fingers spiced rum, the new tipple also has whispers of creamy caramel, vanilla, treacle toffee and nutmeg’. So, on the surface of it at least, there’s no reason why the flavours wouldn’t work, but we’re yet to try (though we would love to!).

If you’re local to Margate, then you’ll get the opportunity to attend the pop-up chicken and rum shack to launch the new bottle, where you can even see how it works in a cocktail courtesy of expert on site mixologists. Zinger Punch or Colonel’s Colada anyone?

If you want to try it at home, then Dead Man’s Fingers suggest a cola pairing if you can’t pull together one of their cocktails, and you can purchase from Amazon (among other places) for £25.

The Best White Rums for Cocktails

White rum is the backbone of so many incredible cocktails, and most of the rum serves as you can see from The Most Popular Rum Cocktails, so you want a bottle that’s totally dependent, versatile, and powerful enough to shine through the other ingredients.

Well, these are just that and more. Let’s waste no more time and get exploring our curated selection of top-notch white rums, starting with the best value picks out there.

£15-25

Merchant's Choice White Rum

This is an unaged Guyanese rum that’s crying out to be a reliable cocktail ingredient. Aromas of ripe banana, zesty lemon, and soothing vanilla invite exploration. Coconut, cacao nibs, grapefruit zest, and toffee tantalize the palate. Notes of cinnamon, almonds, and a hint of milk add depth. The finish features a touch of bitter grapefruit completing a hugely flavourful and varied sip. A versatile addition to your cocktail arsenal for sure, and plenty of those notes would suit a Piña Colada down to the ground.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £17.45

Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum

A globally recognized white rum, Bacardi Carta Blanca's presence graces backbars across the planet. Hailing from Cuba, the brand's origins are as unique as its bat-adorned labels. Crafted since 1862, it boasts a smooth, clean profile thanks to column distillation and charcoal filtering post-aging, THE latter of which it totally pioneered back in the day. Zippy lemon and pear drop notes are detectable on the nose, while the palate offers a little citrusy goodness but what you get with Bacardi is impeccable smoothness and a clean feel, something that is very useful for cocktails. Starring this in a Mai Tai really cannot go far wrong.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £19.90

El Dorado 3 Year Old White Rum

An award-winning gem, this rum secured silver at the 2006 and 2007 International Wine and Spirits Competitions, and a resounding Gold at the International Review of Spirits. Versatile and lively, it really shines in cocktails. As a Demerara rum, it embodies tradition in its crafting bringing alluring brown sugar notes as well as the fresh crispness you want from white rum. We love it. Honestly it could go into pretty much any cocktail, but a Pornstar Martini works very well indeed.

Size: UK 700ml/US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £23.99 / US $19.99

£25-£35

Takamaka Rum Blanc

Straight from the Seychelles, this white rum offers a delicate sweetness and crispness, making it ideal for cocktails and more specifically, the Daiquiri which has established somewhat of a reputation for. Notes of syrupy peach and sugary biscuits are subtle alongside spiced fruits before softly finishing with a touch of peppercorn. It really offers a lot more than so many white rums and whilst the flavours aren’t instantly in your face intense, they creep up on you in the best way possible.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £26.74

J Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum

Something different here, and something unforgettable. As hinted by the green and yellow label, this is an iconic Jamaican overproof rum, clocking it a seriously punchy 63%... and there’s no getting away from that. It’s unaged and pungent with herbal, grassy undertones but more noticeably the funk of overripe banana and pineapple. For adding rum oomph, it’s perfect for tiki cocktails like Mai Tais but for the experience alone, try it with a little coconut water and ice as it’s often enjoyed in Jamaica.

Size: UK 700ml/US 750ml
ABV: 63%
Find here: UK £29.45 / US $25.99

Hoolie Manx White Rum

Embrace the gusts of flavour with this delightful Isle of Man creation, aptly named after the local term for 'very windy'. Crafted from molasses, it's double-distilled in a wood-fired still and charcoal filtered, offering notes of sweet liquorice, biscuity butterscotch, and a zesty kick. It’s one that is really moreish on its own whilst also shining in classics like Mojitos, Daiquiris, and even a simple rum and coke. Could easily become a go-to, especially with the craftmanship and sustainability of the distillery Outlier. Oh, and if you want something stronger than the Hoolie…keep scrolling.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £34

Copalli White Rum

From Belize comes Copalli White Rum, an organic marvel that captures the essence of the region and in an environmental sustainability way too. Crafted from organic sugarcane, harvested, and crushed within hours, this pure gem is distilled using a unique blend of pot and column methods, and canopy water! Even better, the leftover sugar cane fuels the pot stills. The result is a smooth, crystal-clear rum with soft grassy notes, hints of lemon, and a refreshing minty undertone. Embrace the jungle's finest in a clean and fresh feeling Mojito.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £34.44/ $17.99

£35-45

Hurricane Overproof Manx Rum

Isle of Man distillery Outlier already gave us the Hoolie, but what’s stronger than just ‘very windy’… yes, a Hurricane. This powerful rum weaves a tale of double-distilled molasses, with a portion matured in Islay whisky casks, masterfully blended with the unaged brilliance of Hoolie white rum. A smoky intrigue awaits within, a touch of caramel and seaweed, with hints of vanilla, coconut, straw, and star anise. Remarkably smooth for an overproof, it's a force to be reckoned with in cocktails. Pair the Hurricane up with a Dark & Stormy for whirlwind of flavours.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 64%
Find here: £44

Prefer dark rums? Check out our best bottles to try this year right here!

The Most Popular Rum Cocktails

Since bars opened back up again a couple of years ago, rum-based cocktails have been one of the favourite cocktail groups amongst drinkers. From herby refreshers to exotic blends, these tropical elixirs are unique in their ability to transport us to a tropical paradise, but they’re also very easy to get wrong. So, these are the most popular rum cocktails in the world, and how you can make them at home!

Mojito

Rum, mint, and lime – the ultimate refresher is the world’s favourite rum concoction, and very nearly the world’s favourite cocktail if it wasn’t for that pesky Margarita. It may not be quite as trendy as during its 2000s surge, but the Mojito’s popularity is undeniable, loved for it’s natural, breezy, and fresh feel.

Ingredients
50ml white rum
juice of 1 lime
1 tsp sugar/ 15ml sugar syrup
a handful of mint leaves
soda water
Garnish: mint

 Method
Crush a handful of mint leaves with the lime juice and sugar (syrup is easier, but if you use sugar make sure it’s dissolved). Add ice and your favourite white rum. Top up with soda water, gently stir to combine, garnish with mint, and enjoy. Mojit-oh yes!

Top Tip: Always crush the mint leaves as opposed to dicing to unlock all those flavoursome oils.

Piña Colada

Another simple recipe that involves three bold flavours working together – the tropical paradise that is the Piña Colada. Definitely more of a summer serve, this may be the second most popular rum cocktail (battling with the one below). Sweet and creamy, it’s fragrant and fresh with coconut cream and pineapple intertwining with the hearty kick from the rum. Use fresh juice!

Ingredients
60ml white rum
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Garnish: pineapple wedge

Method
The most popular is to blend everything with ice to create a thick boozy smoothie – you may need to crush the ice if your blender has seen better days! Tropical decorations are a must.

Is this your favourite rum cocktail? Check out our innovative twists on the recipe here!

Daiquiri

The Daiquiri may be slightly better known for super sweet slush puppies these days, but when done right it’s absolutely delicious and that’s why it’s competing with the Piña Colada to be the second most popular rum cocktail. Pure and simple, it’s just fresh lime juice and a little syrup supporting but not overshadowing quality rum. Easy on the sugar until you find the ratio you enjoy most!

Ingredients
60ml rum (Light or White, like Havana Club 3-year-old rum)
20ml lime juice
20ml sugar syrup
Garnish: lime twist

Method
Shake everything with ice – do not blend please. Then strain into a chilled cocktail glass, add the lime twist and enjoy!

Top Tip: A blend of two different rums is often used by bartenders, so half white and half Demerara or Jamaican for example.

Is the Daiquiri your favourite rum cocktail? We’ve been experimenting with various twists on the original here!

Zombie

The Zombie has been around since 1934, and the name supposedly comes from the hungover customer who requested the drink and reportedly turned into a zombie for the rest of his trip! There are a few different ways to make it, but really you want three different types of rum, Caribbean falernum liqueur and fresh lime, pineapple, and grapefruit juices. It takes more time than the other rum cocktails, but there’s a reason it’s ordered so much and that’s for the layers of boozy, tropical flavour.

Ingredients
30ml dark rum
30ml light rum
20ml overproof rum
10ml falernum liqueur
30ml lime juice
10ml pink grapefruit juice
20ml apricot brandy
30ml pineapple juice
10ml grenadine
Pinch of salt (optional)
Garnish: orange slice/maraschino cherry/sprig of mint/pineapple wedge

Method
Shake everything except the overproof rum with ice, strain over fresh and ice and float the overproof rum on top!

Mai Tai

Tiki mainstay the Mai Tai is popular wherever you go, and although the history of the drink involves homemade rum and homemade orgeat, things are going to be a little easier today. The warmth of the rum anchors this tropical delight as boozy citrus and nuttiness play off deliciously. Mai Tai derives from the Tahitian word maita’I which means ‘good’ but trust us when we say that’s an understatement.

 Ingredients
60ml blended rum (like Appleton)
20ml lime juice
20ml orgeat syrup
15ml orange liqueur
Garnish: mint sprig

Method
Take everything aside from the mint and shake with crushed ice until you feel and see that the shaker is frosted. Strain over fresh crushed ice and delicately poise the mint spring – voila, one Mai Tai!

Cuba Libre

Whether it’s true or not we don’t know, but the story goes that a U.S army captain was toasting to Cuba’s freedom during the Spanish-American war using this drink. Interestingly, Coca-Cola hasn’t always been available on the island and it’s a key part of this cocktail. This is as easy as cocktails get, so if you mess this up then maybe reconsider mixology as a hobby! Lime juice tames the sweet cola a little which works wonders with the caramelly, vanilla goodness of the rum.

 Ingredients
60ml rum
120ml cola
2 lime wedges

Method
Fill a highball with ice, add the rum and then top up with cola. Squeeze one lime wedge and throw it in, and garnish with the other! A nice little upgrade on a classic rum and coke.

These are the most popular rum cocktails, but perhaps your favourite isn’t in here? Not to worry, because here are 7 Delicious Rum Cocktails, some of which aren’t as popular but who knows, they might be on this list one day.

7 Daiquiri Twists to Try Right Now

Rum, lime, and sugar – the holy trinity that creates one of the world’s favourite cocktails, the Daiquiri. So simple, right? Well, you might be surprised at how easy it is to get wrong. Or maybe not, if you’ve been subject to a sickly-sweet slush puppy version before.

The Daiquiri may well have been inspired by the Cuban Canchanchara cocktail, with its rum, lime, and honey ingredients, but it is American mining engineer Jennings Cox, based in Cuba at the time, who invented it at the turn of the 20th century.

With the U.S. exploiting Cuba’s abundance of iron at the time, many Americans spent time in the nearby town of Daiquiri. One such man was Jennings, who saw the Cubans mixing rum and coffee and started experimenting with his own inventory, eventually discovering the deliciousness of rum, lime, and sugar.

And once he discovered it, so did the U.S Navy and as soon as it landed on American shores and spread to Washington D.C and New York, it became a mainstay of American bars as well as the favourite cocktail for Ernest Hemingway and John F. Kennedy.

So, if you’ve never taken to it before then we’ll help you master the original, and if it’s still not clicking with you then don’t worry because we’ve got a selection of tasty twists for you to try!

The Original Daiquiri

The Daiquiri has somewhat lost its way a little, developing a reputation for overly sweet slush with sickly fruits masking any rum in the mix. If this is your idea of the cocktail, then this is the recipe to try first. Getting back to purity and simplicity, it’s simply fresh lime juice, a little syrup, and good quality rum at the centre of it all. The key thing is getting those ratios right for your personal taste, so easy on the sugar.

Ingredients
60ml rum (Light or White, like Havana Club 3-year-old rum)
20ml lime juice
20ml sugar syrup
Lime twist (garnish)

 Method
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes. Shake well but do not blend! Simply strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add the garnish – voila!

The Modern Daiquiri

Traditional recipes call for a single rum, usually white, but what you’ll often find in many top bars now is a blend of two or three. The different rums carry different bodies and flavours, so the white rum injects vibrance and tang, whilst the darker blends and somebody and richness. Okay, so this isn’t the craziest twist but if you’ve always enjoyed Daiquiris at swanky bars but nowhere else, then this might be why!

Ingredients
30ml white rum (e.g., Havana Club 3YO)
30ml Jamaican or demerara rum (e.g., Appleton 12YO)
20ml lime juice
20ml sugar syrup
Lime twist (garnish)

Method
The same as the original, simply shake everything except the lime with ice and strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass!

Strawberry Daiquiri

Probably the most famous strawberry cocktail, there’s a reason that you might be more likely to find this than the original. If you use ripe, fresh strawberries then you create a more fruity and less tangy twist on the original that’s perfect for summertime. See how sweet your berries are before adding the syrup!

Ingredients
60ml rum (light ideally, e.g., Havana Club 3YO)
50g strawberries
20ml lime juice
15ml syrup
Strawberry or lime (optional garnish)

Method
Setting up the blender is the hardest thing about this cocktail. Simply add everything in with ice and double strain over the glass. Use crushed ice to make your blender’s job that bit easier. Lime or strawberry for garnish. Delish.

Coconut Daiquiri

If you’ve never tried this, then you’re in for a tropical treat. The rich and creamy coconut creates a silky mouthfeel and moreish texture, pairing deliciously with the classic Daiquiri elements. A little intensity, a little tang, a little sweetness, and a lot to love.

Ingredients
60ml white rum
30ml fresh lime juice
45ml coconut cream
15ml simple syrup

Method
Shake all your ingredients vigorously with ice for no less than 30 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Lime or coconut flakes would make the perfect garnish, and of course serving in a coconut shell would be the dream.

The Hemingway Daiquiri

The American novelist loved ordering Daiquiri during his Havana hotel stay in the 30s, but he did have feedback for the El Floridita bartender – ‘double the rum and lose the sugar’. Suffice to say, his version hasn’t taken off at all, but the evolved version has. Maraschino liqueur and grapefruit provide some of the lost sweetness as well as some fruity vibrance. 

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
20ml maraschino liqueur
20ml grapefruit juice
30ml lime juice
Lime or grapefruit (garnish)

Method
Yet again, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with some ice and shake well. Strain into a glass of crushed ice and voila, the Hemingway.

Cucumber and Basil Daiquiri

Step into the garden of Daiquiri delights with this fresh and herbaceous twist. The Basil Cucumber Daiquiri combines the crispness of cucumber with the aromatic charm of basil, resulting in a cocktail that's unparalleled in its refreshment and natural fragrance.

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
30ml fresh lime juice
60ml cucumber juice
10ml basil-infused simple syrup
Basil leaves and cucumber slice for garnish

Method
A regular syrup is a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar, so all you need to do is add a few basil leaves into the mix whilst it’s cooking to infuse that herby flavour. Remove them at the end! Once you’ve peeled the cucumber, blend everything with ice and strain (possibly double strain) over a chilled glass. Reinvigorating and unbelievably refreshing.

Spicy Daiquiri

This fiery and invigorating twist isn’t for everyone, but if you like it then you’ll love it. The spicy kick of jalapeño and the zesty zing of ginger creates a super lively cocktail that you certainly will not forget. The warmth and gentle spices in the rum will be brought to the fore, and the refreshing lime juice tames the whole mix down.

Ingredients
60ml white rum
30ml fresh lime juice
10ml ginger syrup
2-3 slices of jalapeño (adjust to your spice preference)
Jalapeño slice (garnish)

Method
Shake everything for a good old while to infuse the spices, and strain into a chilled glass – super simple to make, and exciting to taste. You could use Sriracha sauce instead for a slightly different spice profile – but go easy!

If you’ve got the taste for cocktail experimentations then check out our delicious Piña Colada twists here, from the Chocolada to the Caramelized Banana Colada!

7 Delicious Rum Cocktails

For some reason, some drinkers pigeonhole rum cocktails as a vacation-only choice, but rum is much more than poolside Pina Coladas…as good as they are.

The tropical rum cocktails are some of the world’s favourites, and deservedly so, but it’s a versatile spirit so here is the best of everything rum from legendary recipes to delicious twists.

Rum Sour

More known for whisky, the Sour style cocktail works really well with rum. You could use a golden rum to pair the tropical brûléed feel with sunny citrus, but we prefer the warming of a spiced rum. The silky egg white adds some decadence and texture, there’s a wonderful tang and sweetness from the lime, orange and syrup, and the toasty spiced rum adds a punchy hit of rich flavour. It’s a lot going on but it really works.

Ingredients
50ml Rum (Bacardi Spiced works well)
25ml Orange Juice
25ml Lime Juice
12.5ml Syrup (Monin works well)
15ml Egg white

Method
Mix all ingredients together without ice and shake, add ice and shake once more. Fine strain into a cocktail glass.

Rum Old Fashioned

The rum Old Fashioned is such an underrated twist. The oaky spice of the dark rum, the zesty structure of the bitters, the bright citrus…this will definitely win the traditionalists over.

Ingredients
50ml Dark Rum (Mount Gay XO works well)
1 tsp sugar syrup
Few dashes of orange bitters
Orange Peel to garnish

Method
Add ice 3/4 of the way up a mixing glass or cocktail shaker and add all ingredients. Stir for 30 seconds until nicely chilled. Fine strain into a cocktail glass.

PIñA COLADA

This is probably the definitive tropical cocktail, right? Sweet and creamy, it’s the ultimate smoothie (okay it’s not officially a smoothie but if you label it as that you can have another one). Unfortunately, no one knows exactly who invented it but whoever you are, we thank you!

Ingredients:
60ml white rum ((Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Garnish: pineapple Wedge

Method:
Blenders at the ready. Combine white rum with the same amount of coconut cream. Add 120ml of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple, a handful of ice, and blend. Garnish with pineapple and an umbrella for the complete holiday vibe.

CINNAMON TWIST

Another creamy rum concoction here with the Cinnamon Twist. Swapping out the fruit for cinnamon creates a wonderfully indulgent milky, spiced rum punch, a recipe that has been around in different forms since medieval times! Spices in the rum will pair perfectly with the cinnamon which brings us to the syrup. You can do this individually (simple syrup plus cinnamon powder) but by adding cinnamon sticks to water and sugar, the syrup is easy to make and gorgeous in all kinds of other cocktails.

Ingredients:
60ml Golden Rum (Mount Gay Black Barrel works well)
44ml Milk
22ml Cinnamon Syrup

Method:
Shake with ice, then strain over a singular hefty ice cube in a chilled rock glass!

DAIQUIRI

We often hear that people dismiss a Daiquri as a childish option, with sickly sweet slush puppy vibes. Maybe that’s you? Well, we’re here to say give it another chance. When fresh lime juice is used, the right amount of syrup and it isn’t blended, it can be simple and so refreshing. Rum and lime are a match made in heaven and the syrup counteracts the tang perfectly - just get the ratios right!

Ingredients:
60ml Light or White Rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
20ml lime juice
20ml simple syrup
Garnish: lime

Top Tip: Fruity-flavoured syrups add a lovely twist to the original recipe - try banana and strawberry instead of simple syrup!

Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes. Do not blend! Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add the garnish.

MOJITO

One of the world’s favourite cocktails, is the Cuban-born Mojito the single most refreshing cocktail on the planet? Rum, mint and lime - it’s aromatic, zesty, reinvigorating and punchy. Ernest Hemingway loved it, and so do we.

Ingredients:
50ml White Rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
20ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
Soda water
Garnish: mint

Method:
We want to get all that flavour from the mint so it’s vital to crush it with the lime juice and sugar. Add ice and a white rum that you love. Top up with soda water, give it a gentle stir to combine and sip the evening away! Top

HURRICANE

One of the many cocktails born out of Prohibition, this New Orleans icon is perfect for when you’re wanting a potent flavour bomb. It has a few more ingredients than most cocktails, but it’s worth it in the end trust us. The trio of fruit juices are key here, so try and make sure you freshly squeezed for as many as possible. It’s zippy, tropical, and sweet and with the double punch of light and dark rum, there are layers of notes to explore until the very last sip. You won’t feel neutral about it that’s for sure!

Ingredients:
40ml light rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
40ml dark rum (Mount Gay XO works well)
15ml lime juice
15ml passion fruit juice
15ml orange juice
15ml simple syrup
10ml Grenadine
Garnish: orange wheel

Method:
All the hard work is done fetching the ingredients here, so just add them to a shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain into a hurricane glass with more ice and voila! An orange garnish works a treat for good measure.

Chances are if you’ve made it to the end of these tasty rum cocktails, you love your rum. So, if you’re drinking it regularly you may as well go the whole hog and make yourself a little home bar! After all, you’ve probably got most of the ingredients already.

Piña Colada With A Twist: 7 Recipes To Make At Home

Those of you who know your Spanish will know that Piña Colada translates to ‘strained pineapple’, a reference to the fresh pineapple juice in the original recipe. Add rum and coconut and bam, you’ve created one of the world’s favourite cocktails and an icon of Puerto Rico! But do we know more about its backstory than the famous Puerto Rican origin?

Well, sort of. 1954 is the most likely year of invention, and San Juan is the location. The person most agree created it is Ramon Monchito, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton Hotel at the time. But like with all hit cocktails, others in the local area claim they came up with it first, so we’ll never know for certain.

Although this is already the definitive tropical cocktail, we love experimenting with twists and variations and particularly with the Piña Colada. It’s sweet, boozy, and creamy which most of us love, but if you’ve never taken to it, then check out these stunning variations below!

The Original Piña Colada

You can’t start experimenting until you’ve mastered the original. The nearest thing you can get to a cocktail smoothie (it must be healthy then, right?) is all about those three bold flavours working together. The texture and fragrance from the coconut, the tropical sweetness of the pineapple juice (fresh is a must!), and the punchy warmth of the rum – incredible.

Ingredients
60ml white rum
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Pineapple wedge (garnish)

 Method
You have two choices here! First, you can blend everything with ice and serve a thick smoothie-style mix. Or you can shake everything thoroughly with ice and strain over crushed ice. The blended method is the most popular but try both! If any cocktail umbrellas are laying around, now’s the time to use them.

Baileys Colada

This variation adds a touch of luxury and creaminess to the Piña Colada by using Baileys Irish Cream instead of white rum. The Baileys adds a smooth and velvety texture to the drink, as well as a hint of chocolate and vanilla flavouring. The lime juice balances the richness of the cream, while the pineapple and coconut keep that signature refreshing tropical twist. How delicious does that sound?

Ingredients
60ml Baileys Irish Cream (you could use others of course!)
60ml coconut cream
120ml pineapple juice
15ml lime juice
Pineapple wedge (optional garnish)

Method
In a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients except any garnishes and ice. Shake well to combine. Fill a glass with ice cubes. Strain the cocktail over the ice. Finally, sip this creamy concoction and feel like royalty!

Jalapiña Colada

Go with us here because this unexpected and spicy twist on the classic Piña Colada will be a thrilling ride for your tastebuds. The addition of jalapeño peppers adds a fiery kick that is tempered nicely by the creamy sweetness of the pineapple and coconut. It creates a surprisingly moreish and lingering warmth that takes the original in a completely different direction.

Ingredients
60ml white rum (darker would work too)
60ml coconut cream
120ml pineapple juice
1 small jalapeño pepper (sliced)
Jalapeño slice/pineapple wedge (garnish)

Method
Begin by muddling the sliced jalapeño in the bottom of a shaker to release its spicy essence. Add the rum, coconut cream, and crushed pineapple juice to the shaker. Shake vigorously with ice, then strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño and enjoy the tropical heat.

Chocolada

This variation adds a decadent and indulgent twist to the Piña Colada by using chocolate liqueur instead of rum. Darker chocolate would work, but to pair dreamily with the pineapple and coconut, we prefer white chocolate liqueur. This is great as a boozy dessert and perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Yum!

Ingredients
60 ml white chocolate liqueur (like Mozart)
30 ml chocolate syrup
120 ml pineapple juice
60 ml coconut cream
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings (optional garnish)

Method
In a blender, combine all the ingredients except the garnishes and blend until smooth and frothy. If you like, you can pour some melted choc/choc sauce around the glass which looks gorgeously inviting. Pour into your glass and depending on your taste, you can shave some chocolate over the top or spray with whipped cream to go all out.

Citrus Piña Colada

Okay, now this isn’t the craziest adaptation, but this is actually the Piña Colada you’ll be served in many establishments these days. There is a school of thought that there should be citrus included in the blend and it’s easy to see why. Limes add a very subtle sharp bitterness and fragrance, and the lemons cut through with some light acidity and go really well with the coconut.

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
40 ml fresh pineapple juice
50ml coconut cream
10 ml fresh lemon juice
10ml lime juice
Lime/lemon/pineapple wedge (garnish)

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with some ice and shake well. Strain it into a glass of crushed ice and voila!

Caramelized Banana Colada

Banana is such a perfect match for the Piña Colada, pairing perfectly with the coconut and pineapple and complementing the tropical rum too. But, for an even more sumptuous twist, how about caramelised banana? The rich and buttery sweetness adds a luxurious depth of flavour and a robust cooked quality that creates boozy smoothie royalty.

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
1 ripe banana (caramelized)
Caramelized banana slice (garnish)

Method
First, the banana. Add the sliced banana to a medium-hot pan with a little butter, a generous sprinkle of sugar and a dash of cinnamon, tossing gently to cover the slices. About 3 minutes on each side should be enough. Leave to cool. After that it’s business as usual, blending everything with ice (or over ice)! Yum!

Tequilada

This variation adds a Mexican twist to the Piña Colada by using tequila instead of rum. Tequila adds a smoky and earthy flavour that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of coconut and pineapple. Coconut water replaces cream here too, creating a more refreshing and hydrating cocktail that lets the tequila notes shine through. Fruity sweetness, soothing refreshment, and vibrant agave - olé!

Ingredients
60ml tequila
100ml coconut water
80ml pineapple juice
15ml lime juice

Method
Super simple - shake all the ingredients and pour over a glass prepared with ice cubes. A true fiesta in a glass.

Next stop on the summer refreshment train... strawberry-based cocktails!

The Best Dark ‘n Stormy Variations

As iconic waterside cocktails go, the Dark ‘n Stormy is right up there. Invented in the 1920s by British sailors looking for a tipple to help with seasickness, it soon became apparent that it was popular with everyone and not just those struggling in the choppy waters.

Goslings Black Seal rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer were the original combination, and unlike most cocktails, this matters. Goslings have actually trademarked the Dark ‘n Stormy (with one apostrophe) and taken legal action against companies in the past.

These days, Goslings use their own Ginger Beer creation too, but if Goslings Black Seal isn’t the rum in your Dark n’ Stormy, then it isn’t technically one at all!

Now of course, when it comes to mixology at home, you can do whatever you like! Baring that in mind, let’s take a look at the best ways to switch up this classic!

The Original Dark n’ Stormy– for the traditionalists

Dark rum and ginger are the two key ingredients here, but many add a dash of lime for a bit of zip. It’s so fresh and vibrant with the sweet and warming spice intertwining gorgeously with thick, caramelly rum. Such a vivid tropical flavour that will transport you away to sunnier climes.

Ingredients
50ml dark rum (Goslings Black Seal)
80ml ginger beer
20ml lime juice (optional)
Lime wedge (garnish)

Method
Probably the easiest cocktail to make – add your ginger beer over ice and top up with dark rum!  

Sunny ‘n’ Stormy – for the orange lovers

Similar to a Moscow Mule, this just adds a little orange sun to the original. Angostura bitters give a bit more intensity and marmalade notes to the cocktail as well as a touch more spice, and freshly squeezed orange juice and zest adds fresh citrus to the equation.

Ingredients
45ml dark rum
60ml ginger beer
20ml orange juice/zest
Dash of angostura bitters
Orange wedge (garnish)

Method
Shake dark rum and orange juice with ice and strain into your glass. Top up with ginger beer and add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and orange zest on top! 

Dark ‘n’ Stormy Orchard – for the cider lovers

This a fantastic autumnal twist on the tropical Dark ‘n’ Stormy. The ginger, cinnamon and spiced rum bring satisfying warmness and comforting flavours that match perfectly with the hearty apple cider. The thick and gently fizzy texture is also super moreish.

Ingredients
45ml dark spiced rum
50m apple cider
20ml ginger beer
Apple slices (garnish)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
Add your cider and rum to a glass, top up with a small pour of ginger beer and garnish with apple and cinnamon! For a touch of sweetness, add apple juice too!

Dark ‘n’ Stormy Espresso– for the coffee lovers

Coffee is such a versatile and intense taste that even just adding a little is a surefire way to mix up your favourite cocktail. Whilst the original has a kick, this takes it one step further with warm spice and bitter, earthy espresso livening up the cocktail.

Ingredients
30ml dark rum
25ml espresso
50ml ginger beer
Lime juice (optional)

Method
Pour your ingredients into your glass in layers. So, dark rum first over ice, then ginger beer, and then slowly pour in the freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy!

Stormy Weather – for the wine lovers

Wine, particularly Shiraz, works surprisingly well in the Dark & Stormy set-up. Similar to The Bishop cocktail, the rum brings the caramelly depth of tropical notes, whilst the Shiraz brings loftier sweet red fruits. Often already arriving with subtle peppery spice, Shiraz complements the ginger to create a rich, fruity and vibrant cocktail.

 Ingredients
35ml dark rum
35ml Shiraz wine
Splash of ginger beer
10ml syrup
Lime juice

Method
Shake well with ice because it’s important everything is thoroughly mixed here. Strain, top up with ginger beer and away you go!

Need a dark rum to star in your Dark ‘n’ Stormy variations? Check out these gems for under £30!