As we get older, it seems like life just tends to get crazier and crazier. It’s hard trying to find a smidge of time to ourselves when we’re focused on family, friends, work and home.
But as summer slowly approaches and the sunshine blankets everything in sight, all I can think about is relaxing poolside. And what better to relax with than a delicious rum and coconut water? It’s a drink you absolutely need to try—and the secret is using coconut water ice cubes.
You can freeze all kinds of flavors into your ice cubes.
How to Make Coconut Water Ice Cubes
I’m a total sucker for anything coconut, and come on—can you blame me? This is super simple, too,
You’ll need two things:
Pour the coconut water into your ice cube tray. Let freeze for 3-4 hours.
Then, to make a coconut water rum drink, pop an ice cube into the glass of your choice and finish by pouring a splash of good, quality rum over the top. I’m talking premium rum here—like Mount Gay Black Barrel. The coconut ice will melt, offering a subtle tropical sweetness to your cold drink. Honestly, it’s the perfect thing to sip this summer if you ask me.
There are so many different summer cocktails to enjoy while you’re relaxing by the water or on the back porch. While I won’t say no to a classic pina colada or margarita, this simple coconut water rum drink is the easy choice.
Just pour me a drink, hand me a pool float and I’m all set for the day!
Rum Drinks with Tropical Flavor
Guava Coconut Rum CocktailMy beverage is so sensational it's like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this
coconut rum drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
Black-Eyed SusanThe Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pina ColadaVelvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Blueberry MojitosBlueberry and lime are two of my favorite flavors, so I added blueberries to my favorite mixed drink! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.—Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois
Passion Fruit HurricanesThis is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Cranberry SparklerThe flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer's night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It's a favorite for our girls' night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Pineapple Rum PunchI created this with my favorite Bahamian juices. I got the inspiration for it from other Bahama punches I have sampled. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Henderson, North Carolina
Mojito SlushWhether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois
Santa’s Orange-Kissed CocktailRefreshing but not overly sweet, this drink is a festive choice for Christmas get-togethers. Serve it during cocktail hour, at dinner or even for brunch in place of mimosas. —Claire Beattie, Toronto, Ontario
Maple Blackberry MojitoThis refreshing blackberry cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
Peachy Keen DaiquirisYou won’t mind breaking out the blender for these frosty fruit drinks—they’re a breeze to whip up. If you don't have fresh, use frozen peaches. A dash of grenadine gives the golden daiquire a blush of red.—Joan Antonen, Arlington, South Dakota
Spiked LemonadeRum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Mai TaiThis party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour. For a splash of color, garnish with strawberries and lime.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Agua de JamaicaThis agua de Jamaica is an iced tea made from hibiscus, which is tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hop, Skip and GoHere's a different drink for a beer-drinking crowd. It gets a touch of sweetness from lemonade. Make it in a blender for a frothy, fun look or mix in a pitcher for less foam.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen