With its ambrosial blend of fruity, sugary island flavors, a rum runner cocktail will whisk you off to the tropics from the very first sip. This classic rum drink is made with blackberry and banana liqueurs, orange juice, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine syrup. Thanks to all those fruit flavors, a rum runner is one of those strong drinks that goes down easy.
Rum Runner Ingredients
- Rums: New to buying rum? Here are the best rums to add to your liquor cabinet. Don’t forget: You need light and dark rums for this rum runner cocktail recipe.
- Liqueurs: Not to be confused with liquors (gin, vodka, etc.), liqueurs are sweetened and flavored spirits. To add flavor, depth and color, you’ll need blackberry and banana liqueurs for this rum runner.
- Juices: Feel free to use pre-juiced orange or pineapple juice to make this rum runner drink recipe even easier.
- Grenadine: Purchase grenadine from the store, or make your own grenadine at home with just sugar, pomegranate juice and lemon juice.
Directions
Step 1: Fill the cocktail shaker
Start by filling your cocktail shaker three-fourths full with ice, then measure in the light and dark rums, liqueurs, juices and grenadine syrup.
Step 2: Shake and strain the drink
Cover the cocktail shaker, and shake until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker, 15 to 20 seconds.
Take out a chilled cocktail glass and fill it with ice, then strain the drink into the glass. Garnish the cocktail as desired with maraschino cherries, orange slices and pineapple wedges.
Editor’s Tip: Use the largest ice cubes you can make at home to prevent your rum runner cocktail from being watered down too much. Ice chips or crushed ice will melt very quickly, so 2-inch ice cubes or ice spheres are preferable.
Recipe Variations
- Swap in a different rum: The easiest way to punch up this rum runner recipe is with a different rum. Spiced rum and coconut rum are the best contenders.
- Use a different juice: Replace the orange and pineapple juices with your favorite fruit juice, like lime or mango. Fruit punch would make a good substitute as well.
- Try another liqueur: Swap in what you have on hand for the banana and blackberry liqueurs.
Can you make a rum runner ahead of time?
Yes, you can partially make this ahead of time. Grab a mason jar or an airtight container, and pour in the light and dark rums, liqueurs, juices and grenadine. Cover and keep the mixture in the fridge for up to three days.
Rum Runner Tips
Where did the rum runner recipe originate?
The drink is said to have been invented in Islamorada, Florida, at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar, as a means of using up excess liquor before new inventory arrived. As for the catchy name, legend has it that the drink is named after actual “rum runners” who smuggled the alcohol from the Bahamas into Florida speakeasies during Prohibition.
How do you serve a rum runner cocktail?
A rum runner drink fits in a classic highball, but for an island feel you can use other cocktail glasses such as a hurricane or margarita glass loaded up with fruit and a paper umbrella.
