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    Home » Tiki Cocktails » The Tasty Rum Runner Cocktail

    Published: Aug 1, 2021 · Modified: Feb 25, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    The Tasty Rum Runner Cocktail

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Strong as a tropical storm, the rum runner cocktail is so good it's worth the potential hangover!

    A Rum Runner Cocktail in a hurricane glass with ingredients
    The delicious Rum Runner Cocktail is a mid century classic.

    The Rum Runner Cocktail is a Florida Keys Favorite

    When you are looking for a good mid century, fun, tropical drink, look no further than the rum runner cocktail. It is said to have been invented in the Florida Keys at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar. Legend has it that the owner was trying to use up surplus liquor inventory, so he threw a bunch of rums and liqueurs together to create this classic tiki favorite. This story sounds similar to the Hurricane cocktail's creation, and probably could be said for several other tiki drinks. Supposedly it is named after the bootleggers that brought illegal rum up from the Caribbean, especially during Prohibition.

    I stopped in for a Rum Runner during spring break in college. That's about all I remember!

    Ingredients for a Delicious Rum Runner Cocktail

    Like many Tiki drinks, there's a long list of ingredients, but it's worth it:

    • White rum
    • Dark (or aged) rum
    • Pineapple juice
    • Orange juice
    • Banana liqueur
    • Blackberry liqueur
    • 151 rum
    • Grenadine

    You can blend the drink, or shake it for a frothier mix. Either way it's delicious!

    Tips for Success

    Quality ingredients and a festive presentation is paramount when enjoying a good tiki drink. Keep these pointers in mind:

    • Always use fresh squeezed fruit juices where you can--the drink will taste so much better than when using packaged products.
    • Use premium rums to avoid a harsh-tasting cocktail. As a rule of thumb, if you wouldn't drink it straight, don't use it.
    • Serve this drink in a hurricane glass -- it really adds to the fun spirit of the cocktail.
    • Add a colorful umbrella and straw with some fruit garnish for a festive flair.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who invented the rum runner drink?

    The owner of the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar, John Ebert, is said to be the creator of the cocktail.

    What can I mix with rum?

    A well made rum will retain some of the sweetness of the sugar cane it was produced from, but it also has a bit of an alcohol-forward taste. Therefore, you should look to mix it with something like fruit juices--just about any work well. A sweet liqueur also mixes well with rum.

    What is the most popular rum drink?

    There are many popular rum drinks, but the first ones to come to mind are The Mojito, Mai Tai, Cuba Libre, and Pina Colada. The list is almost endless!

    What is your favorite Rum Runner Cocktail adventure? Or can you recall it? Be sure and add some Tiki appetizers like a PuPu Platter to your next party.

    A Rum Runner Cocktail in a hurricane glass with ingredients.

    The Tasty Rum Runner Cocktail

    Kevin Mayfield
    This Florida Keys creation has many delicious variations but the original is a classic tiki favorite!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 4 mins
    Total Time 4 mins
    Course Classic Cocktail
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 350 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ounce white rum
    • 1 ounce dark or aged rum
    • 1 ounce banana liqueur
    • 1 ounce blackberry liqueur
    • 1 ounce pineapple juice
    • 1 ounce orange juice
    • Splash of grenadine
    • Splash of overproof rum
    • Orange slice or pineapple slice for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Add two scoops of fresh ice to a cocktail shaker
    • Pour in all wet ingredients except the overproof rum and shake for 30 seconds
    • Strain into a hurricane glass
    • Add a dash of overproof rum on top
    • Add garnish

    Notes

    This drink can be blended if you prefer. Instead of a cocktail shaker, simply place all ingredients in a blender and hit the button!
    Don't be afraid to go a little wild with the garnishes. I like to use an orange slice, pineapple slice and cocktail cherries as well as a colorful umbrella.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 58IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword 151 Rum, Florida Keys, frozen drinks, rum drinks, rum runner, Tiki cocktails
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    About Kevin Mayfield

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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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