The holiday season is upon us, and this is just the time when everything from Christmas cakes and roasts to desserts get infused with spirits like rum. But more than that, you know just as well as anyone else that without a range of cocktails that spell magic by capturing the essence of the season, your party for Christmas will be incomplete. And the fact is that since rum is widely used in Christmas food prep, using the same spirit for your cocktails makes absolute sense.
For those who aren’t familiar with the deep, rich and historic flavour profile of rum, you should know that rum is crafted from fermented sugarcane and its byproducts like molasses, which means that the spirit has a sweet aftertaste. Apart from this subtle sweetness, rum also boasts of deep caramel and spice notes which makes for a great base for cocktails on any given day.
So, wondering which rum cocktails you should be making for the holiday season? Well, classics are very hard to beat, so here are seven classic rum cocktails that will make your Christmas parties special.
Video Credit: YouTube/Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
1. Classic Mojito
Made with white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, soda and simple sugar syrup, the classic mojito is known for its balance between the tang of lime and the depth of rum. To make this one, muddle the mint leaves and lime juice in a glass, add rum and the remaining ingredients and stir.
2. Pina Colada
Want some tropical vibes for your Christmas party? The classic pina colada is all you need. Just blend rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream and ice together until you get a smooth cocktail, then serve it up with a pineapple wedge. Even in peak winters, this drink can evoke visions of sunny beaches.
3. Dark 'n' Stormy
Perfect for Christmas eve parties, this cocktail from Bermuda captures the essence of stormy seas and dark rum. To make this one, you simply need to pour dark rum over ice, top it up with ginger beer and garnish the drink with a lime wedge.
4. Rum Punch
A classic cocktail that pleases the crowds at any party or festive gathering, the rum punch needs to be on your Christmas table too. Just mix dark rum with equal parts of orange and pineapple juice, then add grenadine syrup, lime juice and syrup. You can also add some cinnamon and cloves to give the punch that spiced feel.
5. Hot Buttered Rum
A deep, rich and smooth indulgence for those who love the flavours of rum, this cocktail is a must-have on any holiday party. Whisk or blend butter, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder and clove powder until you get a smooth, frothy cream. Add rum and hot water in a mug and float the cream on top before serving this one up.
6. Mai Tai
Another tropical-inspired drink that will have a transformative impact on any holiday party, mai tai is made with light rum and dark rum—making it quite a heady blend. Place dark rum, light rum, orange liqueur, lime juice and orgeat syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well to blend, then strain into a glass and serve up with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
7. Rum Old Fashioned
Another classic cocktail made with rum, this one is simple yet so delicious that it is bound to please your guests during Christmas parties. Just mix dark rum, simple syrup, angostura bitters and ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain into a glass. Garnish the drink with an orange peel and you’re good to go.
Each of these classic rum cocktails brings its own unique flair to the festive table, embodying the spirit of celebration and merry-making. Almost all of these classic rum cocktails are easy to make and require very few special ingredients, so whipping them up for your next Christmas party shouldn’t be an issue. So, get plenty of rum for your Christmas parties and start making these delicious cocktails.