Valentine's Day: Refreshing Rum-Based Cocktail Recipes

To plan a perfect date, you have to put in a lot of effort - from choosing the right restaurant to deciding the menu and picking an impeccable gift. While every day is Valentine's Day for people in love, something about this day makes you want to go the extra mile to make your partner feel special.

Since you have so much on your plate (apart from literally deciding what would be served on a dinner plate), Slurrp brings you a few cocktail recipes that would complement the food on Valentine’s Day. Jonas Ax, Head of Advocacy, Bacardi - India & Neighboring Countries, shared some easy-to-craft rum-based beverages so you can take your bartending skills up a notch and impress your partner.

Bacardi has introduced Mango Chilli in September 2024, a fruity white rum with a hint of spicy notes, perfect for couples looking to spice up their date night. Jonas Ax added, “Whether you're planning a romantic date night in, a lively Galentine’s get-together, or a cosy evening with friends, BACARDÍ Mango Chilli adds the perfect balance of tangy mango and fiery chilli kick to your celebration of the beyond-basic love and friendships.”

The recipes mentioned below can also be crafted using flavoured rum at your home.

Rum-Rita

“Bid adieu to the plain Jane margarita days and turn up the heat with something as befittingly bold and exciting as your love. This Rum-Rita is perfectly balanced to match the mood of the day with a palette that is bold yet smooth, playful yet intense,” said Jonas Ax.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml flavoured rum 
  • 30 ml lime juice 
  • 20 ml agave syrup 
  • 10 ml orange juice 
  • 1 lime wheel 
  • 1 whole red chilli 

Method

  • Shake all liquid ingredients.
  • Strain into an old-fashioned glass over fresh ice.

Garnish: A lime wheel is placed vertically on the glass, with a red chilli positioned horizontally.

Chilli Soda

Speaking about this cocktail, Jonas Ax said, "Set up your own cosy 3-ingredient cocktail station and unwind over your favourite movie over this perfect companion for a laid-back evening."

Ingredients

  • 60 ml flavoured rum 
  • 150 ml chilled soda water 
  • 1 lime wheel

Method

  • Fill a highball glass with ice.
  • Pour in flavoured rum and top with chilled soda water.
  • Give a quick stir and garnish with a lime wheel.

Garnish: Lime wheel positioned vertically on the side of the glass, half submerged.

Tropical Pina Colada

The expert added, "Got the last-minute travel bug for this Valentine’s Day? Get transported to a sun-kissed paradise with this indulgent take on the Piña Colada fused with the juicy goodness of fruits for the perfect tropical romance!"

Ingredients

  • 60 ml flavoured rum 
  • 40 ml fresh coconut water 
  • 25 ml fresh pineapple juice 
  • 3 chunks of fresh mango 
  • 2 tsp white caster sugar 
  • ½ red chili (ingredient) 
  • 1 whole red chilli (garnish) 
  • 1 pineapple wedge & leaf

Method

  • Muddle fresh mango and red chilli in a cocktail shaker.
  • Add all other ingredients with ice and shake well.
  • Strain into a glass filled with crushed or cubed ice.

Garnish: Pineapple wedge (pointy side down), with a red chilli placed vertically in front of it.

Rum-Based Mojito

Speaking about this cocktail, Jonas Ax said, “With Mojito ranking among the top 5 bar calls of the year (Bacardí Cocktail Trends Report), get ready to give this classic a golden makeover for Valentine’s Day. Serving up a smooth mix of classic tradition and flavoursome experimentation in a glass, this vibrant mix is tailor-made for those looking to add an extra glow of passion, spice, and everything nice to this special day!”

Ingredients

  • 60 ml flavoured rum
  • 30 ml lime juice
  • 20 ml sugar syrup
  • 6-8 mint leaves
  • 50 ml soda water (top)

Method

  • In a highball glass, add lime juice, sugar syrup, and mint leaves. 
  • Muddle lightly, then add crushed ice and flavoured rum. 
  • Churn for 5 seconds and top with soda water.

Garnish: Mint sprig (fresh and lush).