When it comes to enjoying hard liquors, it can be difficult to know where to begin in creating the ultimate taste experience. Rum, particularly, can be a tricky one, as unlike many other spirits, it has a wide range of different flavors depending on the specific variety you buy. This article is going to dive deep into a bottle and teach you how to drink rum from a local, craft distillery- responsibly!

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular ways to mix this beverage for the ultimate taste experience. 

To find out more, simply keep reading below, as we take a closer look. 

Things To Mix With Rum 

With Coke 

One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy rum is to simply mix it with a good old fashioned coca cola. That’s right, this simple beverage can enhance your enjoyment of the liquor. 

We’re not talking about using a full can of coke, along with several squeezes of lime, but simply adding in a portion to sweeter the liquor, rather than drown it out. Not all rum varieties work well when paired with coke however. 

If you want to find the best varieties of rum to enjoy with a coke mixer, then we’d recommend a Bajan or Aged Jamaican rum. 

By Itself 

This one might seem obvious, but most distilleries intend their rum to be enjoyed neat, so that customers can enjoy the full range of flavors.

If you’ve got a particularly interesting variety of rum on your hands, and don’t want to miss out on any of the complex notes, then we’d just recommend drinking it by itself. 

If you want to make the tasting experience a little easier on your palette, then just add in a little splash of water, or a couple of ice cubes to soften the strength of the drink. 

If the rum that you’ve chosen is below 45 percent distillation, then we’d most definitely recommend drinking it this way. If, however, your rum falls beyond this number category, then you might benefit from mixing it with something else. 

With Juice 

One of the most popular ways to consume rum, is by mixing it with some juice. Many people will herald rum and juice as their go-to beverage, and it’s not hard to see why, as it’s positively delicious, and feels very tropical. 

If you’re looking for the perfect juice to mix with your favorite run, then we’d recommend going for a high quality apple juice above all others. In addition to this sweet variety, you can opt for some coconut milk if you feel like something a little more subtle. 

With Tonic Water 

Many people might think that tonic water is reserved only for gin, but this simply isn’t the case! A delicious Indian tonic water pairs perfectly with this spirit, and brings out all of its robust flavors. 

When mixing rum with tonic water, we’d recommend choosing an unaged or light variety rather than something more complex, as it can prove to be overpowering. 

Tips For Enjoying Your Rum 

Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the very best mixers for your rum, we can move on to discuss some tips for getting the most out of the beverage. To find out more, simply keep reading below. 

Enjoy In Moderation 

One of the key tips that we’d give when it comes to enjoying rum like an old pro, is to drink in moderation.

You should be able to appreciate the full spectrum of flavors provided by this beverage, and this means consuming no more than three drinks in total per sitting. Drink more than this, and you’ll likely become cloudy and unable to enjoy the beverage to its full potential. 

Choose Your Color Carefully 

Many rum drinkers will sneer at white rum, saying that the darker variety is far superior. But, they are severely misinformed. People who are knowledgeable about rum will know that there is in fact, very little discrepancy between the two. 

The only difference between white and dark rum is that the latter has had charcoal added into the mix. This gives dark rum more of an earthy, rich taste.

When choosing your next rum, think about what you’d like to get out of the flavors, rather than simply going by what others are saying. 

Be Discerning 

When it comes to choosing a good quality rum, things can seem like a bit of a mindfield. After all, how does one truly tell whether the rum they’re drinking is expensive? Well, there are a few key things you should always pay attention to. 

One of the key signs that the rum you’re drinking is of a poorer quality is the initial taste in your mouth (see our post on what rum tastes like). When you’re drinking rum, there should be no indication of sharpness or bitterness in the first sip. If you notice this, then chances are that the rum is of a poor quality. 

Another key thing to pay attention to when it comes to choosing a high quality rum, is its appearance in the glass. If it’s completely clear, then you’re dealing with a high quality rum.

But, if it appears cloudy when you see it being poured into the glass, then chances are that it’s cheap rum. 

Final Thoughts 

There are many different types of ways to enjoy a glass of rum. Some of the most popular options include drinking it neat, drinking it with apple juice, coconut milk, tonic water, or with coke.

Pay attention to the tips outlined above to make sure you’re getting the most out of your rum.