Rum is a traditional spirit that you can enjoy on its own or in a cocktail. There are a couple of different types of rum, including white rum and dark rum.

As its name suggests, white rum is clear in color and it has a slightly different flavor to the dark-colored rum.

In this article, we find out what white rum is, how it compares to dark rum and some examples of famous white rums.

What Is White Rum?

White rum is a special type of rum that has a clear color and a neutral flavor.

Also known as silver rum or light rum, white rum is aged for a much shorter period of time than the darker rum.

Why Is White Rum White?

The translucent color of white rum comes from how it is produced and how long it has been aged.

Rum has to age in barrels for a certain amount of time. White rums are aged only for a short time or not at all.

As this type of clear rum isn’t aged, it cannot pick up the flavors and color from the barrels where it is stored.

If you enjoy rum and you want to try something different to the traditional dark rum, then try some of the white rums.

White rum is very versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, with some ice or blended into different cocktails.

While white rum usually has a more subtle flavor, it creates a great balance and makes for a refreshing alcoholic drink.

How Do You Drink White Rum?

You can drink white rum on its own or in a refreshing cocktail. One of the most famous rum cocktail is the mojito with mint and lime.

You can also add white rum into a daiquiri with fresh strawberries or a sweet piña colada with tropical pineapple.

Can You Drink White Rum Straight?

Yes, you can drink white rum straight on its own. However, most rums are mixed in with cocktails, fruit juice and other ingredients to give the rum more flavor.

How Alcoholic Is White Rum?

White rum has around 40% alcohol. There are different brands of white rum that may have more or less.

Can You Mix White Rum With Juice?

Yes, white rum is perfect to mix with orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice or any other fruit juices.

You can find white rum in many classic cocktail recipes where it enhances the tropical flavors of the drink.

Does White Rum Need To Be Refrigerated?

No, you don’t need to refrigerate spirits, such as white rum, dark rum, vodka or whiskey. They have a high alcohol content which preserves the flavor of the drink.

The majority of liqueurs don’t need to go into the fridge because they also contain a large amount of sugars which helps to maintain a balanced flavor.

Famous Examples Of White Rum

One of the most famous white rum brands known around the world is Bacardi. It’s a classic white rum that’s affordable and good quality.

Another popular white rum is Malibu. Synonym with the beaches in the sunshine state of Florida, Malibu also has a slight coconut flavor which is perfect for tropical cocktails.

There are also different types of Barbados rum that are aged for three years. They are typically single-distilled in small batches with citrus, floral and wood notes.

What Is Dark Rum?

Dark rum starts as a clear, light rum but it is aged for a long period of time. As the rum ages, it picks up the color and flavors of the barrel.

The wood flavors of the barrel are infused in the dark rum which also changes its color from clear to a light or dark brown.

Traditionally, the longer a rum is aged in a barrel, the darker the liqueur. Rums that have been ages for many years are known as black rum due to their deep, dark color.

On the other hand, rums that aged for a shorter time are known as golden rum because they didn’t have a lot of time to pick up the barrel flavors.

What Type Of Rum Should You Use In Cocktails?

Most bartenders use dark rum for cocktails because it has a much stronger flavor than white rum.

However, you can also add light rum to your cocktail, if you prefer more subtle flavors. White rums with coconut or floral flavors create a pleasant aroma in some cocktail recipes.

How Long Can You Keep Opened White Rum?

You can store white rum for years without the liquor going stale or bad. Just make sure that you keep the rum in a sealed bottle away from heat and direct sunlight.

This being said, even tightly sealed rum will lose some of its quality and taste over time as it reacts with the air that gets into the bottle each time you open it.

Liqueur experts recommend that you finish spirits, such as rum, whiskey and vodka, within a few months to maintain the good quality.

Does White Rum Get Better With Age?

No, white rum, dark rum and other spirits don’t improve with age. Even if you leave the rum bottle unopened, your rum will stay exactly the same over time and not mature.

However, it is essential that you store your rum in the right way to ensure the quality stays consistent.

You should store white rum and dark rum in its original bottle in a dark, cool place. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as stoves or radiators.

Final Thoughts

White rum is a type of rum that hasn’t been aged, unlike dark rum. Also known as light rum, this rum has a clear color and its flavors are much weaker than the dark version.

You can enjoy drinking white rum on its own, on ice or in a tasty cocktail. With the subtle flavors, white rum works well with strong fruit juices, citrus fruits and other sweet ingredients.