10 Best Frozen Rum Drinks for Summer (Refreshing Recipes & Tips)

When the sun is out, and the vibe is mellow, frozen rum drinks go down a treat. Whether you’re enjoying a spur-of-the-moment BBQ in your backyard, having friends over for some tapas on the deck, or catering for a big, bustling birthday party, easy frozen rum drinks are always a winner. It’s quick to pull together, and even simpler to enjoy! 

Here are a few of our top picks, and some insights on making gorgeous blended rum drinks that will leave a lasting impression this summer: 

The history & popularity of frozen rum drinks

Frozen rum drinks have a colourful past, originating in the Caribbean where rum production flourished in the 17th century. Blending rum with tropical fruits and ice was a natural evolution, offering a refreshing escape from the heat. The 1950s saw a surge in popularity with the rise of tiki culture, as drinks like the Daiquiri and Piña Colada became synonymous with beachside relaxation and exotic getaways. 

Today, frozen rum drinks are enjoyed worldwide, embodying a laid-back, festive spirit. They are staples at summer parties, beach bars, and tropical resorts, symbolising fun and festivity. This popularity reflects their versatility and the way these drinks capture the essence of vacation vibes, making any occasion feel like a mini escape.  

Whether blended smooth or served with a playful garnish, frozen rum drinks continue to be a beloved choice for those seeking to savour the good times. 

Our 10 top frozen rum cocktails

1. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

The Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is a crowd-pleaser of note. It’s easy to enjoy and has a very pleasant, fruity flavour profile so it’s not an acquired taste, but very approachable from the get-go. As such, it makes a great addition to just about any summer occasion. 

Make it with: Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum 

Read next: 11 Types of Daiquiris to Try Now 

2. Piña Colada

The Piña Colada was the cocktail of the 1980s and one of the most loved drinks from the tiki era. Packed with tropical flavour, it is one of the tastiest cocktails you’ll ever sip—perfect for beach vibes, pool parties, and lazy summer days. 

Also see: 11 Perfectly Frosty Frozen Cocktails for Any Season 

3. Frozen Mojito  

The classic Mojito is like a sip of summer in a glass, and the Frozen Mojito takes it one step further to come to a minty-cool conclusion. Essentially, you combine the classic Mojito ingredients of muddled mint, sugar syrup, and white rum, leaving out the club soda. All of this then goes into the blender with plenty of ice. Just gorgeous! 

Make it with: Trois Rivières White Rum 

You might also like: Best Afternoon Cocktails for Happy Hour 

4. Rum Runner  

If your happy place is a sunny beach situation with tousled hair and sandy toes, this Rum Runner cocktail recipe deserves a place of honour in your DIY drink arsenal. To get that laidback island-style feeling, simply pop all the ingredients for a classic Rum Runner into a blender with a cup of ice, blitz, and enjoy.  

Make it with: Appleton Estate Rum 

TOP TIP: Use about twice as much ice as other ingredients to create that perfect frost-to-flavour balance. Too little ice may turn things soupy instead of slushy, while too much ice can dilute your flavours. 

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5. Strawberry Rum Slush

Big-batch drinks are a winner for summertime parties. To make a batch of Strawberry Rum Slush to serve six, add 180ml frozen limeade concentrate (thawed), 180ml white rum, two cups of fresh, hulled strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar syrup, and 2 to 3 cups of ice to a blender. Blitz, add to your serving jug and stir well. If your blender is on the smaller side, half the ingredients and make it in two batches before combining. 

Berry delicious: 18 Raspberry Cocktails to try in 2024 

6. Frozen Mai Tai

Of all the brilliant tiki drinks out there, the classic Mai Tai cocktail is probably one of the most famous. The traditional Mai Tai recipe uses five ingredients: two types of rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup. To turn it frosty, add all the ingredients to a blender with a cup of ice, blitz, and scoop into a serving glass. 

Make it with: Grand Marnier 

Try something new: 23 Soju Cocktails to Perfect at Home 

7. Blue Hawaiian

Keen to go colourful? Try a frosty version of the Blue Hawaiian. This sweet and satisfying drink is very popular on the beach-side cocktail circuit and makes a great addition to any warm-weather shindig.  

Also see: 12 Summer Drinks with Rum Perfect for a BBQ at Home 

8. Frozen Hurricane

The Hurricane comes to the party bursting with fruity flavours, from zingy citrus notes to delectable passionfruit, underpinned by white and dark rum, and sweet grenadine, for a long drink that gets better with each sip. To turn it frosty, add the ingredients to a blender with a cup of ice, give it a blitz, and serve. 

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9. Tropical Rum Punch

For centuries, people have enjoyed the classic tropical cocktail known as Rum Punch, and with good reason. A blend of rum, fruit juice, grenadine, and citrus creates a sweet and satisfying flavour profile in this delicious drink. Make it frozen by adding a cup of ice to the mix, blending it, and serving it in a tall glass with a pineapple garnish.  

Spice things up: 12 Spiced Rum Cocktails to Spice Up Your Next Event 

10. Mango Daiquiri

A Mango Daiquiri is just one of those cocktails that immediately transports you to a tropical frame of mind. Creamy and sweet from the very first sip, it’s one of the best fruity cocktails to serve if you want to treat your guests to something that looks super fancy but is incredibly simple to make.    

Tips for making perfect frozen rum drinks

Choose your rum with care

Choosing the right rum is crucial for crafting a stellar frozen drink. We typically go for a quality white rum for a light, crisp taste or a dark rum for a deeper, richer flavour, depending on the cocktail in question. Each type has its own unique character, so consider your drink’s profile when selecting your rum.  

Equipment

Equipping yourself with the right tools is equally important. A high-powered blender is essential for achieving a smooth, frosty consistency. Ensure your blender can handle ice with ease and consider using crushed ice to make it even easier to whip up simple frozen rum drinks.  

Master the perfect consistency

Balance your ingredients. Too much ice can dilute flavours, while too little can leave you with a slushy mess. We recommend blending your drink on high until smooth, and adding ice gradually until you reach a creamy, thick texture.  

Pairing frozen rum drinks with food

Pairing frozen mixed drinks with rum and the right food can elevate your summer parties and gatherings. Light, tropical flavours in drinks like Piña Coladas and Daiquiris pair beautifully with seafood dishes such as shrimp cocktails, ceviche, or grilled fish tacos.  

On the other hand, the citrusy notes in a frozen Margarita complement the spicy kick of Mexican cuisine, making nachos, quesadillas, and guacamole perfect companions. For a more substantial fare, consider Caribbean-inspired dishes like jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, or pulled pork sliders. These savoury options balance the sweetness of fruity frozen rum drinks, creating a delightful contrast. 

Hosting a summer party? Set up a build-your-own taco or slider bar alongside your frozen summer drinks with rum. Offer a variety of salsas, toppings, and garnishes for both food and drinks, allowing guests to customise their experience. With these pairing ideas, your gatherings will be flavourful, fun, and memorable. 

There you have it—10 simple frozen rum drinks to try this summer, along with expert insights into pairing it with tasty eats! So versatile, so tasty. We can’t wait to see which frozen rum drinks you make first. Remember to tag us in your pictures when you share your creations on Instagram!