17 Spiced Rum Cocktails: Classic Recipes and Creative Twists

Spiced rum has been making waves in the cocktail scene with its bold, aromatic flavors and endless versatility. Its unique blend of spices and smooth profile make it the perfect choice for crafting memorable drinks. In this article, we dive into the growing popularity of spiced rum and share easy recipes, creative combinations, and top tips for choosing the best mixers to elevate your rum experience. Get ready to spice up your cocktail game!

What pairs well with spiced rum?

Amazing mixers for spiced rum

Spiced rum and ginger beer is a classic pairing. Cola also enhances the rich, spicy notes of the rum. For a tropical twist, try pineapple or coconut juice. Apple cider and cranberry juice are excellent choices for adding a fruity, seasonal flair. For a touch of sophistication, mix with tonic water or craft a spiced rum Old Fashioned with bitters and a hint of simple syrup.

“Ginger ale is a great mixer for spiced rum if you want something a bit drier, while ginger beer is more robust and potentially more spice-forward. It pairs well and adds another layer of complexity in parallel with the spices in the rum.” – Tris Fini, Campari Academy (UK)

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid overpowering the nuanced flavors of spiced rum with overly sweet mixers. Balance is key, so steer clear of adding too many sugary elements. Another common mistake is neglecting to taste as you go—spiced rum’s flavor can vary significantly between brands, so adjust your mixers accordingly. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of fresh ingredients; using fresh citrus juices and garnishes can make a significant difference in your cocktail’s quality.

See next: 13 of the Coziest Warm Cocktails for Winter to Enjoy by the Fireside

Seasonal variations

Spiced rum is a versatile spirit that adapts well to different seasons. In the summer, embrace lighter mixers like coconut water, lime juice, and tropical fruit juices. For winter cocktails, opt for warming ingredients such as apple cider, cinnamon syrup, or even a dash of nutmeg. Seasonal garnishes, like fresh mint in summer or a cinnamon stick in winter, can add the perfect finishing touch to your spiced rum creations.

Also read: 24 Easy Winter Cocktails to Make at Home

1. Spiced Rum Mojito

A Mojito made with spiced rum adds a new twist to the classic. A gorgeous spiced rum like Maison La Mauny Spiced comes to the party with a warm, rich flavor that complements the zesty lime and mint we all know and love. It’s a little sweet, a bit spicy, and altogether gorgeous. In short, it’s everyone’s favorite Mojito with a cozy, comforting kick. 

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2. Lime Daiquiri

A Lime Daiquiri with spiced rum combines the zing of lime with the depth of the infused spirit. The tartness of lime remains the star, supported by a warm, slightly sweet undertone. The result is a crisp, citrusy cocktail with a hint of spice, perfect for those who appreciate a simple yet flavorful drink. 

Also see: 5 Best Cocktails with Rum and Tequila

3. Drunken Monkey Cocktail

The Drunken Monkey cocktail is powerful and goes down easy—steady as she goes! Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 3 oz orange juice, 1.5 oz spiced rum, 0.5 oz coconut rum, and 4-5 dashes of bitters. Shake for 30 seconds. Pour a teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice (from a jar of cherries) into a tall glass with ice. Strain the mixed drink into the glass and give it a stir. Garnish with a lime slice, pineapple wedge, or cherry. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top and enjoy. 

Read next: All the Hot Rum Cocktails You Will Ever Need 

4. Bahama Mama

Caribbean cocktails always add a dash of joy to any get-together, and the Bahama Mama is one of our favorites. Built on a spiced rum base, it layers orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine on top to create a sensational boozy sipper.   

Read next: 12 Summer Rum Cocktails Perfect for a BBQ at Home

5. Cuba Libre

One of the most popular Caribbean cocktails around the globe, the Cuba Libre is so simple to make that it’s a little silly. Rum and cola are best buddies, and you can make a Cuba Libre with your choice of rum. Simply pour one part spiced rum and two parts cola into a glass filled with ice. Add a squeeze of lime juice, then drop the wedge into the drink. It’s as easy as that! 

Learn more: 11 Caribbean Cocktails that Serve Major Vacay Energy 

6. Rum Punch

Rum Punch is a classic tropical cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries, and for good reason. It’s the perfect drink for hot summer days, beach vacations, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of paradise in a glass. And the best part? This spiced Rum punch recipe is perfect for batching, making it an excellent choice for parties and gatherings with friends and family— especially with some spiced rum in the mix. 

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7. Piña Colada

A delicious tropical treat that tastes like pineapple and coconut, the time-honored Piña Colada goes creamy like a smoothie when you blend it and is gorgeously rich and delicious over ice. Adding spiced liquor to the mix adds depth of flavor, turning this into the ultimate holiday spiced rum drink. 

Learn more: 10 Frozen Rum Drinks to Embrace the Heat

8. Hurricane

Traditionally featuring light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, passionfruit purée, simple syrup, and grenadine as ingredients, the Hurricane cocktail is one of the best beach drink recipes for a hot day. Swop out the dark rum for home-made spiced rum to give it a little aromatic zing and dial up the swagger.  

9. Old Cuban

The Old Cuban is an elegant drink typically made with a combination of aged rum, fresh mint and lime, simple syrup, bitters, and a splash of Champagne. Mix this classy clinker with spiced rum for your next dinner party or as a signature drink for a special occasion. 

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10. Zombie

The Zombie cocktail features an alluring blend of fruity and tropical flavors that packs a powerful punch. With a combination of zesty citrus juices and grenadine as a base, this delicious cocktail is ready to receive an exotic update with the addition of spiced rum. Are you game? 

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11. El Presidente

An El Presidente cocktail made with spiced rum delivers a balanced blend of flavors. The inherent sweetness of the spiced rum harmonizes with the dry vermouth, while Grand Marnier adds a citrusy touch. The result is a smooth, medium-bodied drink with a subtle warmth from the spiced rum, offering a delightful fusion of sweet and citrus notes without being overly complex. 

12. Dark ‘n Stormy

The Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail recipe has been around for more than a hundred years, but still makes waves around the globe today. Super simple to pour, yet gorgeously zesty, it’s a great rum-based seaside sipper that’s tailor-made for hot summer days. Try it with spiced rum to give it a little extra zing. 

13. Tropical Spiced Rum Margarita

Naturally, the time-honored Margarita could also benefit from taking a walk on the spicy side. To make a Tropical Spiced Rum Margarita, follow our Classic Margarita recipe, using spiced rum as your liquor base, and garnish with a papaya and cantaloupe slice to serve.

14. Spiced Rum Espresso Martini

The classic Espresso Martini gets extra intense (in a good way) when upgraded with a smidge of rich Caribbean flavor. To make a Spiced Rum Espresso Martini add 1 oz spiced rum, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz sugar syrup, and 1 oz cooled espresso to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, and fine-strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with three coffee beans to serve.

15. Hot Buttered Rum

This classic American holiday cocktail dates back decades and is irresistibly warm and sweet, perfect for wintery get-togethers when you need ultimate indulgence. It’s easily made with a simple batter of butter mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg and topped up with rum and hot water into a fragrant, hand-warming drink. Adding spiced rum to the mix is a delightful way to add another layer of coziness.

16. Spiced Rum Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is arguably one of the most suave sippers out there. The Rum Old Fashioned is a spiffy spinoff of the original, that turns it into a compelling, falernum-laced cocktail. Using spiced rum in this recipe adds another dimension of complexity, which we adore.

17. Pineapple Spiced Daiquiri

Island-style ambiance in a glass? Yes, please! To make a Pineapple Spiced Daiquiri, combine 1.5 oz spiced rum, 1.5 oz pineapple juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.25 oz agave syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a serving glass, garnish with a slice of pineapple on the rim, and voila!

How to make your own spiced rum at home

Commercially available spiced rums are nice to use, but we double-dare you to make your own. This way you can fine-tune the flavor profile to your exact liking. Homemade spiced rum also makes a great gift over the holidays. Here’s our go-to recipe to create a tasty base for easy spiced rum cocktails:  

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of Appleton Estate Rum
• 1 vanilla bean 
• 1 cinnamon stick 
• 3 whole cloves 
• 1 star anise 
• 1 orange peel (use a vegetable peeler to get a thin strip) 
• 0.25 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste) 

Method

1. Prepare the ingredients. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Break the cinnamon stick into a few smaller pieces. Crush the cloves slightly to release their flavor. Then, combine all the spices, orange peel, and brown sugar in a bowl. 
2. Add the spices to the rum. Pour the dark rum into a clean, airtight glass container or bottle. Add the prepared spice and sugar mixture to the rum, place the vanilla bean halves into the mixture, and seal the container tightly. 
3. Let it infuse. Store the container in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days, shaking it gently every day to mix the ingredients. 
4. Taste and adjust. After 3 days, taste the spiced rum. If it’s not spicy or sweet enough for your liking, let it infuse for an additional day or two, tasting periodically. Remember that the flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, so letting it sit for a week or two will enhance the taste. 
5. Strain the rum. Once you’re happy with the flavor, strain the spiced rum through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the spices and other solids. 
6. Bottle and enjoy. Pour the strained spiced rum back into the original bottle or another clean bottle. Store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. 

Please note that the quality of the ingredients you use will greatly affect the final product, so choose good-quality rum and fresh spices for the best results. 

There you have it—an amazing spiced rum recipe and 17 cocktails to try at home with this tasty, infused spirit. Happy pouring! For more easy inspiration like this, sign up for our newsletter. It’s the best way to get the tastiest cocktail recipes delivered right to your inbox. Click here to get Maison La Mauny website to pick up some amazing spiced rum.