Rum is one alcoholic drink that has created a separate fanbase for itself. This spirit is always a comfort, especially during the cold winter nights. Made of fermented sugarcane or molasses, rum has a distinct taste that can be accentuated through certain methods. By the end of this article, we’re sure you’ll know how to drink rum and enjoy it the way that suits you the best. Here’s a helpful rundown on how to drink rum!
A Brief Origin History Of Rum
The history of rum is as complex and dark as its flavors. Earlier known as ‘kill-devil’ or ‘rumbullion’, rum originated on sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean around 1650. Rum was heavily used in slave trading and became an essential British ration from the 18th century until the late 19th century.
Mainly produced in Jamaica, Barbados, and Demerara, most rums were and still are made from molasses. From the slave trade and British rations to the mainstream world and commercial bars, rum has come a long way and is now one of the most loved spirits.
Also Read: A Banana-Flavored Rum From Dead Man’s Fingers
How To Drink The Classic Rum
If one just wants to get drunk, the method simply doesn’t matter. But, if you want to appreciate the complexities and varied flavors of the drink, knowing the ways definitely helps. Here are some of the ways you can drink classic rum.
Straight Up/Neat
Definitely the ideal way to enjoy most spirits is to have them neat, even though the taste isn’t necessarily pleasant. Mixers might help you sip your drink easily but they also dilute the original flavor.
We highly recommend you have your rum straight up to appreciate its true glory. You can also sip water in between or eat snacks to cleanse your palette. You can add some ice or a splash of water in case the rum feels too strong.
Have It In A Cocktail
Rum cocktails are insanely popular and trust us, it’s for all the right reasons. The strong taste of rum works great as the base of cocktails and can help to build up interesting flavors. If you feel too intimidated by the taste of rum, cocktails will help you ease into it.
Start with the classics and go for popular rum cocktails like Manhattan or a Daiquiri. You can also start with the OG mix of rum, lime, and sugar (shaken with ice).
Also Read: The Best Rum For Mojitos
Rum And Coke
Rum and coke is an old yet controversial pairing that is loved by many and frowned upon by some. If you’re team coke, you can definitely go ahead and mix it with your rum. If we talk about taste, coke, in itself, is a strong beverage and when you combine it with rum, it definitely creates a drink oozing with strong flavors.
The ratio plays an important role so if you mix one part of rum with 2 to 3 parts of coke, you’ll definitely be able to taste the rum without it feeling completely lost in the coke.
Also Read: 7 Easy Cocktails To Make At Home
Rum And Juice
We all enjoy the illusion of having health benefits while consuming alcohol. Mixing rum with your favorite juice can definitely make you feel better about drinking.
If the juice is strong in flavor, it can definitely take away the bitterness of rum and make it more palatable. You can also try to mix your rum with coconut water and see if it works for you.
Also Read: 8 Best Daiquiri Cocktail Recipes
How to Drink White Rum
White rums, also known as light rums, were first made in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the late 19th century. White rums are generally low in alcohol content and have a brilliant tendency to be mixed with other drinks. As the name suggests, it’s light in color so it works as a great base for colorful cocktails.
Popular cocktails like Daiquiri and Mojito are mostly made using white rum so you can definitely try that. White rum doesn’t have a strong taste compared to dark rum, which means you can directly pour it into a pretty cocktail glass and enjoy it neat.
Also Read: The Best Spirits Of 2022
How To Drink Dark/Aged Rum
Dark rums take the longest to age and have the highest ABV in the rum family. The best way to drink dark rum is by having it straight/neat. You can also have it on the rocks and add some water. Dark rum cocktails are also a great way to enjoy and start with dark rums if your taste buds can’t take the strong taste neat.
Also Read: A Definitive List Of The Strongest Rums In The World
How To Drink Spiced Rum
Spiced rum came late to the party (1984) but quickly carved its own space and became one of the most popular types of rum. It’s already got bursting flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar, which makes it a perfect drink to use in cocktails.
Whether you’re making a dessert cocktail or a hot cocktail, spiced rum can work in any scenario. It is also widely enjoyed with coke. Apart from that, ginger beer and iced tea also go well with spiced rum to make delicious drinks.
Summing up
We’re sure we’ve answered your question about how to drink rum. In the end, we’ll suggest you try and experiment with different methods and see which works the best for you. Rum is an alcoholic beverage so, be mindful about going overboard but definitely have your fun with it.
FAQs
Is Rum Stronger Than Vodka?
Rum and vodka can be considered pretty similar in their alcohol content. While rums generally have an ABV of 40%, vodka has an ABV of 35%. Rums are much stronger in taste as compared to vodka, which is generally not too strong in taste.
Can You Drink Rum Directly?
Drinking rum directly is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Rum neat gives you the chance to taste its original taste. You can also take sips of water in between or add some ice or water to your drink just in case it doesn’t feel too palatable.
Is Rum Better Than Whiskey?
We actually can’t compare the two drinks because both of them have their own qualities. While rum has a 40% ABV, whiskey generally has an ABV of 40 to 60%. It simply depends upon your preference, budget, and mood.
Is Captain Morgan Rum?
Yes, Captain Morgan is a type of rum. It’s a European rum brand especially known for its flavored rums.
How Expensive Is Rum?
You get massive variety when it comes to rums. The price of a 750 ml bottle can start as cheap as INR 570 (yes, we’re talking about Old Monk) and can go up to INR 7,500 (Ron Zacapa).
What Does Rum Taste Like?
Rum is distilled from sugar or molasses which is why it often has a sweet taste. The sweetness is curbed through aging and distillation but still, it has an underlying sweetness. Rum tastes a lot sweeter and more pleasant as compared to whiskey.
Which Rum Is Best And Cheap?
If we’re talking about cheap yet best, there’s nothing that can touch Old Monk. This reliable yet brilliant rum has been a go-to rum for many rum lovers. It has never compromised on its superior taste while being easy on the pocket.
How Do You Drink Rum For A Cold?
Rum works brilliantly as a cold medicine. Just simply mix your rum with warm water and drink it or take a neat shot. Rest well and your cold will definitely go away soon.
