Rum and bourbon are two of the most popular spirits, and many people wonder if they can be mixed together in cocktails. The short answer is yes, you can absolutely mix rum and bourbon together! While rum and bourbon have distinct flavors, they can complement each other nicely when balanced in the right proportions.
What is Rum?
Rum is a distilled alcoholic spirit made from fermented sugarcane byproducts like molasses or sugarcane juice. The origins of rum date back to the 17th century in the Caribbean when molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, was fermented and distilled into alcohol. Traditional rum production methods involve aging the distilled spirit in oak barrels to mature the flavor. Rum can come in many varieties and flavors depending on factors like the sugarcane base, distillation method, and barrel aging. Some common types of rum include:
- White rum – Clear rum with mild flavor that is not aged in barrels. Often used in cocktails.
- Golden rum – Aged rum with a golden hue and more flavor from the barrel aging process. Example brands include Bacardi and Captain Morgan.
- Dark rum – Aged longer in barrels, dark rum has a rich, caramel flavor profile. Popular in tropical cocktails.
- Spiced rum – White or golden rum infused with spices like vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg for added flavor.
- Black rum – A rich, dark rum with intense molasses and caramel notes.
- Flavored rum – Rum flavored with fruit, spices or other flavors. Often lower proof.
Overall, rum brings sweet, tropical flavor to cocktails stemming from the sugarcane base. The aging process imparts oak, vanilla and caramel flavors. Light rum makes an excellent base for cocktails while darker, aged rums are best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
What is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a style of American whiskey made primarily from corn. By legal definition, bourbon must be distilled from a mash that is at least 51% corn. The mash bill, or recipe, also typically contains malted barley, rye, and/or wheat. After distilling the mash, bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. This barrel aging process, typically 4+ years, gives bourbon its distinctive flavor and caramel color. Other requirements to be called a straight bourbon whiskey include:
- Must be produced in the United States
- Cannot contain any additives or flavorings
- Cannot be bottled below 80 proof (40% ABV)
Major characteristics of bourbon include vanilla, oak and spice flavors from the charred barrels. The high corn content gives bourbon a sweeter, smoother profile compared to other whiskies. Popular bourbon brands include Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Jim Beam. While bourbon is intensely linked to Kentucky, it can be made anywhere in the U.S. Overall, bourbon brings warming, oak notes to cocktails with its quintessential American whiskey profile.
Flavor Profiles
So how do the distinctive flavor profiles of rum and bourbon intersect for mixing? Here’s a quick rundown:
Rum Flavor Profile
- Sweetness from sugarcane molasses or juice
- Fruitiness with flavors like banana, mango and pineapple
- Spice elements like vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg
- Coconut, almond and maple hints
- Oaky, caramel notes from barrel aging
Bourbon Flavor Profile
- Sweetness from corn mash
- Oak, char and smoke from barrel aging
- Vanilla, caramel and butterscotch notes
- Spice flavors like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg
- Dried fruit flavors like cherry with dark bourbons
While they have distinct origins and histories, rum and bourbon share complementary flavor notes like vanilla, caramelized sugar and warm spice. The key is balancing the sweetness of rum with the oakiness of bourbon. Light and dark rums pair nicely with bourbon’s rich profile.
Popular Mixed Rum and Bourbon Cocktails
Mixing rum and bourbon together can produce delicious, complex cocktails. Here are some popular mixed drinks that harmoniously blend rum and bourbon:
Kentucky Shaker
This tropical cocktail crosses rum with the signature bourbon of Kentucky.
- 2 parts bourbon
- 1 part white rum
- 1/2 part triple sec
- 3 parts pineapple juice
- Splash lime juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange slice. The rum provides a fruity backbone that complements bourbon’s oaky vanilla.
New Orleans Cocktail
This rum and bourbon concoction was born in the cocktail melting pot of New Orleans.
- 2 parts light rum
- 1 part bourbon
- 1/4 part simple syrup
- 3-4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist. The bitters and syrup balance out the rum and whiskey.
Tennessee Tailpipe
Heading back to bourbon’s home turf, this cocktail marries spiced rum and Tennessee whiskey.
- 1 1/2 parts Tennessee whiskey like Jack Daniel’s
- 1/2 part spiced rum
- 4 parts cola
- Squeeze of lime
Build in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge. The spiced rum complements charcoal-filtered Tennessee whiskey.
Mixing Tips and Ratios
Here are some top tips for mixing rum and bourbon successfully:
- Stick to a 2:1 or 3:1 rum to bourbon ratio – Let the rum shine through while bourbon plays a supporting role.
- Light or white rum works best – Save your sipping rums; let younger, crisp rums take the lead.
- Choose a charred oak bourbon – Go for bolder bourbons that stand up to rum’s sweetness.
- Add citrus to cut richness – A squeeze of lime or lemon balances out the sugar.
- Include tropical fruit juices – Pineapple, mango and passionfruit complement rum.
- Don’t overdo the sweetness – Add just a splash or simple syrup or triple sec.
- Perfect the balance – Gradually tweak the proportions until you achieve an ideal synergy.
Ideal Bourbons for Mixing
These bourbons have the ideal kick and flavor to blend with rum:
| Bourbon | tasting notes |
|---|---|
| Wild Turkey 101 | Rich oak, spice, vanilla |
| Jim Beam | Charred oak, caramel, pepper |
| Maker’s Mark | Creamy, vanilla, cinnamon |
| Old Forester 86 | Fruit, caramel, oak |
| Four Roses | Floral, honey, oak |
Cocktail Recipe Ideas
Get creative mixing up rum and bourbon in these tempting cocktail combinations:
Mojito Bourbon Smash
Muddle mint leaves and lime with simple syrup, then add:
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz bourbon
- Top with club soda
Dark & Stormy Manhattan
Stir together:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1/4 oz ginger liqueur
- Dash Angostura bitters
Kentucky Colada
Blend with ice:
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz coconut rum
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
Bourbon Daiquiri
Shake and strain:
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
Conclusion
Rum and bourbon may seem like an unlikely pairing, but their flavors meld beautifully when balanced properly. Mixing them together can yield delicious tropical and Americana cocktails. Stick to a rum-forward ratio, complementary flavors, and proper balancing. With the right proportions and recipes, you can readily blend rum and bourbon into cocktail heaven. Bottoms up!