Coconut rum is a popular liquor that imparts a sweet, tropical flavor to cocktails. With its coconutty notes, it makes a delicious mixer that pairs well with many ingredients. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of coconut rum and what makes it unique before diving into the best mixers and cocktail recipes.
What is Coconut Rum?
Coconut rum is made from a blend of rum and coconut flavoring. The rum is often distilled from sugarcane and then infused with coconut extract to give it that signature sweet, creamy coconut taste. Brands like Malibu and Captain Morgan are some of the most popular and widely available coconut rums.
Unlike spiced rums that are flavored with spices, coconut rum’s predominant flavor is, of course, coconut. The coconut flavor gives the rum a smooth, velvety texture and tropical aroma. Underlying the coconut, you can still taste the molasses and caramel notes from the rum itself.
Coconut rum typically has an alcohol content around 20-35%. It’s lighter and sweeter than regular rum, making it perfect for mixing into cocktails, especially summertime drinks. The subtle coconut pairs well with fruit juices and tropical mixers.
What Mixes Well with Coconut Rum?
There are many delicious options for ingredients that complement the flavor of coconut rum:
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices balance beautifully with the sweet coconut flavor. Pineapple, orange, cranberry, lime, and grapefruit juices all make tasty mixes with coconut rum. Citrus juices in particular help cut through the sweetness.
Tropical Mixers
For a true island vibe, use coconut rum with tropical mixers like pineapple juice, mango nectar, guava juice, passionfruit juice, or coconut water. Drinks like a piña colada or coconut mojito really allow the coconut rum to shine.
Cream of Coconut
For an extra coconut hit, cream of coconut is a perfect pairing with coconut rum. The thick, creamy texture and coconutty sweetness complement the rum beautifully in drinks like a proper piña colada.
Cola
Something as simple as cola can mix well with coconut rum. The sweet, fizzy cola softens the flavor of the rum and makes a basic yet refreshing cocktail.
Ginger Beer
For a little spice, use ginger beer as a mixer with coconut rum. The gingery bite balances out the sweetness. A coconut rum and ginger beer mule is a tasty twist on a Moscow mule.
Lemonade or Iced Tea
For easy sipping, combine coconut rum with lemonade, sweetened iced tea, or Arnold Palmer. The sweet tartness pairs nicely with the coconut flavor.
Club Soda
If you want a lighter, less sweet drink, club soda is an ideal mixer for coconut rum. The bubbles help open up the rum’s flavors and tones down the sweetness.
Coffee Drinks
Coconut rum can even mix into hot coffee drinks for a creamy, coconut twist on your morning brew. Try adding a splash to your morning latte.
Popular Coconut Rum Cocktail Recipes
Now let’s explore some delicious cocktail recipes that really let the coconut rum shine:
Piña Colada
A classic piña colada combines coconut rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut for the ultimate tropical drink. Blend all ingredients with ice for a creamy frozen piña colada.
Coconut Mojito
For a fun twist on the mojito, use coconut instead of plain white rum. Muddle mint leaves and lime wedges with simple syrup, then combine with coconut rum and club soda over ice.
Malibu Sunrise
Make a colorful sunrise cocktail by mixing coconut rum with orange juice and grenadine syrup. The sweet orange juice complements the coconut rum beautifully.
Bahama Mama
This fruity cocktail mixes coconut rum with pineapple and orange juice. For extra flavor, add a dash of grenadine. Garnish with an orange slice.
Coconut Old Fashioned
For a tropical twist on an old fashioned, swap out bourbon for coconut rum. Mix with classic ingredients like bitters and simple syrup and serve over ice with an orange twist.
Jamaican Me Crazy
This recipe combines Malibu rum with vodka, triple sec, pineapple juice and grenadine. Shake with ice and garnish with a wedge of pineapple for a colorful and flavorful cocktail.
Rum Runner
A rum runner blends light and dark rums with blackberry liqueur, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine. Substitute the light rum for coconut rum to give this fruity cocktail a tropical vibe.
Coconut Rum Cocktail Ideas
If you need more inspiration for delicious ways to enjoy coconut rum, here are a few more cocktail ideas to mix up:
| Cocktail Name | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Coconut Kiss | Coconut rum, cranberry juice, lime juice |
| Hula Girl | Coconut rum, pineapple juice, grenadine |
| Jamaican Sunset | Coconut rum, orange juice, blackberry liqueur |
| Tropical Colada | Coconut rum, mango nectar, cream of coconut |
| Blue Hawaiian | Coconut rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice |
Conclusion
Coconut rum’s sweet, creamy flavor profile makes it extremely versatile for mixing into a variety of delicious tropical cocktails. Fruit juices, cola, ginger beer, and coffee drinks all make great combinations with coconut rum. Classics like the piña colada and mojito take on a tropical twist when made with coconut rum instead of plain white rum. Whether you prefer blended frozen drinks, simple mixed cocktails, or just coconut rum on its own, it’s a liquor that’s perfect for sipping during the warm summer months.