Holiday rum cocktails are more than just a cup of grog

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum is more than a pirate’s life. Holiday rum cocktails are often a great beverage to enjoy by the roaring fire or even the constant playing of the yule log. Although some rum cocktails might have people thinking of a tropical getaway, it doesn’t have to be just that drink with a little umbrella.

Rum can adopt many types of flavors. While those notes of vanilla and caramel are often apparent, it isn’t the only flavor. From spice notes to fruit forward flavors, there are plenty of ways to make a rum unique.

When it comes to holiday rum cocktails, traditional holiday flavors are often highlighted. From cranberry and cinnamon to a riff on a coquito, there are plenty of options to satisfy any craving and to toast every celebration.

Which holiday rum cocktails are will you shake up this year?

BACARDÍ Gingerberry Punch

Sweet, tart and a touch of spice is always a delightful combination during the holiday season. While this name says punch, it is served as a single sipper. Then again, it can be doubled, tripled or more to enjoy a larger batch cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz BACARDÍ Superior Rum
• 2 oz Cranberry Juice
• 2 oz. Ginger Ale
• ¼ oz Lime Juice
• ¼ oz Lemon Juice
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters

Method:

• Pour all ingredients into a punch bowl with a block of ice. Serve over cubed ice in individual rocks glasses. Garnish with a lime wedge and cranberry.

Milk for Santa

While milk and cookies might be a holiday tradition, this holiday rum cocktail could be a nice way for Santa to end the evening. After delivering all those gifts, it is time to unwind. Grab a cookie and put your feet up. This cocktail is one for the end of the night.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz Santa Teresa 1796
• 1 Can evaporated
• 1 Can condensed milk
• 1 Can Coco Lopez
• Cinnamon, Star anis, cloves

Method:

• Infuse the rum with the spices then mix with the rest of ingredients. Store cold.

Santa Teresa 1796 Espresso Martini

While everyone seems to be enjoying an espresso martini, vodka doesn’t have to be the only liquor in the cocktail shaker. This version uses the Santa Teresa 1796. While the coffee is still the dominate flavor, the rum adds a touch nuance.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Santa Teresa 1796
• 0.5 oz Mr black coffee liqueur
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 espresso shot
• Pinch salt

Method:

• Add all ingredients in shaker tin, add ice, shake vigorously then strain into coupe glass and garnish with grated coffee bean and biscotti cookie on the side

Schuss-Boomer

Sometimes a favorite beverage easily blends with rum. While that Cuba Libre might be a classic, it isn’t the only option. This cocktail from Dr. Pepper is perfect for fans of that iconic beverage. Ready to give the soft drink a little holiday makeover?

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of lemon
• 12 oz Dr. Pepper
• choice of rum

Directions:

• Warm Dr Pepper on the stovetop to 180 degrees or until steaming hot.
• Pour over thin lemon slices.
• Add in selection of rum (to personal preference) and enjoy!

Goslings Hot Buttered Rum

Sometimes a warm cocktail is perfect on a chilly night. Even if the fire is simulated not real, that satisfying sip is quite tasty. This cocktail serves twelve. Sometimes having a big batch cocktails the stress out of the host. A one and done option is the less stressful cocktail option.

Ingredients:

• 1 750 milliliter bottle Goslings Black Seal Rum
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• Pinch ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• Boiling water

Method:

• In a mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Refrigerate until almost firm. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of butter mixture into 12 mugs. Pour 2 oz of Black Seal Rum into each mug (filling about halfway). Top with boiling water (to fill the remaining half), stir well, and serve.

MTN DEW SNAP’D & Rum

MTN DEW SNAP’D is the gingerbread beverage that has many people enjoying that seasonal flavor. This simple cocktail has been approved by the DEW Nation. Grab a bottle, some rum and juice for a cocktail that will have everyone snapped into the holiday spirit.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ oz spiced rum
• 1 oz apple cider
• ½ oz pomegranate juice
• Fresh squeezed lime juice
• MTN DEW SNAP’D

Directions:

• Fill tall glass with ice. Add 1 ¼ oz spiced rum, 1 oz apple cider, ½ oz pomegranate juice, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Top with MTN DEW SNAP’D. Stir, garnish, and serve.

Guava Coquito Recipe

The coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday cocktail. While many families have their own special recipe, Discover Puerto Rico shared this version that has a more fruit forward twist. The Guava Coquito is quite delicious and one to try before the holidays fade away.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of condensed milk
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1 can of cream of coconut (most Puerto Ricans prefer Coco López)
• ½ cup of white rum (Preferably Don Q or Bacardí)
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (add more to taste)
• ½ pack of guava paste (around 6 ounces)

Directions:

• In a blender, add the evaporated milk and the guava paste and blend for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until all is blended. Transfer the guava-coquito into glass bottles and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours and serve cold.

Which holiday rum cocktails will be enjoyed this year? What other holiday rum cocktails should be added to FoodSided’s list?