Black Rum Cocktails

Black rum is a dark, heavy-bodied rum that has been aged for an extended period, often in charred barrels, which gives it its rich, smoky flavor and deep, dark color. Unlike lighter rums, black rum carries intense notes of caramel, molasses, and spice, making it perfect for drinks that need boldness and depth. It’s the type of rum you turn to when you want a drink that stands out—whether in a punch, a dark cocktail, or sipped straight over ice.

If you don’t have black rum on hand, there are a few alternatives that can bring similar depth to your cocktails:

Dark Rum: Less intense than black rum but still rich and full-bodied.
Aged Rum: Offers complexity and smoothness, though not as smoky as black rum.
Spiced Rum: Adds warmth and a mix of spices, making it a good stand-in for black rum.
Whiskey: Provides a smoky, oaky flavor, especially in cocktails where black rum’s boldness is key.

There aren’t many brands that do black rum justice, but the ones that do are known for their bold flavors:

• Goslings Black Seal: Famous for its role in the Dark ‘n’ Stormy, this rum is rich and flavorful with hints of caramel and vanilla.
• Myers’s Original Dark: A classic black rum, perfect for tropical drinks with a deep molasses flavor.
• Kraken Black Spiced Rum: Known for its bold, spicy kick, this rum brings intense flavors to any cocktail.
• Captain Morgan Black Rum: Full-bodied and smooth, it’s a great choice for sipping or mixing.
• Pusser’s Rum: A dark, bold rum with a slightly smoky finish, perfect for classic rum cocktails.

• Go Bold in Cocktails: Black rum is best used in cocktails where its bold, rich flavors can stand out. It’s perfect in rum punches, tiki drinks, or dark, stormy cocktails.
• Balance the Richness: Because black rum is so full-bodied, it pairs best with sharp, zesty mixers like lime or ginger beer to cut through the richness.
• Perfect for Cold-Weather Drinks: Black rum’s warm, spiced notes make it ideal for cold-weather cocktails like hot toddies, spiked coffee, or rum and cider.
• Use in Dessert Cocktails: Its molasses and caramel flavors are a great match for dessert-inspired drinks. Try black rum with chocolate, coffee liqueur, or even in a spiked milkshake.
• Sip it Neat: Black rum is so flavorful that it’s worth sipping on its own. Pour it over ice and enjoy the complex layers of flavor without any mixers.