Rum Runner Origins and Essentials
The Rum Runner is a tropical cocktail that blends various rums with fruit juices and liqueurs.
This refreshing drink has a fascinating history rooted in Prohibition-era smuggling and has become a staple of tiki bars worldwide.
• 1 oz light rum
• 1 oz dark rum
• 1/2 oz banana liqueur
• 1/2 oz blackberry brandy
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• Dash of grenadine
• Ice
• Garnish: orange slice and maraschino cherry
To make a Rum Runner, fill a shaker with ice and add all the liquid ingredients.
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
History of the Rum Runner
The Rum Runner cocktail was born in the Florida Keys during the 1930s, at the tail end of Prohibition.
Bootleggers smuggling rum from the Caribbean needed a way to disguise their illicit cargo.
They created this fruity concoction to mask the taste of their smuggled spirits.
The drink’s exact origin is often attributed to the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida.
Legend has it that the bartender invented the Rum Runner to use up excess liquor inventory.
The cocktail quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike.
As tiki culture boomed in the mid-20th century, the Rum Runner spread beyond the Florida Keys.
It became a staple in tropical-themed bars across the country, cementing its status as a classic cocktail.
Defining a Tropical Rum Runner
A true Rum Runner is a perfect balance of sweet and strong flavors.
The combination of light and dark rums provides a solid base.
Meanwhile, fruit juices and liqueurs add tropical flair.
Key components of a Rum Runner include:
• Rum: Both light and dark varieties
• Fruit juices: Typically orange and pineapple
• Liqueurs: Banana and blackberry are traditional
The drink’s vibrant color comes from grenadine.
Grenadine adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful red hue.
Some recipes include a float of high-proof rum for an extra kick.
Rum Runners are usually served in hurricane glasses or tiki mugs.
Garnishes often feature tropical fruits like pineapple wedges or orange slices, along with the classic maraschino cherry.