Best Rum Mixers: Bartender Favorites
Introduction
When it comes to crafting exceptional rum cocktails, the right mixers can make all the difference. In this article, we delve into the bartender-recommended rums that elevate tropical drinks, as well as the classic and creative mixers that perfectly complement their flavours.
Key Takeaways
- Havana Club 86 proof Añejo Blanco and Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black Rum are standout choices for their smooth, clean and funky profiles, respectively.
- Bartenders emphasize citrus (lime/lemon) for 70% of recommended cocktails, along with ginger beer and dark fruit liqueurs.
- Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold Rum leads on-premise consumption, making it a versatile house pour for Mojitos and Daiquiris.
- Bacardi Superior White is the top global bestseller, found in 20% of bars as a house pour.
- Malibu Coconut Rum added 244,000 9L cases in 2021, demonstrating its growing popularity.
Bartender-Recommended Rums for Mixing
When it comes to the best rums for mixing cocktails, bartenders have a few key favourites. Havana Club 86 proof Añejo Blanco is praised for its smooth, clean taste with enough body to shine in tropical concoctions. On the other end of the spectrum, Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black Rum offers a funky, vegetal and aromatic profile that’s bolder than typical dark rums.
For those seeking more affordable options with complex flavour profiles, bartenders recommend Rhum J.M. Dorado 3 Year, Paranubes Rum, Diplomático Rum, and Ten to One Five Origin Select. These rums exhibit baking spice, light smokiness, tobacco and banana notes that mix beautifully with citrus.
When building a Daiquiri-style drink, the blend of Worthy Park 109 Proof and San Zanj White Rum provides incredible depth and richness. Conversely, the buttery, raisin, tropical fruit and grassy notes of El Dorado 5 Year make it a versatile option for cocktails.
For those seeking a touch of pineapple, Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum is a bartender favourite. Uruapan Charanda Añejo Rum, with its tropical fruit flavours without aggression, also earns high praise.
Best Mixers for Rum Cocktails
When it comes to the best mixers for rum cocktails, bartenders have a few go-to options. For classic cocktails like Daiquiris and Mojitos, the quintessential combinations are lime juice and simple syrup, or mint and soda water, respectively. For a Cuba Libre, cola is the mixer of choice, while Piña Coladas and Mai Tais pair rum with pineapple juice and orange liqueur.
Beyond these traditional pairings, bartenders also emphasize the importance of citrus (lime/lemon) for around 70% of their recommended cocktails. Ginger beer is also a popular choice for mule-style drinks, while dark fruit liqueurs can be substituted for syrup in funky rum blends. For toffee or bananas Foster-inspired profiles, ginger is an excellent complement.
Top-Selling Rums and Market Data
When it comes to the top-selling rums in the on-premise market, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold Rum leads the way at 0.1393% total consumption. This makes it an ideal choice for house pours in Mojitos and Daiquiris. Other notable performers include Lovango Dark Rum at 0.1390%, Lovango White at 0.0719%, Havana Club Añejo 3 Años at 0.0527%, and Bacardi Superior White at 0.0451% – the top global bestseller, found as a house pour in 20% of bars.
In the spiced rum category, Captain Morgan Black Spiced accounts for 0.0418% of total consumption, while Malibu Coconut Rum has seen a significant boost, adding 244,000 9L cases in 2021 as part of an £8.7 billion global rum market.
Conclusion
When it comes to crafting exceptional rum cocktails, the right choice of spirit and mixer can make all the difference. From the smooth, clean Havana Club 86 proof Añejo Blanco to the funky, vegetal Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black Rum, bartenders have a wealth of recommended options to elevate tropical drinks. And with a focus on citrus, ginger, and dark fruit flavours, the perfect mixer is just a few steps away.
Sources:
VinePair
WISK
Drinks International
Drinks International
The Rum Lab
Straits Research
Park Street Imports
