Ahoy, my fellow rum enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of spiced rum – that delicious, aromatic elixir that’s been enjoyed by pirates, sailors, and beach bums alike for centuries. We’ll be exploring some of the most popular spiced rum brands on the market, delving into what exactly makes spiced rum so darn tasty, and sharing some of our favorite recipes for creative and delicious spiced rum cocktails.
But before we get into all that, let’s talk about what spiced rum actually is. Is it just regular rum with a few spices thrown in? Well, yes and no. Spiced rum is indeed a type of rum, but it’s been infused with a variety of spices and flavorings to give it a unique, aromatic taste. Think cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and more – these are just a few of the spices you might find in a bottle of spiced rum.
So why do people love spiced rum so much? Well, for one thing, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail. And because of its unique flavor profile, it adds an extra layer of complexity to any drink you make with it.
We’ll cover some of the most popular spiced rum brands on the market, from the classic Captain Morgan to the bold and powerful Kraken Black Spiced Rum. We’ll also explore some lesser-known gems that deserve more recognition, and share some tips for choosing the perfect spiced rum for your next cocktail creation.
And speaking of cocktails, we’ve got some seriously delicious recipes to share with you. From a spiced mai tai to a warm apple cider with a kick, we’ll show you just how creative and flavorful spiced rum can be.
So grab a glass, pour yourself a shot of your favorite spiced rum, and let’s get started. It’s time to explore the exciting, delicious world of spiced rum. Cheers!
What is Spiced Rum?
Ah, spiced rum – the rum that’s been around for so long that even Blackbeard himself might have enjoyed a glass or two (or three or four). But what is spiced rum, exactly? And where did it come from?
Well, my friends, spiced rum is a type of rum that’s been infused with a variety of spices and flavorings, ranging from cinnamon and vanilla to nutmeg and allspice. This gives it a unique, aromatic taste that sets it apart from other types of rum.
But why add spices to rum in the first place? Many historians believe that spiced rum was first created as a way to mask the harsh taste of lower-quality rum. By adding spices and other flavorings, distillers were able to create a smoother, more palatable spirit that could be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a cocktail.
And speaking of cocktails, spiced rum has become an essential ingredient in many classic drinks, from the warm and cozy hot toddy to the refreshing and tropical Mai Tai. It’s versatility and wide range of flavors make it perfect for mixing into all kinds of creative concoctions.
Where Did It Come From?
So where did spiced rum originate? While it’s hard to say for sure, many historians believe that it was first developed in the Caribbean, where rum has been a staple spirit for centuries. The exact origins of spiced rum are unclear, but it’s likely that Caribbean distillers began experimenting with adding spices to their rum as early as the 17th century.
Since then, spiced rum has become a beloved spirit around the world, enjoyed by people of all ages (well, over 21, of course) and backgrounds. Whether you prefer yours neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a delicious cocktail, there’s no denying the delicious, aromatic flavor that spiced rum brings to the table.
List of Spiced Rums… Did your favorite make the cut?
Let’s start with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, perhaps the most well-known spiced rum of them all. This Caribbean favorite boasts a smooth, vanilla-forward taste that’s perfect for mixing into tropical drinks like piña coladas and mai tais. And with its iconic label featuring the swashbuckling Captain himself, it’s hard not to feel like a pirate when sipping on this tasty tipple.
Next up is Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, named after legendary tattoo artist Norman Collins (aka Sailor Jerry). This bold, spicy rum features notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, and is perfect for mixing into a spiced daiquiri or a simple rum and coke. Plus, with its eye-catching bottle design and rebellious spirit, it’s sure to impress even the toughest of critics.
Moving on to the Kraken Black Spiced Rum – this one definitely lives up to its name. With a powerful blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and clove, this dark rum packs a serious punch. It’s perfect for sipping neat or mixing into a cocktail for an extra kick. Plus, with its menacing label featuring a giant sea monster, it’s sure to add a touch of mystery and intrigue to any bar.
Great, matey! We can’t forget about Boukman Botanical Rhum, a truly unique and flavorful spiced rum that’s making waves in the world of craft spirits. Made with all-natural ingredients and botanicals like Haitian vetiver, cinnamon, and clove, this rhum offers a rich, complex taste that’s unlike any other.
Named after Dutty Boukman, a Haitian slave who helped lead a rebellion against French colonizers in 1791, Boukman Botanical Rhum is a tribute to Haiti’s rich history and culture. And with its organic, fair trade production process, it’s a spirit that you can feel good about drinking.
Last but certainly not least is Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum, a lesser-known gem hailing from Puerto Rico. This delicious rum is aged in oak barrels for a rich, smoky flavor, and features notes of caramel, honey, and toasted oak. It’s perfect for sipping on the rocks or using in a classic rum punch. And with its sleek, modern bottle design, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning of rum drinkers.
Another rum to consider – Pusser’s Rum
Pusser’s Rum is another classic spiced rum that’s been enjoyed by rum lovers around the world for decades. But wait – is Pusser’s actually a spiced rum? Well, not exactly. While Pusser’s doesn’t feature the same blend of spices as some of the other rums on this list, it does have a unique flavor profile thanks to its blend of Caribbean rums aged in oak barrels.
Originally created for the British Royal Navy, Pusser’s Rum boasts a rich, full-bodied taste with notes of molasses, vanilla, and caramel. It’s perfect for sipping neat or mixing into classic cocktails like the Painkiller (made with Pusser’s Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream).
And while it may not be a spiced rum in the traditional sense, Pusser’s has a unique flavor all its own that’s sure to please even the most discerning of rum drinkers. So if you’re looking for a classic Caribbean rum with a rich history and a delicious taste, give Pusser’s a try – your taste buds (and your inner pirate) will thank you.
Rums from Foursquare Distillery.
Foursquare Distillery is known for its delicious, high-quality rums that are aged in oak barrels for a rich, complex flavor. But they don’t actually produce a spiced rum.
Now, this isn’t to say that Foursquare doesn’t offer some seriously tasty rums that are perfect for mixing into creative cocktails or sipping on the rocks. With their wide range of expressions, from the sweet and smooth Doorly’s 8-Year-Old to the rich and complex Foursquare 2008, there’s a Foursquare rum for just about every occasion.
So while you may not find a spiced rum in Foursquare’s lineup, you can still enjoy plenty of other delicious rums that are sure to please your palate. And who knows – maybe they’ll surprise us with a spiced rum one of these days. In the meantime, we’ll be sipping on some of their delicious aged rums and dreaming of tropical beaches.
Different Kinds of Rum
First up, we have light rum – a clear, smooth spirit that’s perfect for mixing into cocktails. Made from molasses or sugarcane juice, light rum is typically aged for a shorter period of time than other rums, giving it a light, crisp taste that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Use it to add a tropical twist to classic drinks like mojitos, daiquiris, and piña coladas.
Next, we have gold rum – a slightly darker, more flavorful rum that’s been aged for a longer period of time. With its rich, caramel flavor and smooth finish, gold rum is perfect for sipping on the rocks or mixing into a simple rum and coke. It’s also great for adding a touch of sweetness and complexity to classic tiki cocktails like the Mai Tai or the Zombie.
Now, let’s talk about dark rum – a bold, complex spirit that’s been aged for months or even years to achieve its rich, smoky flavor. With notes of molasses, vanilla, and oak, dark rum is perfect for sipping neat or mixing into a classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy. It’s also great for adding depth and complexity to desserts like rum cake or bread pudding.
Moving on to black rum – this powerful, full-bodied rum is often associated with pirate lore and has a distinctly bold and spicy flavor. With its deep, dark color and intense flavor profile, black rum is perfect for mixing into creative cocktails or enjoying on its own after dinner. It’s also a great choice for adding a touch of smoky sweetness to savory dishes like jerk chicken or pork.
Last but certainly not least, we have aged rum – a premium spirit that’s been aged for years to achieve a smooth, complex taste that’s perfect for sipping. With its deep, rich flavor and luxurious mouthfeel, aged rum is the ultimate indulgence for rum lovers. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks to truly appreciate its unique flavors and aromas.
Rum Cocktails
Spiced rum is a versatile and delicious spirit that can add a unique kick to a variety of cocktails. Here are some of the best cocktails to make with spiced rum:
Spiced Pina Colada
Ingredients:
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz coconut cream
- 1 cup ice
- Pineapple wedge and cherry, for garnish
Directions:
1. Add spiced rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
4. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your tropical paradise in a glass!
Spiced Mai Tai
Ingredients:
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz orange curacao
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Mint leaves and lime wedge, for garnish
Directions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add spiced rum, orange curacao, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
4. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge.
6. Sip, relax, and transport yourself to a sunny beach somewhere in the Caribbean.
Spiced Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz espresso
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Directions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add spiced rum, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
6. Sip, savor, and get ready to dance the night away!
Spiced Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Directions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add spiced rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
6. Sip and enjoy your tropical drink!
Other Island Inspired Cocktails to Try
Hot Buttered Rum
Ingredients:
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Dash of cinnamon
- Dash of nutmeg
- Hot water
Directions:
1. Combine spiced rum, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter and sugar have melted.
3. Pour the mixture into a mug.
4. Top with hot water and stir to combine.
5. Sip and warm up on a chilly night!
Dark ‘n’ Stormy
Ingredients:
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 3 oz ginger beer
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Directions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add spiced rum, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice to the glass.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.
5. Sip and enjoy the spicy, tangy flavors!
Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients:
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 6 oz fresh apple cider
- Dash of cinnamon
- Dash of cloves
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Directions:
1. Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add spiced rum, cinnamon, and cloves to the saucepan.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a mug.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
6. Sip and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors!
Spiced Rum Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
Directions:
1. Place the sugar cube in a glass.
2. Add Angostura bitters to the glass.
3. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters together until well combined.
4. Add spiced rum and stir to combine.
5. Fill the glass with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange peel.
7. Sip and enjoy the rich, complex flavors!
How Do I Know What Rum to Use in These Recipes?
Ah, excellent question, me hearty! When it comes to choosing the right spiced rum for your cocktails, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, consider the flavor profile of the spiced rum you plan to use. Some spiced rums have a light and refreshing taste with subtle hints of vanilla and tropical fruit, while others are more robust and complex with bold flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Depending on the recipe you’re making, you’ll want to choose a spiced rum that complements the other ingredients and adds to the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.
Secondly, consider the color of the spiced rum you’re using. Darker rums tend to have a richer, more complex flavor profile and can add depth and complexity to cocktails, while lighter rums have a more subtle taste and are better suited for refreshing, summery drinks.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different types of spiced rum in your cocktails! With so many different brands and styles to choose from, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to adding some extra flavor to your drinks.
So whether you prefer light and refreshing, dark and complex, or somewhere in between, there’s a spiced rum out there that’s perfect for your next cocktail creation. So go ahead and raise a glass to the delicious world of spiced rum – your taste buds (and your inner pirate) will thank you!
Arrrgh…
Ahoy there, me hearties! We’ve reached the end of our journey through the wonderful world of spiced rum. We’ve explored the different types of rum out there, from light and refreshing to dark and complex, and we’ve learned how to use spiced rum to create some seriously tasty cocktails.
But what is it about spiced rum that makes it so special? Is it the exotic flavors and aromas, the rich and complex taste, or the sense of adventure that comes with drinking it? Well, we think it’s a little bit of all of these things – and more.
Spiced rum is a spirit that has a way of transporting you to another time and place, whether it’s a sunny beach in the Caribbean or a cozy tavern in old-world Europe. It’s a drink that’s full of excitement, intrigue, and flavor – and that’s why we love it.
So go ahead and pour yourself a glass of your favorite spiced rum, mix up a delicious cocktail, and raise a toast to the delicious, adventurous spirit that is spiced rum. And remember, as the old pirate saying goes, “In the life of a sailor, every wind has its weather, and every rum has its spice”. Cheers, me hearties!