Blast from the Past: The Perfect Rum Runner Cocktail

Escape to the Florida Keys with this Rum Runner! This fruity cocktail combines dark & light rum with tropical flavors. Get the best Rum Runner recipe here!

The Perfect Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe: A Key West Classic

June 10, 2025
By Jordan Kim.

Jump to Recipe

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Table of Contents

☷

Alright, let's dive into something fun. ever dreamed of being transported to a sunny beach? this rum runner recipe might just do the trick! this iconic cocktail isn't just a drink.

It’s a mini-vacation in a glass.

Blast from the Past: The Perfect Rum Runner Cocktail

This rum runner cocktail recipe hails from the florida keys. it is a vibrant slice of paradise. legend says a clever bartender created it to use up excess liquor.

Now that's ingenuity i can get behind!

It's so easy to make. the rum runner recipe is definitely beginner-friendly. it'll take about 5 minutes tops. one batch serves one thirsty soul, perfectly.

Imagine yourself, sipping this on a warm evening.

Why You'll Love This Rum Runner

This recipe brings back the tropical vibes of the Florida Keys. That's where it was first concocted.

The rum runner recipe best attribute is that it's packed with vitamin c from the juice. plus, it's amazing for a summer party.

Imagine serving it at a barbecue! i have even sipped one while pretending i'm with jimmy buffett. try to "escape (the piña colada song)" as you sip this cocktail and embark on a flavor adventure!

Ready to make a Rum Runner ? I will now share the ingredients you will need.

Alright, let's talk rum runner cocktail recipe , shall we? honestly, this is one of those key west drinks that just screams "vacation".

It is the real deal. i remember the first time i had one. oh my gosh! it was in key west.

I had a rum runner . pure bliss.

Ingredients: Let's Get Real

Forget complicated! This Rum Runner recipe is all about simple ingredients. Easy peasy.

Main Players

1 oz (30 ml) Light rum : Use something decent. Seriously.
1 oz (30 ml) Dark rum : Adds depth. Don't skimp!
½ oz (15 ml) Blackberry liqueur : Chambord if you're fancy.
½ oz (15 ml) Banana liqueur : Gives it that tropical twist, you know?
1 oz (30 ml) Fresh lime juice : Fresh is key here. No bottled stuff!
2 oz (60 ml) Pineapple juice : Makes it taste like sunshine.
½ oz (15 ml) Grenadine : For that lovely red color.

Seasoning: It is All About Flavor

Spice combos? not really. the liqueurs do the work here. for flavor enhancers, honestly? a dash of angostura bitters wouldn't hurt.

Subs? if you haven't got chambord, use another berry liqueur. easy. for captain morgan drinks spiced rum , just use captain morgan instead of dark rum.

Equipment: Keep it Simple

You only need a few essential tools:

Cocktail shaker: Gotta have one.
Jigger or measuring spoons: Get precise!
Highball glass: Or a fancy hurricane glass.

No shaker? A mason jar works in a pinch. Honestly, it's fine. A mug, whatever. Don't sweat it.

I can tell you that the Rum Runner Recipe Best are made with love, not just ingredients. That is just a fact.

So there you have it. Your Rum Runner Recipe . Time to shake things up. Get your Drinks With Captain Morgan .

Okay, let's dive into making the ultimate rum runner cocktail recipe . i remember my first time trying one in key west.

Honestly? my head hurt the next day! but it tasted amazing going down! here’s how to make it right.

Nailing the Rum Runner: Prep Like a Pro

Essential Mise en Place

First, get everything ready. measure out your ingredients. you'll need 1 oz light rum , 1 oz dark rum , ½ oz blackberry liqueur , ½ oz banana liqueur , 1 oz lime juice , 2 oz pineapple juice , and ½ oz grenadine .

Make sure your shaker is clean! it's key for the rum runner recipe best .

Time-Saving Tips

Honestly, juice your limes ahead of time. It makes everything easier. Also, chill all ingredients before mixing. A cold drink is a happy drink.

Safety First

No need to get hurt making a Key West Drink ! Just don't cut yourself juicing. And drink responsibly, alright?

Blast from the Past: The Perfect Rum Runner Cocktail presentation

Shake It Up: The Rum Runner Step-by-Step

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker.
Add ice. Shake hard for 15-20 seconds .
Strain into your iced glass.
Garnish with an orange slice, cherry, and pineapple. Boom!

Rum Runner: Pro Tips for Perfection

Expert Techniques

For the best Rum Runner Recipe , use fresh lime juice. Seriously, it makes a world of difference. Also, don't skimp on the Captain Morgan Spiced Rum !

Common Mistakes

Over-shaking is a no-no. It waters down the drink. Also, too much grenadine makes it sickly sweet. I´ve been there!

Make-Ahead Magic

You can juice the limes and measure the ingredients earlier, but wait to shake it until serving. A day drinking sesh needs some good planning.

This drink is perfect for using some captain morgan drinks . you can also find many rum mixed drinks ideas by using this rum runner recipe .

This isn't just another key west food or drink, it's an experience, a blast from the past: the perfect rum runner cocktail .

Alright, let's dive into some recipe notes for the perfect rum runner cocktail recipe ! you know, the stuff that makes this more than just a boozy fruit punch.

Honestly, it's all about those little tweaks that elevate it.

Serving Suggestions: Paradise in a Glass

Think tropical, yeah? for plating, go big! a highball glass or even a hurricane glass screams key west drinks . garnish it like you're trying to win a contest.

Orange slice? check. maraschino cherry? absolutely. pineapple wedge? duh!

For sides, think key west food . grilled pineapple or jerk chicken skewers would be bangin'. a little bowl of plantain chips? oh my gosh, yes! and what about what to drink? the rum runner shines by itself or with a chilled light beer like a red stripe or corona.

Storage Tips: Keep the Party Going!

So, you made a whole batch of this Rum Runner Recipe and have leftovers? No worries!

Refrigeration: Store any unused cocktail mix in an airtight container. It should last up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake before serving. Honestly, it’s best fresh, though.
Freezing: Don't even think about freezing the finished cocktail. The juice separates, and it just gets weird.

Reheating? Nah, this is a cold one, matey!

Variations: Shake it Up!

Dietary Adaptations: To make it a bit healthier, you could swap out the grenadine for a sugar-free version. You could also use a natural sweetener like agave nectar instead of sugar.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: During the fall, you could add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer vibe. And in the summer, fresh berries make a fantastic addition. Trust me.

Nutrition Basics: The Honest Truth

Okay, let's not pretend this is a health drink! But, let’s cover these important points of the Rum Runner Recipe Best .

Estimated calories: roughly 250-300 per serving. the pineapple juice does offer some vitamin c. look out for the sugar . but hey, it's a treat! it's one of those drinks with captain morgan people love.

The captain morgan spiced rum provides a tiny bit of warmth.

This Rum Mixed Drinks concoction is all about the experience.

So there you have it! a rum runner recipe that’s sure to impress. don't be afraid to experiment. after all, that's what cooking (and cocktail-making) is all about! you know? go on, give it a go!.

You will never regret using captain morgan drinks spiced rum for this.

Key West Drinks: The Ultimate Rum Runner Recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a rum runner, and why is it so popular?

The Rum Runner is a fruity, rum-based cocktail that originated in the Florida Keys. Its popularity stems from its delicious blend of different rums and fruit liqueurs and juices, making it a potent and flavorful tropical escape in a glass. Think of it as a vacation for your taste buds!

Can I make a Rum Runner ahead of time for a party?

You can prep some of the ingredients ahead, like measuring out the liquors and juices into separate containers. However, it's best to mix the final cocktail right before serving. Pre-mixing the entire rum runner will cause it to lose its fizz and the flavors can become muddled. Nobody wants a flat rum runner!

What kind of rum should I use for the best Rum Runner cocktail?

A classic Rum Runner recipe calls for both light and dark rum to create a balanced flavor profile. For the light rum, a good quality white rum is perfect. For the dark rum, look for something with a bit more character and molasses flavor; brands like Gosling's Black Seal or Myers's Dark Rum work brilliantly. Don't be a cheapskate; good rum makes a world of difference!

I don't have all the liqueurs listed. Are there any substitutions I can use in my rum runner?

Absolutely! If you're missing blackberry liqueur, try raspberry liqueur like Chambord, or even blackberry jam thinned with a little warm water. For the banana liqueur, crème de banane is the most authentic choice, but you could use a splash of banana schnapps or even a tiny bit of banana extract in a pinch. Just remember to go easy on the extract – a little goes a long way! Necessity is the mother of invention, as they say.

How can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Rum Runner, a "mocktail" if you will?

Creating a Rum Runner mocktail is easy! Replace the rums with a blend of tropical fruit juices, like pineapple, orange, and passion fruit. Use a splash of blackberry syrup (like Monin) and banana syrup for the liqueur flavors. You can even add a dash of grenadine for color and sweetness. It's a great way to enjoy the tropical flavors without the booze – perfect for designated drivers or the kids!

How many calories are in a Rum Runner, and is it possible to make it healthier?

A Rum Runner typically contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and proportions. To lighten it up, use sugar-free grenadine, fresh lime juice instead of sweetened mixes, and unsweetened pineapple juice. You could even try using a rum flavored sparkling water to keep the rum flavor with a lot less sugar. Every little bit helps when you're watching your waistline!