5 Must-Try Rum Cocktails for National Rum Day on August 16

Ah, National Rum Day. The unofficial holiday that lets us raise our glasses to the sweet, spicy nectar of life that is rum. Whether you’ve been sipping mojitos by the beach all year or your rum adventures are limited to the occasional boozy piña colada, August 16th is your time to shine. And what better way to celebrate than by trying some rum cocktails guaranteed to make your taste buds dance?

Grab your shakers, limes, and maybe a tiny paper umbrella, because we’re about to turn your regular Saturday into a tropical party. These five cocktails range from classics to wild, inventive wonders—but all come with the same directive. Sip. Savor. Celebrate.

1. The Timeless Classic: Piña Colada

When people think of “rum cocktails,” the piña colada often steals the spotlight. Creamy, tropical, and an instant mood-lifter, it’s a National Rum Day staple. This cocktail is like a beach vacation in a glass, complete with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a generous splash of golden rum. Garnish it with a pineapple wedge or something whimsical (looking at you, mini flamingo stirrer).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz golden rum
• 2 ½ oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 1 cup crushed ice
• Pineapple wedge (for garnish)

Method:

Blend everything until creamy, pour into a tall glass, and boom! Paradise found.

2. Rum Old Fashioned

Think whiskey owns the old-fashioned game? Think again. With rum’s versatile flavor profiles, this cocktail hits differently—in the best way. For National Rum Day, choose a rich, aged rum for deep caramel and vanilla notes. Stirred with bitters and sugar, the result is a suave, polished drink that whispers rather than shouts, “I know my cocktails.”

Ingredients:

• 2 oz aged rum
• 1 sugar cube or ½ tsp sugar
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Method:

Muddle sugar and bitters in a glass, add ice, pour in rum, stir, and garnish with that orange peel like the classy mixologist you are.

3. Mai Tai d’Percy

Welcome to tiki’s pièce de résistance. This National Rum Day cocktail is all about layers of tropical flavors that hit you with complexity but keep it chill. Picture pineapple, orange juice, orgeat syrup for a nutty twist, and that dark rum float as the grand finale.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Captain Morgan rum
• 1 oz Myers Dark Rum (float on top)
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz orgeat syrup
• Crushed ice

Method:

Shake everything but the dark rum, strain over crushed ice, and gently float the Myers dark rum on top. Bonus points for garnishing with a maraschino cherry and pineapple slice.

4. The Heat Seeker’s Favorite: Haven and Hell

This one is for the cocktail adventurers who want a little fiery kick with their drink. With a smoky jalapeño and lime twist mingling with pineapple juice and light rum, it’s the lovechild of bold beverage and tropical escape that’s perfect for a National Rum Day celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz light rum
• 5 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 slices of jalapeño or chili (garnish optional for spice masters)

Method:

Shake it all up with ice and double strain into a rocks glass. If you’re feeling bold, float a jalapeño slice on top for flair. You’ve earned it.

5. Kiwi Tiki Showstopper

Packing both punch and panache, the Kiwi Tiki is the Instagram-worthy cocktail you didn’t know you needed for this National Rum Day. This neon-green beauty features fresh kiwi purée, dual rums (yes, two are better than one), and passionfruit syrup for a fruity, tart finish.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz spiced rum
• 1 oz kiwi purée
• 1 oz passionfruit syrup
• Crushed ice

Method:

Shake it all up, pour into your favorite tiki glass, and top with a mountain of shaved ice. Bonus points if you find one of those ceramic mugs that look like mini tiki gods.

Why Celebrate National Rum Day?

Aside from the obvious (rum is delicious), rum boasts a rich history rooted in the Caribbean, bringing spices, mystery, and a sense of adventure to every sip. Whether you prefer your rum neat, on the rocks, or jazzed up in a flamboyant cocktail, this day is all about appreciating its versatility and cultural significance.

Your Move

Now that you’ve got the recipes, it’s time to pick your favorite (or all five, no judgment) and start mixing! Share your creations with your National Rum Day party crew, and don’t forget to snap a photo for Instagram. Tag it with #NationalRumDay and showcase those cocktail-making skills.

Cheers to good drinks, great company, and celebrating rum the right way. Because if any spirit deserves its own holiday, it’s the one that can make both pirates and suburban dads equally happy.