Spiced rum is one of the most popular types of rum out there, with a flavor that makes it a great choice for an evening drink. But while coke may be the traditional pairing for spiced rum, there are lots of other mixers and ingredients you can use to create delicious and unique cocktails.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the other ingredients that mix well with spiced rum to give your cocktails a unique flavor. So if you're looking for some inspiration on how to mix up your spiced rum cocktails, read on to unleash your inner mixologist!
1. Ginger Ale
Ginger ale is a magnificent mixer for spiced rum because it adds a sweet and refreshing flavor that complements the spiced rum's complex taste. The combination of spiced rum and ginger ale is often served over ice, creating a balanced and flavorful drink. This combination can also be mixed with fresh fruit and herbs for even more flavor and depth.
In addition to its taste, ginger ale is also a great mixer for spiced rum because it is readily available in most places. This makes it an easy and convenient option for those looking for a flavorful rum cocktail, whether at home or out and about. Additionally, ginger ale is a low-sugar mixer, so it's a great option for those on a low-sugar diet.
2. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is a great mixer for spiced rum because it offers a sweet and refreshing contrast to the strong and spicy flavors of the spirit. The combination of spiced rum and pineapple juice is easy to make and can be served over ice for a cool and refreshing drink. Pineapple juice is also a great way to round out the bold flavors of the rum and mellow it out a bit.
Pineapple juice is popular for making spiced rum drinks because it is widely available and easy to find. This makes it an attractive and convenient choice for those looking to enjoy a spiced rum cocktail—whether out and about or at home.
3. Apple Juice
Next up, we have apple juice. This is a superb mixer for spiced rum due to its sweet, fruity flavor. This can add a delicious taste to your cocktail, and can also balance out the spiciness of the rum. Apple juice also pairs well with other mixers such as pineapple juice, orange juice, and sugar syrup, enabling you to create your own custom-made drinks.
Apple juice is also a great mixer choice because it is generally easier to find than other juices or mixers. It's widely available in grocery stores and supermarkets, making it a convenient and reliable choice for those looking to make a spiced rum cocktail.
4. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is another fantastic option to mix with spiced rum besides coke because it provides a slightly tart flavor that complements and balances the sweetness of the rum. The combination of cranberry and spiced rum is also a versatile mix, lending itself to a variety of different cocktail and mocktail options.
Cranberry juice is easily available, and it provides a subtly flavorful twist that can help to make a spiced rum-based mixed drink stand out. Cranberry juice can also be mixed with other juices, such as orange or pineapple, to create a variety of creative mixed drinks.
5. Lime Juice
Lime juice is definitely worth mentioning as a mixer for spiced rum because it adds a bright and tart flavor that complements the warm and spicy notes of the rum. The sweet and slightly acidic notes of the lime work to round out the rum and create a smoother, more balanced drink. Additionally, lime juice can add plenty of zest and visual appeal to rum drinks. It not only adds a splash of color, but also enhances the flavor profile by bringing out the deepest, most complex flavors in the rum.
In addition to its flavor and visual appeal, limes are often easy to find and convenient to use. No extra preparation time is needed; simply squeeze the juice out of a fresh lime and you have a great mixer ready to go. There are a variety of rum cocktails that use lime juice as the main mixer; everything from classic mojitos to the tropical rum punch can make use of this delicious ingredient.
6. Orange Juice
Orange juice is an excellent mixer for spiced rum as it pairs well with its complex flavors. The sweetness of the orange juice help to balance the warming spiciness of the rum while also adding a bright and fruity flavor. The combination of orange juice and spiced rum is often used to create specialty cocktails such as the rum punch or the Caribbean Dream.
In addition to its flavor profile, orange juice is a great mixer for spiced rum because it pairs well with most other ingredients. This makes it a great choice for mixing with other ingredients such as pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime juice, and more. Plus, orange juice is a widely available ingredient and it is easy to find in most supermarkets and convenience stores, making it a convenient choice for anyone looking for a spiced rum cocktail.
7. Lemonade
Lemonade is an ideal mixer for spiced rum because of its bright, tart flavor which works wonderfully to contrast the warm, rounded spice notes of the spirit. This sweet and sour flavor combination creates depth to the cocktail and helps to balance the strength of the spiced rum as well.
Lemonade helps to lighten the flavor of spiced rum and can make for a refreshing, summery drink. The natural sweetness of lemonade can also be dialed up or down depending on the brand or recipe used, allowing flexibility when creating the perfect mix.
8. Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is a great option for those who want to add a light, bubbly touch to their spiced rum drinks without using a soda like Coke. Since it has little to no sweetness, it won't overpower the rum's flavor or add too much sugar. Plus, the bubbles will provide an extra bit of refreshment to the mix.
You can mix sparkling water with spiced rum on its own, or combine it with other mixers like juice or fresh fruit. The subtle flavor of the sparkling water won't overwhelm the rum while still providing a bubbly twist. Sparkling water is also a great low-calorie option for those looking to cut down on sugar intake, and it adds a delicious lightness to any spiced rum cocktail.
9. Tonic Water
Tonic water is a simple yet interesting mixer for spiced rum because it provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors of the spirit. The combination of spiced rum and tonic water creates a balanced and enjoyable drink that has a lighter taste than when mixed with cola. Tonic water can also bring out flavors in the spiced rum that might be missed when combined with cola, such as the sweetness of the molasses, the spiciness of the botanicals, or the subtle notes of orange and clove.
In addition to its taste qualities, tonic water is also an ideal mixer for spiced rum because it is widely available and easy to find in most bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. This makes it a convenient option for those looking to enjoy a spiced rum cocktail—whether out and about or at home.
10. Orange Bitters
Orange bitters is a great option for mixing with spiced rum besides coke because it adds a flavor and aroma to the drink. The intense citrus notes from the orange bitters complements the sweet and spicy flavors in the spiced rum, creating an aromatic and flavorful cocktail. The flavor of the orange bitters is also strong enough to stand up to the boldness of the spiced rum, making it an ideal mixer for creating a unique drink.
Moreover, orange bitters contains a variety of other herbs and spices, such as clove and allspice, that work together to enhance the flavors of the spiced rum even further. This combination of bold, sweet, and spicy flavors provides a balanced and complex flavor profile, perfect for sipping on its own or as the base for a signature cocktail.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, spiced rum can be the key ingredient to create delicious, interesting cocktails and is versatile when it comes to mixers. Consider trying spiced rum with ginger ale, soda water, pineapple juice, cream soda, or a classic mojito! With a variety of mixers to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect combination of flavors for any occasion. Enjoy your drinks responsibly!