The Rum Runner is a classic tropical cocktail that brings the flavors of the Caribbean right to your glass. This vibrant drink is perfect for summer parties, beach outings, or simply when you want to feel like you're on vacation. With a delightful mix of rum, fruit juices, and liqueurs, it’s a refreshing and flavorful escape in every sip.
Some ingredients in the Rum Runner might not be staples in every household. Banana liqueur and blackberry liqueur are specialty items that you may need to seek out at a well-stocked liquor store. These liqueurs add unique flavors that are essential to the cocktail's signature taste. Make sure to check the spirits section of your supermarket or a dedicated liquor store to find these.

Ingredients For Rum Runner Recipe
Light rum: A clear, mild-flavored rum that forms the base of many tropical cocktails.
Dark rum: A richer, more robust rum that adds depth and complexity to the drink.
Banana liqueur: A sweet, banana-flavored liqueur that gives the cocktail a fruity twist.
Blackberry liqueur: A berry-flavored liqueur that adds a hint of tartness and color.
Orange juice: Fresh or store-bought juice that adds a citrusy brightness.
Pineapple juice: Sweet and tangy juice that enhances the tropical feel of the cocktail.
Grenadine: A sweet, red syrup made from pomegranates, used to add color and sweetness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing a Rum Runner, ensure you use freshly squeezed orange juice and pineapple juice for a more vibrant and authentic flavor. Additionally, when shaking the cocktail, make sure to shake vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds to properly mix and chill the ingredients, resulting in a smoother and more balanced drink.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
light rum - Substitute with vodka: Vodka has a neutral flavor that can mimic the lightness of light rum without overpowering the other ingredients.
dark rum - Substitute with aged tequila: Aged tequila has a similar depth and complexity, providing a rich flavor profile akin to dark rum.
banana liqueur - Substitute with banana extract: Banana extract can provide a similar banana flavor without the alcohol content.
blackberry liqueur - Substitute with blackberry syrup: Blackberry syrup offers the same fruity sweetness and rich berry flavor without the alcohol.
orange juice - Substitute with tangerine juice: Tangerine juice has a similar citrusy sweetness and acidity, making it a good replacement for orange juice.
pineapple juice - Substitute with mango juice: Mango juice provides a tropical sweetness and similar consistency to pineapple juice.
grenadine - Substitute with pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice offers a similar tart and sweet flavor profile, though it is less concentrated than grenadine.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- To store your Rum Runner mix, transfer any leftover cocktail into an airtight container or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain the freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The Rum Runner mix can be stored for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a good shake or stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- If you wish to freeze the Rum Runner mix, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal the container tightly.
- For a fun twist, consider pouring the Rum Runner mix into ice cube trays. Once frozen, you can pop these cocktail cubes into a glass and pour a little extra rum or fruit juice over them for a refreshing, slushy drink.
- When ready to enjoy, remove the container from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. If you used ice cube trays, simply add the frozen cubes directly to your glass.
- Always give the thawed Rum Runner mix a good shake or stir before serving to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Garnish with a fresh slice of orange or a cherry to enhance the presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Pour the Rum Runner into a small saucepan.
Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Once warmed, pour the Rum Runner back into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry, if desired.
Alternatively, pour the Rum Runner into a microwave-safe container.
Microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
Stir well and pour into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry, if desired.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Cocktail shaker: A container used to mix the ingredients with ice by shaking.
Jigger: A measuring tool used to ensure precise amounts of each liquid ingredient.
Strainer: A tool used to separate the liquid from the ice when pouring the cocktail into the glass.
Glass: The vessel in which the finished cocktail is served, typically a highball or hurricane glass.
Ice: Used to chill the ingredients and the final drink.
Knife: Used to slice the orange for garnish.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the orange for garnish.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring or layering ingredients if needed.
Cherry pick: A tool used to place the cherry garnish on the drink.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the mixing process.
Use a cocktail shaker: A cocktail shaker helps mix drinks quickly and efficiently, saving you time.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of the Rum Runner and store it in the fridge for quick serving later.
Garnish in advance: Pre-slice orange and prepare cherries for garnishing to save time during assembly.
Use fresh juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice and pineapple juice enhance flavor and reduce prep time.

Rum Runner Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 oz Light rum
- 1 oz Dark rum
- 1 oz Banana liqueur
- 1 oz Blackberry liqueur
- 2 oz Orange juice
- 2 oz Pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz Grenadine
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry, if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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