Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe – If you’ve ever sipped a fruity rum cocktail on a beach and wondered about its origins, the Rum Runner is probably one of those magical concoctions. Born in the 1950s at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida, the Rum Runner Cocktail has become a tropical favorite thanks to its bold combination of fruit juices and rum.
This drink is named after the real-life rum runners—smugglers who brought alcohol to the U.S. during Prohibition. With its delicious mix of light and dark rums, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, and fruity notes, the Rum Runner balances sweet and tart in every sip.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 5 minutes
Resting Time: 0 minutes
Cuisines: Caribbean, American
Course: Drinks, Cocktails
Servings: 1
Calories: ~250 kcal
Total Time: 5 minutes
Equipment Needed
To make the perfect Rum Runner, you’ll need:
Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Hurricane or tall glass
Bar spoon (optional)
Ice cubes
Blender (optional for frozen version)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for one classic Rum Runner:
1 oz light rum
1 oz dark rum
1 oz banana liqueur
1 oz blackberry liqueur
1 oz orange juice (fresh is best)
1 oz pineapple juice
Splash of grenadine
Ice cubes
Orange slice and cherry for garnish (optional)
Optional Frozen Version: Add 1 cup of ice and blend all ingredients.
Start by adding a generous amount of ice to your cocktail shaker. This will help chill the ingredients and give the drink a refreshing crispness.
Step 2: Pour in the Rums
Add 1 oz of light rum and 1 oz of dark rum to the shaker. The blend of the two creates a layered rum flavor—light for sweetness and dark for depth.
Step 3: Add the Fruit Liqueurs
Next, pour in 1 oz of banana liqueur and 1 oz of blackberry liqueur. These sweet, fruity liqueurs are what give the Rum Runner its iconic island profile.
Step 4: Mix in the Juices
Add 1 oz each of orange juice and pineapple juice. These juices add brightness and citrusy balance to the cocktail.
Step 5: Add a Splash of Grenadine
For color and a hint of tartness, add a splash (about ¼ oz) of grenadine. It also gives the drink that beautiful reddish gradient, especially if it settles at the bottom.
Step 6: Shake It Up
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. The shaker should feel frosty on the outside when it’s ready.
Step 7: Serve
Strain into a hurricane or tall glass filled with ice. For a layered effect, you can drizzle a bit more grenadine before serving.
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy
Top it with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Add a fun straw and maybe a cocktail umbrella to capture the tropical vibe.
Nutrition
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
~250 kcal
Carbohydrates
22g
Sugars
18g
Fat
0g
Protein
0g
Alcohol (ABV)
~18–20%
Sodium
3mg
Cholesterol
0mg
Tips for the Perfect Rum Runner
Frozen Fun: Want a slushie-style drink? Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen Rum Runner.
Rum Swaps: You can experiment with coconut rum or spiced rum for unique flavors.
Fresh Juice: Always use fresh-squeezed orange and pineapple juice for maximum flavor.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: An orange wheel and cherry not only look festive but add aroma and sweetness.
Serve a Rum Runner
Beach vacations
Poolside parties
Summer barbecues
Tiki-themed gatherings
Happy hour at home
Final Thoughts
The Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe is a classic that delivers bold, fruity, and boozy satisfaction. Whether you’re blending it up frozen or serving it over ice, this drink captures the carefree essence of island living. With just a few ingredients and minutes, you can create a mini vacation in a glass.
