Budget Rums For Vacation
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With a little guidance, its incredibly easy to find high-quality rums at affordable prices. These play well in traditional rum drinks, like piña coladas, mai tais, and daiquiris, but are also excellent when subbed in for whiskey in classic cocktails, such as rum old-fashioneds and rum and tonics. To help find the best bottles on a budget, we asked some of the countrys most knowledgeable bartenders to list their favorite wallet-friendly options.
Here are the best cheap rums.
This rum was specifically created for mixologists by famed bartender Jim Meehan of New York City’s Please Dont Tell. The name gives a nod to the rums origin: Its a special blend of five rums from five different Islands, including blackstrap molasses rum from Jamaica, Batavia Arak from Java, and rums from Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad. While this technically is a white rum, it has incredible depth and adds layers of flavor to cocktails.
Bank’s Five Island is the easy go-to for my favorite cheap rum, says Gavin Humes, the food and beverage director of Scratch|Bar & Kitchen. With a little funk and a delicious spice and brown sugar quality, it’s fantastic in my favorite rum drinka daiquiri.
The Quality Of Your Sleep May Worsen If You Drink Rum Every Night
If you drink rum every night, chances are you have a specific reason for doing so. Perhaps you like the buzz you get, or perhaps you find it helps you unwind and settle into an evening routine. Or maybe you just enjoy having a nice adult beverage after dinner to put an end to the day, and mojitos are your thing.
But if you’re someone who uses your rum nightcap to fall asleep, there’s some good and bad news for you, according to registered dietitian Amanda A. Kostro Miller. “Alcohol can help you knock out faster,” she told The List. “However, it prevents deep, effective sleep. Alcohol disrupts deep sleep, so not only may you be hungover after a night of drinking, but you may also feel sick and lack a good night’s sleep!”
So if you’re noticing that you feel more sluggish in the morning after drinking rum at night, there’s your culprit.
Three Dots And A Dash
This cocktail is an absolute tiki classic. Invented by Donn Beach, the name means Victory in morse code. Its also the namesake of the incredibly popular tiki bar in Chicago.
It contains three types of rum, so might be a tough one to make at home. But take a closer look at the garnish: three maraschino cherries and a piece of pineapple. Its a symbol of the drinks namesake.
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Best White Rum: Ten To One White Rum
Courtesy of Reservebar.com
Region: Dominican Republic, Jamaica | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Banana, Grass, Citrus
This is a blend of Dominican column still rum with Jamaican pot still rum, with no sugar, color, or flavor added. Ten To One takes great pride in these last points, with the MO of the brand being all about bringing high-quality rum at an affordable price that doesnt try to augment or mask the true character of the spirit.
Try this in any classic rum cocktail, or go ahead and sip it on its own, as this is a white rum that is complex enough to be enjoyed on its own.
Penny Blue Rum Batch 4
Produced in Mauritius, Penny Blue is named after the ultra-rare stamp which features as the centrepiece to the islands museum and was the first ever stamp issued outside of Great Britain. Matured in ex-Scotch whisky casks and ex-American Bourbon casks, it is produced in batches in conjunction with Londons Berry Brothers and Rudd, the oldest wine and spirits merchant in the world.
Available from:
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Best Splurge: Rhum Jm Agricole Blanc
Courtesy of Amazon.com
Region: Martinique | ABV: 50% | Tasting Note: Sugarcane, Tropical fruit, Spice
This spirit is spelled with an h because its actually rhum agricole from Martinique. That means that its distilled from sugarcane juice instead of molasses. Rhum J.M might cost a bit more than your average bottle, but the earthy palate with notes of citrus, banana and caramel makes it worth the price. This bottle tastes great on its own or used in any cocktail.
Cardinal Spirits Tiki Rum
This American white rumfrom Indiana of all placesis distilled from fresh cane juice and molasses with a combination of hefeweizen yeast and wild yeast from sugar cane. Although Cardinal Spirits uses this delicious rum as the base of their spiced rum , it’s equally delicious left unadulterated. Clean and vibrant with an abundance of floral funk and a creamy finish, it would be the perfect base in a fruity party punch or a lighter companion to spicy ginger beer in a Dark and Stormy.
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Wray And Nephew Overproof Rum
Utterly unlike any bottle on this list, Wray and Nephew is formidableup at 126 proof, nearly double the strength of most spirits. But its a classic and beautifully-made Jamaican rum, and a key player in many tiki cocktails. Its funky, unpredictable, powerful, and a splash of it enlivens many a drink. Try it in: Rum punches
Denizen Aged White Rum
Blended and bottled by Denizen in Amsterdam, this white rum is composed of Trinidadian rum aged for five years in American oak bourbon barrels and 15 different pot still-distilled Jamaican rums. Bright, clean and grassy, this rum also has depth and complexity, with notes of vanilla, black pepper spice and funk on the finish from the raw Jamaican spirits. Easy to sip neat , this highly versatile spirit is also the perfect rum for mixing into tropical libations and minty summer sippers.
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Best For Daiquiri: Plantation 3 Stars
Courtesy of Plantation Rum
Region: Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad | ABV: 41.2% | Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, Tropical fruit, Candied orange
“Plantation 3 Stars White Rum is a mix of the best three terroirs in the Caribbean: Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad, says Carlos Lopez, the bar manager of Stiltsville Fish Bar in Miami Beach. Its the perfect rum for a classic Daiquiri and Mojito.
This expression is a blend of unaged and two- to three-year-old rum, with a touch of older Jamaican rum for some extra flavor.
What’s The Difference Between White And Dark Rum
There are plenty of rum varieties, differentiated based on colour, strength and spice. Youre more likely to sip a dark rum and mix a white rum. This is due to the methods of maturation. A white rum is typically aged for a shorter time and in steel tanks, while dark rums are usually aged for longer in oak barrels, which impart more mellow and chewable flavours.
There are exceptions to the rule, of course some white rums are aged in barrels and then filtered to remove the signature golden colour. Whether you like them young and sharp or old and mellow, weve narrowed down the best white rums on the market today.
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When You Drink Rum Every Night This Is What Happens To Your Body
Do you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain? If you said yes, chances are you’re a fan of rum, which is the reason why piña coladas make you feel intoxicated. But rum isn’t exclusive to just one cocktail, as it’s the alcohol of choice for everything from mojitos to mai tais to hurricanes. So if you’re soaking in a pool with an umbrella drink in your hand, raise a glass to rum.
You don’t have to be on vacation on a tropical island to appreciate rum, either, as you can easily prepare a rum drink at home or score one at your neighborhood bar. Certainly if you’re looking for a way to unwind at happy hour after work, there’s no shortage of rum-based options to whet your palate.
So are you someone who appreciates rum to the tune of enjoying it every night? Curious as to what that might be doing to your body? Read on to find out exactly what happens to it when you drink rum on a daily basis.
Ron Del Barrilito 3 Star Rum
Ron Del Barrilito 3 Star Rum has been around for a long time one of Puerto Ricos oldest rums, in fact. The distillery has been producing rum in Puerto Rico since 1804. Its also one of the most well-loved by locals. For those aware of this gem, its one of the best options for a classic, holiday coquito with a good blend of sweet and spice.
Its a blend of several rums all aged between six and ten years in vintage American white oak sherry barrels. It performs well in a traditional coquito but its also a fantastic sipper.
The aroma has strong notes of marmalade and vanilla with a hint of honeysuckle and old leather. The palate offers notes of banana and other dried fruit, vanilla, chocolate, wood, and a variety of fruity and nutty notes. Add this to a mix with some fresh ginger and cinnamon sticks and youve got a delicious, comforting, holiday drink with the perfect amount of kick.
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Dark And Stormy Cocktail
Just 3 ingredients make up this classic cocktail: the Dark and Stormy! This refreshing highball drink has quite the reputationbecause its just that good. Each ingredient has lots of personality: the rich, earthy dark rum, with vanilla and brown sugar notes. Add to that spicy ginger beer, fruity and filled with effervescent bubbles. Top it off with a squeeze of tangy lime, and theres not much better for sipping…any time and any season.
Ingredients: Dark rum, ginger beer, lime wedge
Easy Rum Cocktail Recipes
Looking for rum cocktails to serve at your next drinks party? Try rum punch, rum mojitos and more in our fun collection, or check out our best gin cocktails, bitter cocktail recipes and American cocktails here.
Rum has been having a renaissance of late as more and more drinkers embrace the spirit, both as a base for cocktails and as something to be sipped and savoured in its own right. Intrigued but not sure where to start or which rum brands to try? Click here and read our pick of the best premium rums available now, from clear white rums perfect for daiquiris to buttery, spiced numbers and dark, sultry spirits ideal for ideal for sipping.
Want to really impress fellow cocktail lovers? Recreate your favourite bar at home with our best drinks trolley ideas.
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Rhum Jm Agricole Blanc 40
Produced on the French island of Martinique, this rhum is distilled from 100-percent sugarcane juice, freshly pressed from cane grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Pelée. One of the most unique rums available right now, it retains a strong sugarcane flavor and reflects its jungly terroir. Flavors include fresh cut grass, green chilies, green plantain, bread yeast, honeysuckle and sea salt. This spirit works wonders in a Mai Tai and makes the best Daiquiri youll ever put to your lips.
Captain Morgan White Rum
BEST BUDGET
Dont be so shocked that your favorite dark rum buddy, the Captain himself, has a delicious white rum option available on a budget. Each bottle is distilled five times which allows for five times the fun. It mixes scrumptiously into any of your go-to rum cocktails whether theyre on ice or frozen. While you might want to drink your favorite dark Captain neat or on the rocks, we dont suggest that as much with their white rum. Yeah, its a tasty white rum, but it doesnt have the most unique flavor on the planet. This ones definitely meant for mixing.
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Sunset Very Strong Rum
Clocking in at an imposing 84.5% ABV, this may be a step too far for some. But if you’re willing to take a leap of faith then youll be handsomely rewarded. This is a rum packed with as much flavour as alcohol. Just the right amount of water and a big squeeze of lime will give you a vanilla and raisin-laced tumbler of refreshment. Read our full Sunset Very Strong rum review.
Available from:Master of Malt
Lime Juice With A Slice Of Lemon
If you want to shake things up a bit, adding lime juice, mint and sugar to rum will definitely help you achieve this. Put the lime juice, mint and sugar all into a cocktail shaker and pound together until roughly crushed. Its at this point you should add in about 180ml of light rum to the shaker and shake well until fully combined. Strain the mixture into a glass and finish it off with 2 lime wedges and 2 mint leaves. If you want something a little less intense, you can add in soda water to complete the drink.
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This Is What Happens To Your Blood Pressure When You Drink Rum Every Night
As registered dietician Laura Krebs-Holm pointed out, drinking rum in moderation which is one serving per day or evening can have a positive impact on your blood pressure. But if you’re overdoing it, the opposite can be the case, according to Dr. Sheldon Steps, emeritus professor of medicine and a former chair of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension in the Department of Medicine at Mayo Clinic. “Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels,” he penned in an FAQ for the Mayo Clinic. “Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily increases your blood pressure, but repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases.”
Fortunately Steps has some advice for drinkers who are looking to decrease their blood pressure. “Heavy drinkers who cut back to moderate drinking can lower their systolic blood pressure by 2 to 4 millimeters of mercury and their diastolic blood pressure by 1 to 2 mm Hg.” That’s some good news!
You Might Have A Hangover In The Morning If You Drink Rum Every Night
If you drink rum every night and always go hard with it, there’s a good chance you might wind up with a hangover the next morning. And as noted by Dr. Regina Krel, a headache medicine specialist at Hackensack University Medical Center, there’s a lot going on when you have a hangover. “The actual mechanism of what happens during a hangover is still not clear but is thought to be a result of the toxicity of acetaldehyde on the body, changes in electrolytes, dehydration, and low blood sugar,” she penned in an article for Hackensack Meridian Health. “The most common symptoms during a hangover include headache, nausea, dizziness, feeling sleepy or sluggish.” Yuck.
So if you wake up every morning with a hangover, you may want to cut back on the amount of rum you drink every night. Additionally, make sure you’re eating enough while drinking, as well as avoiding sugars and drinking plenty of water those actions can help you prevent a hangover, according to the Mayo Clinic. And fortunately there are a few breakfasts that can help cure your hangover that you can enjoy the next morning like breakfast tacos.
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Bacard Superior White Rum
MOST ICONIC
When you think of the best white rum, theres a solid chance the first bottle that comes to mind is BACARDÍ. Like, how could it now? The BACARDÍ logo is plastered all over bars the second the weather begins to warm up. From BACARDÍ rum buckets at the local dive to stickers stuck to the side of the frozen piña colada machine at your favorite tiki bar, BACARDÍ is everywhere in the summer. Hell, Cardi B even named herself after the white rum. Their Superior White Rum is said to have pioneered white rum in general, creating a new way for folks to drink rum all the way back in 1862. It still holds up, too.
Best Single Barrel: Holmes Cay Barbados 2005
Region: Barbados | ABV: 64% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Butterscotch, TangerineHolmes Cay imports some truly excellent single cask rums, including this Barbados 2005 bottling. No color or sugar is added to this rum, which is distilled at the Foursquare distillery. It’s aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at a cask strength of close to 64 percent ABV. This drinks easily even at that high proof, but a bit of water opens it up and reveals an exciting range of spice, fruit and vanilla on the palate.
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White Rum Vs Dark Rum
Rum is an alcoholic beverage made out of sugar cane by-products such as molasses and sugarcane juice, through the processes of fermentation and distillation. The product of these processes, a clear liquid, is then aged in barrels to achieve the final end product: rum.
Categorizing rum is seemingly complicated, as there is no particular standard for its constitution. Instead, it can be defined by existing standard rules and regulations of nations that manufacture this famous drink. Variations in categories include spirit proofing, minimum aging standards included. In Australia, they divide rums into white and dark. White rum is commonly used in cocktails, while dark rum is usually drunk straight and used for cooking.
Spanish speaking countries traditionally produce white rums with fairly clean taste. Examples of countries that produce excellent white rums are Cuba, Panama, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Dark rums are more common in English speaking countries, and are known for their fuller taste that retains a greater amount of underlying molasses and, sometimes, caramel flavor. Countries that produce mostly dark rum are Belize, Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Jamaica. Mexico also produces a number of brands of both white and dark rums.