The Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe is a tropical icon—bold, fruity, and perfect for when you want to sip something that feels like a Caribbean vacation. Bursting with pineapple juice, four kinds of rum and liqueur, and a sweet splash of grenadine, this cocktail is as vibrant as a beach sunset. Often served in a hurricane glass and topped with festive garnishes, the Rum Runner is a party in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a luau or relaxing poolside, this drink brings serious island vibes.
Ingredients
-
Splash of grenadine 🍒
-
4 parts pineapple juice 🍍
-
1 part Bacardi light rum
-
1 part Captain Morgan spiced rum
-
1 part Disaronno amaretto 🌰
-
1 part Malibu rum 🥥
-
Ice cubes
Optional Garnish
-
Pineapple slice
-
Maraschino cherry
-
Paper umbrella ☂️
Preparation
Step 1: Fill a shaker with ice
Add a generous amount of ice to a cocktail shaker to chill and blend all the tropical flavors.
Step 2: Add the liquors and juice
Pour in 4 parts pineapple juice, followed by 1 part each of Bacardi light rum, Captain Morgan spiced rum, Disaronno amaretto, and Malibu rum. Add a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness.
Step 3: Shake it well
Secure the lid and shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 10–15 seconds, until chilled and well mixed.
Step 4: Strain into a glass
Strain the mixture into a tall hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
Step 5: Garnish and enjoy
Top with a pineapple slice, cherry, or tiny paper umbrella. Serve immediately and let the tropical buzz begin.
Variation
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Frozen Rum Runner: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy-style cocktail
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Banana Rum Twist: Add ½ oz banana liqueur or banana schnapps
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Citrus Boost: Add a splash of orange juice or squeeze of fresh lime
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Passionfruit Rum Runner: Swap pineapple juice for passionfruit juice
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Mocktail Version: Mix pineapple juice, grenadine, almond extract, and coconut water for a non-alcoholic version
Cooking Note
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Grenadine adds both color and sweetness—use more for a redder, sweeter drink
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Using a mix of light, spiced, and coconut rum gives the drink complexity and layered flavor
-
Amaretto adds depth with its nutty, sweet notes and balances the acidity from the juice
-
For a milder drink, reduce to ½ part each rum and amaretto
-
Chill your hurricane glass for an extra refreshing experience
Tips
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Use crushed ice for a more tiki-style presentation
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Layer the grenadine last for a gradient “sunset” effect
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Serve with tropical-themed garnishes like mint sprigs or edible flowers
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Pair with grilled pineapple skewers, jerk chicken, or shrimp tacos
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Make a pitcher for parties—just multiply the recipe and add ice and garnishes to each glass before serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 270
-
Protein: 0g
-
Fat: 0g
-
Carbohydrates: 28g
-
Sugar: 23g
-
Sodium: 7mg
Note: May vary depending on juice and liqueur brands used
FAQs
What does a Rum Runner taste like?
It’s sweet, fruity, and slightly spicy with notes of almond, coconut, and tropical fruit.
Can I make it less strong?
Yes, reduce the amount of rum and amaretto or increase the juice for a lighter version.
Is there a specific type of rum I should use?
Use a combo: light rum for base strength, spiced rum for depth, and coconut rum for sweetness.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, just mix all ingredients (without ice) and refrigerate. Shake with ice before serving.
Where did the Rum Runner originate?
It’s said to have been invented in Florida during the 1950s as a tropical twist to highlight rum blends.
Conclusion
This Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe is a tropical powerhouse that combines the best of sweet, fruity, and boozy. Whether served shaken over ice or frozen and slushy, it’s the kind of cocktail that turns any day into a beach party. With layers of rum, amaretto, and vibrant pineapple and grenadine, this drink is a vacation in a glass. Garnish big, sip slow, and let the beach bar energy roll in with every fruity, rummy sip.
Print
Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe
- Total Time: 5 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
Splash of grenadine 🍒
-
4 parts pineapple juice 🍍
-
1 part Bacardi light rum
-
1 part Captain Morgan spiced rum
-
1 part Disaronno amaretto 🌰
-
1 part Malibu rum 🥥
-
Ice cubes
Optional Garnish
-
Pineapple slice
-
Maraschino cherry
-
Paper umbrella ☂️
Instructions
Step 1: Fill a shaker with ice
Add a generous amount of ice to a cocktail shaker to chill and blend all the tropical flavors.
Step 2: Add the liquors and juice
Pour in 4 parts pineapple juice, followed by 1 part each of Bacardi light rum, Captain Morgan spiced rum, Disaronno amaretto, and Malibu rum. Add a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness.
Step 3: Shake it well
Secure the lid and shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 10–15 seconds, until chilled and well mixed.
Step 4: Strain into a glass
Strain the mixture into a tall hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
Step 5: Garnish and enjoy
Top with a pineapple slice, cherry, or tiny paper umbrella. Serve immediately and let the tropical buzz begin.
Notes
-
Grenadine adds both color and sweetness—use more for a redder, sweeter drink
-
Using a mix of light, spiced, and coconut rum gives the drink complexity and layered flavor
-
Amaretto adds depth with its nutty, sweet notes and balances the acidity from the juice
-
For a milder drink, reduce to ½ part each rum and amaretto
-
Chill your hurricane glass for an extra refreshing experience
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 0g