I love drinks that remind me of warm beaches and sunny weather. The Tropical Rum Runner cocktail is definitely one of those.
This recipe mixes rum with fruity flavors, and honestly, it always gives me an easy, refreshing taste—perfect for relaxing or sharing with friends.
When I make a Rum Runner, I stick to simple ingredients: banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, orange juice, and pineapple juice. These mix with the rum to create a sweet, smooth drink.
It’s easy to throw together, even if you’re not exactly a pro bartender.
This cocktail just makes gatherings feel more festive. With a few steps, you’ve got a drink that tastes like a mini tropical vacation.
Tropical Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- I use a few basic tools to make a Rum Runner. First, you’ll want a cocktail shaker for mixing everything up.
- A jigger helps me get the right amount of each ingredient. I grab a strainer too, so I don’t end up with ice chunks in my glass.
- A bar spoon is handy if you need to stir. I usually go for a tall hurricane glass, but honestly, any highball or Collins glass will do.
- For serving, I use ice cubes—sometimes crushed ice if I want it extra cold. A citrus juicer is useful if you’re squeezing fresh lime or orange juice.
- A small paring knife comes in handy for fruit garnishes, like orange slices or cherries. I always keep paper towels nearby for the inevitable spills.
Ingredients
To make one Rum Runner, here’s what I use:
- Light rum 1 oz
- Dark or spiced rum 1 oz
- Banana liqueur 1/2 oz
- Blackberry liqueur 1/2 oz
- Orange juice 1 oz
- Pineapple juice 1 oz
- Lime juice 1/4 oz
- Grenadine 1/4 oz
- Ice For shaking
- Orange slice For garnish
- Maraschino cherry For garnish
You can find all of these at most liquor or grocery stores.
Instructions
- First, I fill my cocktail shaker with ice. I pour in both rums, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
- Once everything’s in, I secure the lid and give it a good shake—about 10-15 seconds. That chills the mix and blends it all together.
- Then I strain the mixture into a glass full of fresh ice. I usually pick a hurricane glass for that island vibe, but anything tall works.
- Sometimes I pile on a little extra crushed ice to keep it super cold. For garnish, I stick an orange slice and a maraschino cherry on the rim, or just drop them in.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
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Tasting Notes
When I sip a Tropical Rum Runner, the first thing I catch is the scent of ripe banana and pineapple. That aroma just screams fresh fruit and sets the mood right away.
Each sip brings a mix of sweet and tangy. I notice banana liqueur and orange juice right off the bat—they’re sweet but not too much, balanced by the tartness from the pineapple juice.
As the flavors settle in, the rum gives a warm, smooth finish. It’s there, but doesn’t bulldoze the fruit flavors.
I find the drink feels light and easy to drink. Not too boozy, not too sweet. Just right, at least for me.
A splash of grenadine gives a gentle hint of cherry and a nice red hue that makes the cocktail look pretty inviting.
Crushed ice keeps everything cold and blends the flavors together. Each sip is fruity and crisp, with a clean finish that makes me want another.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have all the original ingredients for a Rum Runner. There are some easy swaps I reach for when that happens.
For instance, if I’m out of banana liqueur, I’ll use banana syrup or even a bit of banana puree instead. And if blackberry liqueur is nowhere to be found, I’ve tried blackberry jam or just simple syrup with a couple fresh blackberries mixed in.
When I’m making a non-alcoholic version, I’ll swap the rum for coconut water or just add more juice. Sometimes I skip the liqueurs altogether and lean into the juice and fruit flavors—honestly, it’s not a bad trade.
Using fresh fruit or different brands can totally change the taste, too. I usually taste as I go and tweak the amounts to fit whatever I’ve got around.
