Rum Runner, a tiki cocktail hailing from Islamorada, Florida, combines light and dark rum with banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, and fresh citrus for a sweet, refreshing fruity beverage that tastes like an alcoholic version of fruit punch.

One of my high school friend’s parents always kept a giant unmarked pitcher of adult iced tea in the fridge during the summer.

The first time we poured it we thought it was just regular iced tea. My friend took one sip and immediately spit it out! She wasn’t expecting that flavor, lol. (And they liked their adult beverages strong!)

Along those lines, this drink comes with a warning.

A Rum Runner cocktail is sweet, fruity, and delicious. The best thing I can compare its flavor to is an adult version of fruit punch.

But be forewarned, it packs quite the alcoholic punch! With two types of rum, two types of liqueur, and an optional strong proof rum to float on top, you’ll be floating yourself after drinking one.

If there are under 21-ers in the house, this definitely isn’t the type of drink you want a pitcher of stashed in the fridge!

overhead view of rum runners with fruit garnishes

In This Article

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It tastes like an adult version of fruit punch, sweet, fruity, and delicious.
Don’t let the fruity flavor fool you – it’s strong!
It has a tropical vibe that’s perfect for cooling down with on a hot day.

The Best Rum Runner

This drink has a strong, yet well-balanced fruity flavor profile. Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor!

Ingredients

Dark rum
Light rum
Banana liqueur
Blackberry liqueur
Pineapple juice
Orange juice
Grenadine
Fresh lime juice
Crushed ice
Strong proof rum to float on top (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix it Up:

Mix together the dark rum, light rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail pitcher.

Step 2: Serve it Over Ice:

Add the crushed ice to a hurricane glass. Pour the drink into the glass.

Step 3: Optional Floating Rum and Garnishes:

If desired, float strong proof rum on top.

Garnish with anything you like.

Rum Runner FAQs

Where is the Rum Runner From?

John Ebert (aka “Tiki John) invented this cocktail in the late 1950’s at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida. You can read more about this on Florida Keys Guide and Key West Food Tours.

Why is it Called a Rum Runner?

This drink was named after rum runners in the Florida Keys in the early 1900’s. Similar to bootleggers during Prohibition, rum runners smuggled alcohol, but by water instead of by land.

One of the most famous rum runners was Captain Bill McCoy who smuggled rum from the Bahamas to South Florida. We get the expression “The Real McCoy” from him!

Learn more on Key West Food Tours.

What’s in a Rum Runner?

Rum Runners usually have light rum, dark rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine. They also sometimes contain lime juice.

Additionally, you can float strong proof rum on top.

variety of drink ingredients and garnishes

What Type of Cocktail Glass is a Rum Runner Served In?

Rum Runners are usually served in a hurricane glass. This type of glass gets its name from the fact that its shape is similar to a hurricane lamp.

What’s the Difference Between a Hurricane and a Rum Runner?

A Hurricane cocktail contains light rum, dark rum, citrus juice (commonly orange juice and lime juice), passionfruit juice, and sometimes simple syrup and grenadine.

On the other hand, a Rum Runner replaces passionfruit juice with pineapple juice, banana liqueur, and blackberry liqueur.

More Summer Cocktails to Make

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xoxo, Faith

The Original Rum Runner Cocktail

Why You’ll Love This Recipe