• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
An Edible Mosaic™
  • about
    • contact
    • accessibility
    • privacy policy
    • terms and conditions
  • cookbooks
  • recipes
  • world cuisine
    • arabic and middle eastern
    • asian
    • british
    • buffalo foods
    • czech
    • dutch
    • ethiopian
    • french
    • german
    • greek
    • indian
    • irish
    • italian
    • jamaican
    • jewish
    • latin
    • polish
    • russian and ukrainian
    • swedish
    • tex mex
    • thai
    • west african
  • Nav Social Menu

menu icon
go to homepage
  • about
  • fall recipes
  • recipes
  • cookbooks
  • subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • about
    • fall recipes
    • recipes
    • cookbooks
    • subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Type » Drinks » Cocktails

    The Original Rum Runner Cocktail

    Published: Jun 26, 2022 · Modified: Jun 20, 2023 by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    rum runner

    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!)

    easy rum runner recipe

    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
    • The Best Rum Runner
    • Rum Runner FAQs
    • More Summer Cocktails to Make
    • Rum Runner Cocktail

    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

    rum runner 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.

    pouring liquor into cocktail pitcher

    Step 2: Serve it Over Ice:

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

    cocktail in pitcher

    Step 3: Optional Floating Rum and Garnishes:

    If desired, float strong proof rum on top.

    Garnish with anything you like.

    rum runner graphic

    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.

    rum runner recipe

    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.

    rum runner cocktail

    More Summer Cocktails to Make

    • Mai Tai
    • Frozen Berry Margarita
    • Dark and Stormy
    islamorada rum runner

    Let's Connect

    an edible mosaic stamp logo 1200 square

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media.

    To stay up-to-date, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!

    rum runner recipe featured image

    Rum Runner Cocktail

    By: Faith Gorsky
    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 beveragethat tastes like an alcoholic version of fruit punch.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 433 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ounce dark rum
    • 1 ounce light rum
    • 1 ounce banana liqueur
    • 1 ounce blackberry liqueur
    • 1 ounce pineapple juice
    • 1 ounce orange juice
    • 1 ounce grenadine
    • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
    • 1 cup crushed ice
    • 1 ounce strong proof rum to float on top (optional)

    Optional Garnish Suggestions:

    • Maraschino cherry
    • Blackberries
    • Pineapple wedge
    • Orange or lime wheels

    Instructions
     

    • Mix together the dark rum, light rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail pitcher.
    • Add the crushed ice to a hurricane glass.
    • Pour the drink into the glass.
    • If desired, float strong proof rum on top.
    • Garnish with anything you like.

    Faith's Tips

    • Nutrition Information: The nutritional information for this recipe was calculated without the optional strong proof rum and garnishes.
    • For No Pulp: Strain the drink into the serving glass.
    • Lime Juice Substitution: If you don’t have fresh limes, you can use fresh lemon juice instead.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Rum Runner Cocktail
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 433 Calories from Fat 9
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 1g2%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 1g
    Sodium 24mg1%
    Potassium 144mg4%
    Carbohydrates 48g16%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 39g43%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 72IU1%
    Vitamin C 26mg32%
    Calcium 20mg2%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Keyword Rum Runner, Rum Runner Cocktail, Rum Runner Recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
    rum runner pin

    More Cocktails

    • gingerbread cocktail featured image
      Easy 10 Minute Gingerbread Cocktail Recipe - Festive Christmas Cocktail {video}
    • draught of living death recipe featured image
      BEST Draught of Living Death Cocktail (Inspired by Harry Potter)
    • ramos gin fizz recipe featured image
      Ramos Gin Fizz Recipe From a Different Era
    • mixed berry frozen margarita featured image
      Refreshing Frozen Berry Margarita Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    faith photo with welcome

    Hi, I'm Faith!

    I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind An Edible Mosaic. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had. Welcome to An Edible Mosaic!

    More About Faith →
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • RSS Feed

    Popular Recipes

    • boba milk tea featured image
      How to Make Bubble Tea (Easy Boba Tea Recipe)
    • mini victoria sponge cakes featured image
      Mini Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe - Fit for Royalty & Easy to Make as Cupcakes! {video}
    • canned chicken salad featured image
      Canned Chicken Salad Recipe
    • low carb chicken casserole featured image
      Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole - Based on the Dip! {video}

    Seasonal Recipes

    • pear kale salad featured image
      Simple Pear Kale Salad with Candied Almonds and Crumbled Feta
    • slow cooker enchiladas featured image
      Really Easy Crockpot Enchiladas (Ground Beef Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole)
    • baked brie featured image
      20-Minute Elegant Baked Brie Recipe with Honeyed Grapes
    • caramel apple popcorn featured image
      Easy Caramel Apple Popcorn Recipe and a Fall-Themed Movie Night Snack Board

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Contact
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    an edible mosaic stamp logo 1200 square

    SEE RECIPE INDEX

    Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • RSS Feed

    My Other Blogs

    • Daily Desserting
    • The Keto Queens

    An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I use and love.

    Copyright © 2023 An Edible Mosaic