Coconut Rum Drinks: Your Guide to Being Your Own Mixologist

These days, heading over to a tropical island – or even a bar – isn’t really an option.

If you’re missing some tropical zest, though, it is still possible for you to recreate an island vibe in your own home.

All you really need is some coconut rum and a drinks guide to go along with it.

Now, while you do have to find your own booze, we can supply you with the coconut rum drinks recipes to follow.

What’s more, you can also discover tips and tricks for whipping up the ultimate beverage. So, let’s get the party started!

Table of Contents

What is Coconut Rum?

Before moving onto the recipes, let’s take a look at what coconut rum actually is. Having a bit of insight into this ingredient can show you how to use it best. In turn, this will bring you one step closer to becoming an expert mixologist.

Despite its name, coconut rum is more of a coconut liqueur. This is due to the fact that contains a considerable amount of sugar. For the most part, coconut rum is meant to be used as a base for cocktails. Rarely is it ever drunk on its own.

It is important not to confuse coconut rum with coconut-flavored rum as well. The latter is a rum that contains a coconut flavoring. As such, it is less sweet and has a higher alcohol content as well.

What to Mix with Coconut Rum – Alcohol

As mentioned, coconut rum serves more as a liqueur than an alcoholic base. Due to this, you traditionally have to add another alcohol to kick your cocktails up a notch. So, what should you be adding to the drink?

Well, technically, there are no limits to what you can add to your coconut rum. Tequila, vodka, gin, and even champagne can work well this liqueur – it is all about going with what you prefer and what tastes best to you.

That being said, rum is one of the best combinations with coconut rum. Since they share a base, the alcohols work much better together to create a more cohesive taste. Of course, you don’t have to stick to just regular old dark or white rum. No, spiced rum is an excellent option and adds an additional layer of flavor.

What Mixes Well with Coconut Rum – Mixers and Flavorings

Now, let’s move onto the various mixers and flavorings you can add to drinks made with coconut rum. Once again, it is largely up to preference. You may want to start your experiment by thinking about the kind of flavors and tastes that you enjoy the most.

That being said, there are some favorites that people will naturally reach for when it comes to coconut rum. Since most people are after a tropical vibe with this rum, they tend to reach for pineapple juice. Nevertheless, mango juice and orange juice are a great option too – just make sure to get the real version rather than the sweetened one.

If you are all about that coconut flavor, then coconut water is an addition that you should condition. The best coconut water can boost the coconut flavor of the rum, while adding a nice refreshing touch to your drink. Not to mention, it allows you to really double down on those tropical island vibes.

Last, but certainly not least, there is your trusty Coke. Rum and coke is a rather fundamental cocktail. If you feel that it can use a bit of a makeover, then go ahead and add some coconut rum into the mix as well. It will offer you an entirely new drink.

The Best Coconut Rum Cocktails

Here is the main event, check out the top coconut rum cocktails for you to try out:

Simple Rum Punch

Want an explosion of flavor for a party? Then whip up this pitcher!

Ingredients

1 cup of pineapple juice
1 cup of orange juice
¼ cup of lime juice
¼ cup of coconut rum
¼ cup of dark rum
½ cup of grenadine

Method

Step 1: Mix Juices

In a large pitcher, combine pineapple and orange juice and mix well.

Then, add the lime juice and stir once more.

Step 2: Add Liquor

Pour in the coconut rum and dark rum.

Mix well until thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Add Grenadine

Finally, add in the grenadine.

Stir once more.

Add ice to glasses and serve.

Pineapple Coconut Mai Tai

This is a great recipe for anyone who is looking for coconut rum drinks with pineapple juice and coconut water!

Ingredients

Serves 1

3oz. of pineapple juice
2oz. of coconut water
1 tbs. of fresh lime juice
1oz. of coconut rum
½oz. of dark rum
Ice

Method

Step 1: Measure Ingredients

Measure the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, one by one.

Step 2: Add Ice

Add enough ice to fill at least half of the shaker.

Place the lid on the shaker firmly.

Step 3: Shake

Shake the shaker vigorously.

All the ingredients must be mixed and the drink should reach optimal temperature.

Strain into a glass and garnish.

Coconut Rum Mojito

Serves 2

Ingredients

½ cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of water
2 tbs. of lime juice
Mint leaves
3 oz. of coconut rum
Ice

Method

Step 1: Make Simple Syrup

Pour the water into a pan and add the sugar.

Stir the ingredients, bringing the contents to a boil.

Once the sugar has dissolved, take the pan off the heat.

Allow the syrup to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Base

Add a tablespoon of lime juice to each glass.

Add a desired amount of mint leaves to each glass.

Use a spoon to muddle the mint leaves and lime juice.

Step 3: Mix the Drink

Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker – make one drink at a time.

For each drink, add half the simple syrup and rum.

Top up with ice.

Shake well.

Pour into the glass.

These are the coconut rum drinks that you can make by yourself whenever you in the mood. As you can see, they’re pretty easy to manage.

If you enjoyed this post, head over to our Pinterest page, we have tons of coconut-related recipes for you to enjoy.