17 Best Spiced Rum Cocktails to Make at Home

Spiced rum has been making waves in the cocktail scene with its bold, aromatic flavours and endless versatility. Its unique blend of spices and smooth profile make it the perfect choice for crafting memorable drinks. In this article, we dive into the growing popularity of spiced rum and share easy recipes, creative combinations, and top tips for choosing the best mixers to elevate your rum experience. Get ready to spice up your cocktail game!

What pairs well with spiced rum?

Amazing mixers for spiced rum

Spiced rum and ginger beer is a classic pairing. Cola also enhances the rich, spicy notes of the rum. For a tropical twist, try pineapple or coconut juice. Apple cider and cranberry juice are excellent choices for adding a fruity, seasonal flair. For a touch of sophistication, mix with tonic water or craft a spiced rum Old Fashioned with bitters and a hint of simple syrup.

“Ginger ale is a great mixer for spiced rum if you want something a bit drier, while ginger beer is more robust and potentially more spice-forward. It pairs well and adds another layer of complexity in parallel with the spices in the rum.” –  Tris Fini, Campari Academy (UK) (opens in new window)

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid overpowering the nuanced flavours of spiced rum with overly sweet mixers. Balance is key, so steer clear of adding too many sugary elements. Another common mistake is neglecting to taste as you go—spiced rum’s flavour can vary significantly between brands, so adjust your mixers accordingly. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of fresh ingredients; using fresh citrus juices and garnishes can make a significant difference in your cocktail’s quality.

See next: 13 of the Best Warm Winter Cocktails to Stave Off the Cold This Season

Seasonal variations

Spiced rum is a versatile spirit that adapts well to different seasons. In the summer, embrace lighter mixers like coconut water, lime juice, and tropical fruit juices. For winter cocktails, opt for warming ingredients such as apple cider, cinnamon syrup, or even a dash of nutmeg. Seasonal garnishes, like fresh mint in summer or a cinnamon stick in winter, can add the perfect finishing touch to your spiced rum creations.

Also read: 24 Easy Winter Cocktails to Make at Home

1. Spiced Rum Mojito

A Mojito made with spiced rum adds a new twist to the classic. A gorgeous spiced rum like Maison La Mauny Spiced (opens in new window) comes to the party with a warm, rich flavour that complements the zesty lime and mint we all know and love. It’s a little sweet, a bit spicy, and altogether gorgeous. In short, it’s everyone’s favourite Mojito with a cosy, comforting kick. 

Ingredients

• 1 handful Fresh mint, stalks removed
• 1 tbsp White sugar
• 1 Lime, freshly squeezed
• 60 ml Maison La Mauny Spiced Rum
• Soda water, to top
• Lime slice, to garnish
• Mint sprig, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the mint, sugar, and lime juice to a shaker or mason jar
2. Muddle gently to release the oils from the mint
3. Add the rum and a handful of ice, then shake briefly until chilled
4. Tip into a highball glass and top with soda water
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime slice

Easy does it! What to Mix with Rum: Top Mixers for Delicious Cocktails 

2. Lime Daiquiri

A Lime Daiquiri with spiced rum combines the zing of lime with the depth of the infused spirit. The tartness of lime remains the star, supported by a warm, slightly sweet undertone. The result is a crisp, citrussy cocktail with a hint of spice, perfect for those who appreciate a simple yet flavourful drink. 

Also see: 5 Delicious Rum and Tequila Cocktails

3. Drunken Monkey Cocktail

The Drunken Monkey cocktail is powerful and goes down easy – steady as she goes!

Ingredients

• 90 ml Orange juice
• 45 ml Maison La Mauny Spiced Rum
• 15 ml Coconut rum
• 4–5 dashes Bitters
• 1 tsp Maraschino cherry juice (from a jar of cherries)
• Lime slice, pineapple wedge, or cherry, to garnish
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Add the orange juice, spiced rum, coconut rum, and bitters
3. Shake for 30 seconds until well chilled
4. Pour the maraschino cherry juice into a tall glass filled with ice
5. Strain the mixed drink into the glass and give it a gentle stir
6. Garnish with lime, pineapple, or a cherry, then grate fresh nutmeg over the top

Read next: Hot Rum Cocktails to Warm Your Winter 

4. Bahama Mama

Caribbean cocktails always add a dash of joy to any get-together, and the Bahama Mama is one of our favourites. Built on a spiced rum base, it layers orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine on top to create a sensational boozy sipper.   

Ingredients

• 1 cup Crushed ice
• 1 oz Orange juice
• 30 ml Pineapple juice
• 15 ml Maison La Mauny Spiced Rum
• 15 ml Coconut‑flavored rum
• 15 ml Grenadine syrup

Method

1. Combine the crushed ice, orange juice, pineapple juice, rum, coconut rum, and grenadine in a blender
2. Blend until slushy
3. Serve in a tall or hurricane glass, ideally garnished with pineapple or a cherry

Read next: 12 Summer Drinks with Rum Perfect for a Party

5. Cuba Libre

One of the most popular Caribbean cocktails around the globe, the Cuba Libre is so simple to make that it’s a little silly. Rum and cola are best buddies, so you can make a Cuba Libre with your choice of rum. 

Learn more: 11 Caribbean Cocktails that Serve Major Vacay Energy 

6. Rum Punch

Rum Punch is a classic tropical cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries, and for good reason. It’s the perfect drink for hot summer days, beach vacations, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of paradise in a glass. And the best part? This spiced Rum Punch recipe is perfect for batching, making it an excellent choice for parties and gatherings with friends and family.

Bottoms up! Your Pitcher-Perfect Guide to Batching Cocktails for a Party 

7. Piña Colada

A delicious tropical treat that tastes like pineapple and coconut, the time-honoured Piña Colada goes creamy like a smoothie when you blend it and is gorgeously rich and delicious over ice. Adding a spiced spirit to the mix adds depth of flavour that turns this into the ultimate holiday spiced rum drink.

Learn more: 10 Best Frozen Rum Drinks for Summer (Delicious Recipes & Tips)

8. Hurricane

Traditionally featuring light rum, dark rum, the Hurricane cocktail is one of the best beach drink recipes for a hot day. Swap out the dark rum for home-made spiced rum to give it a little aromatic zing and dial up the swagger.  

9. Old Cuban

The Old Cuban is an elegant drink typically made with aged rum and a splash of Champagne. Mix this classy clinker with spiced rum for your next dinner party or as a signature drink for a special occasion. 

Ahoy, mateys! 14 Dark Rum Cocktails to Try at Home This Year

10. Zombie

The Zombie cocktail features an alluring blend of fruity and tropical flavours that packs a powerful punch. This delicious recipe is ready to receive an exotic update with the addition of spiced rum. Are you game? 

Caribbean Inspiration: Fan the Flames of Festivity with These 10 Falernum Cocktails   

11. El Presidente

The El Presidente cocktail is made with spiced rum delivers a balanced blend of flavours. The inherent sweetness of the spiced rum harmonises with the vermouth (opens in new window), while Grand Marnier (opens in new window) adds a citrussy touch. The result is a smooth, medium-bodied drink with a subtle warmth from the spiced rum, offering a delightful fusion of sweet and citrus notes without being overly complex. 

12. Dark ’n Stormy

The Dark ’n Stormy cocktail recipe has been around for more than a hundred years but still makes waves around the globe today. Super simple to pour, yet gorgeously zesty, it’s a great rum-based seaside sipper that’s tailor-made for hot summer days. Try it with spiced rum to give it a little extra zing. 

13. Tropical Spiced Rum Margarita

Naturally, the time-honoured Margarita could also benefit from taking a walk on the spicy side.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Maison La Mauny Spiced Rum
• 15 ml Grand Marnier
• 30 ml Lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 15 ml Agave syrup
• Papaya slice, to garnish
• Cantaloupe slice, to garnish
• Salt, to rim the glass
• Ice

Method

1. Moisten the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into a saucer of salt to coat the rim
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
3. Add the spiced rum, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and agave syrup
4. Shake until well chilled
5. Fill the salt-rimmed glass with ice, then strain the mixture into the glass
6. Garnish with a slice of papaya and cantaloupe
7. Serve immediately

14. Spiced Rum Espresso Martini

The classic Espresso Martini gets extra intense (in a good way) when upgraded with a smidge of rich Caribbean flavour.

Ingredients

• 30 ml Maison La Mauny Spiced Rum
• 30 ml Coffee liqueur
• 30 ml Simple syrup
• 30 ml Espresso, cooled
• 3 Coffee beans, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the spiced rum, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and cooled espresso to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until frosty
3. Fine-strain into a coupe glass
4. Garnish with three coffee beans
5. Serve immediately

15. Hot Buttered Rum

This classic American holiday cocktail dates back decades and is irresistibly warm and sweet, perfect for wintery get-togethers when you need ultimate indulgence. It’s easily made with a simple batter of butter mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg and using spiced rum in the mix is a delightful way to add another layer of cosiness.

16. Spiced Rum Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is arguably one of the most suave sippers out there. The Rum Old Fashioned is a spiffy spinoff of the original, which turns it into a compelling, falernum-laced cocktail. Using spiced rum in this recipe adds another dimension of complexity, which we adore.

17. Pineapple Spiced Daiquiri

Island-style ambiance in a glass? Yes, please!

Ingredients

• 45 ml Maison La Mauny Spiced Rum
• 45 ml Pineapple juice
• 15 ml Lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 10 ml Agave syrup
• Pineapple slice, to garnish
• Ice

Method

1. Add the spiced rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake until frosty
3. Strain into a serving glass
4. Garnish with a pineapple slice on the rim
5. Serve right away

How to make your own spiced rum at home

Commercially available spiced rums are nice to use, but we double-dare you to make your own. This way you can fine-tune the flavour profile to your exact liking. Homemade spiced rum also makes a great gift over the holidays. Here’s our go-to recipe to create a tasty base for easy spiced rum cocktails:

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of rum
• 1 vanilla bean 
• 1 cinnamon stick 
• 3 whole cloves 
• 1 star anise 
• 1 orange peel (use a vegetable peeler to get a thin strip) 
• 0.25 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste) 

Method

1. Prepare the ingredients. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Break the cinnamon stick into a few smaller pieces. Crush the cloves slightly to release their flavour. Then, combine all the spices, orange peel, and brown sugar in a bowl. 
2. Add the spices to the rum. Pour the dark rum into a clean, airtight glass container or bottle. Add the prepared spice and sugar mixture to the rum, place the vanilla bean halves into the mixture, and seal the container tightly. 
3. Let it infuse. Store the container in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days, shaking it gently every day to mix the ingredients. 
4. Taste and adjust. After 3 days, taste the spiced rum. If it’s not spicy or sweet enough for your liking, let it infuse for an additional day or two, tasting periodically. Remember that the flavours will continue to combine and develop over time, so letting it sit for a week or two will enhance the taste. 
5. Strain the rum. Once you’re happy with the flavour, strain the spiced rum through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the spices and other solids. 
6. Bottle and enjoy. Pour the strained spiced rum back into the original bottle or another clean bottle. Store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. 

Please note that the quality of the ingredients you use will greatly affect the final product, so choose good-quality rum and fresh spices for the best results. We recommend Appleton Estate Rum (opens in new window), which has a full-bodied character and amazing mouthfeel. 

There you have it—17 cocktails to try at home with this tasty, infused spirit. Happy pouring! Visit the Maison La Mauny (opens in new window) website for your rum essentials, and for more easy inspiration like this, sign up for our newsletter (opens in new window). It’s the best way to get the tastiest cocktail recipes delivered right to your inbox.