Classic Rum Runner Cocktail

This Rum Runner recipe will transport you to a tropical paradise, all from the comfort of your home.

What Is a Rum Runner Cocktail?

The Rum Runner, created in the 1970s in the Florida Keys, was the invention of a bartender trying to use up leftover ingredients. The result is a vibrant, strong cocktail combining various rums, fruit juices, banana and blackberry liqueurs, and grenadine.

Rum Runner Cocktail Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Rum Runner recipe in your own kitchen:

• Ice: You’ll need two cups of ice for this chilled cocktail.  
• Juices: The fruity rum runner recipe calls for pineapple juice and orange juice. 
• Liqueurs: From your liqueur cabinet, you’ll need blackberry and banana liqueurs. 
• Rum: This potent cocktail calls for three types of rum (light rum, dark rum, and high-proof rum). 
• Grenadine: A splash of grenadine syrup lends flavor and color. 
• Orange: Garnish each drink with an orange slice. 

How to Prepare a Rum Runner

To make the drink, simply add all the ingredients with ice into a cocktail shaker and shake until well mixed. Pour the drink over ice and serve. That’s all there is to it! Full instructions are below.

How to Serve a Rum Runner Cocktail

While you can use any glass you have available, the classic Rum Runner is typically served in a hurricane glass. For an extra touch, garnish each drink with a slice of orange for a vibrant presentation.

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 2 cups ice, divided, or as needed

• 1 fluid ounce pineapple juice

• 1 fluid ounce orange juice

• 1 fluid ounce blackberry liqueur

• 1 fluid ounce banana liqueur

• 1 fluid ounce light rum

• 1 fluid ounce dark rum

• 1 splash grenadine syrup, or more to taste

• 1 fluid ounce high-proof rum (such as Bacardi 151)

• 1 slice orange

Instructions

Collect all the necessary ingredients.

Add 1 cup of ice, pineapple juice, orange juice, blackberry liqueur, banana liqueur, light rum, dark rum, and grenadine into a cocktail shaker; shake well to combine.

Fill a hurricane glass with ice and pour the prepared mixture into the glass.

Add a float of high-proof rum on top and garnish with a slice of orange.

Nutrition Information (per serving)