A strong, bold choice, V Rum 60% ABV Overproof Rum is the ideal base to create the very best overproof rum cocktails.
What is Overproof Rum — And Why Use It in Cocktails?
Overproof rum is something not to be trifled with. Defined as a rum that has an alcohol content higher than 50% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), some variations are proofed at over 75% ABV. Along with the higher alcohol content, it will generally feature a more complex flavour profile as the alcohol isn’t as diluted compared to other rums. Drinking overproof rum neat can be challenging, so creating an overproof rum cocktail is a great way to get better enjoyment out of this stronger beverage. V Rum has the perfect, British-made overproof rum for these must-try cocktails below. All of our recipes here are intended to serve 1, simply adjust the ingredient quantities as required if you’re inviting the neighbors!
5 Must-Try Overproof Rum Cocktail Recipes
1. Overproof Rum Punch
Ingredients:
- Overproof white rum (40ml)Pineapple juice (15ml)
- Orange juice (15ml)
- Fresh lime juice (1/2 lime)
- Grenadine strawberry syrup (15ml)
- For garnish – choose lime and orange wedges
Method
- Slice your garnishes and put them to one side.
- Take a glass and fill it with ice and pour in the 40ml of overproof white rum.
- Next, add in your lime or orange wedges, or a mixture of both to your preference.
- Top up the glass with pineapple and orange juice and squeeze in juice from half a lime.
- Finally, add in a splash of the grenadine syrup and stir well to mix everything together. Top the rim of the glass off with some more citrus wedges if desired.
A rum punch with overproof rum has become a popular cocktail thanks to the bold fruity flavours, synonymous with its Jamaican origin. It can also be customised with different ingredients – add in some ginger beer for spicier notes or add cherries as extra garnish.
2. Jungle Bird (Overproof Twist)
Ingredients:
- Dark overproof rum (40ml)
- Campari liqueur (15ml)
- Pineapple juice (30ml)
- Fresh lime juice (1/2 lime)
- Sugar to taste or demerara syrup
- For garnish – 1 orange slice and 1 lime slice
Method:
- Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled a quarter of the way with more ice.
- Garnish with your slices of orange and lime.
The Jungle Bird is one of the most popular and well-known overproof tiki cocktails, with a strong history dating back to 1973. While the recipe traditionally calls for overproof dark rum, other types of overproof rum work just as well. The Jungle Bird cocktail has tropical notes along with sweetness from the demerara and subtle hints of citrus.
3. Zombie Reloaded
Ingredients:
- Overproof white rum (12.5ml)
- Gold rum (25ml)
- Spiced rum (25ml)
- Grenadine syrup (10ml)
- Pineapple juice or orange juice (30ml)
- Lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
- Lime juice (1/2 lime)
- Cinnamon syrup (10ml)
- A dash of aromatic bitters
- Passion fruit syrup (10ml)
- For garnish – mint leaves, orange slices or a cherry
Method:
- Pour the gold rum, spiced rum, pineapple juice, lemon and lime juice, cinnamon syrup, bitters and passion fruit syrup into an ice-filled shaker and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a serving glass filled with some ice.
- Gently pour in the grenadine and overproof rum.
- Add your choice of garnish and serve.
You’ll need to watch your back with the Zombie Reloaded!! A Zombie cocktail not only uses a splash of overproof rum but also a combination of gold and spiced rum. Along with the mix of fruity flavours, it’s a refreshing cocktail that will bite if you’re not careful, enjoyed any time of the year as a legendary tiki drink with a fiery kick!
4. Overproof Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- Overproof white rum (50ml)
- Fresh lime juice (25ml)
- Green Chartreuse (20ml)
- Sugar or sugar syrup (15ml)
- For garnish – a lime wheel
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Finely strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or leave as is – this overproof rum cocktail is bold enough solo!
Daiquiris can come in a handful of varieties, but we’ve chosen the most stripped-back version, which is a great overproof rum drink recipe for beginner mixologists. It may be simple to make, but the flavours are far from minimal, with this cocktail having high citrus and tart flavours, with the overproof white rum highlighting an intense flavour profile.
5. Overproof Rumba
Ingredients:
- Overproof white rum (22.5ml)
- Dry gin (30ml)
- Fresh lime juice (1/2 lime)
- Grenadine syrup (15ml)
- Chilled water (15ml) or crushed ice
- For garnish – a lime wedge
- Optional – falernum for spice or pineapple juice for a fruitier twist
Method:
- Prepare your garnish beforehand and grab a double old-fashioned glass.
- Pour all other ingredients into a mixer and shake well.
- Finely strain into your glass and add more ice if desired.
An overproof rumba cocktail will get you in the mood for dancing. With each sip, your tongue will taste the exotic, sweet undertones with a smoky punch that anchors the drink, with rich molasses and funk from the rum. The bitterness from the gin adds a complexity that feels raw yet refined.
If you’re looking for the perfect rums featured in these cocktail recipes, V Rum has a selection of overproof white rum, spiced rum that packs a punch and premium white rum if you’re after something less potent, but equally as delicious and versatile.
Tips for Mixing with Overproof Rum
As overproof rum contains a higher ABV level, which produces bolder and more intense flavours, it’s important to mix it into cocktails correctly. Here are our tips to ensure you sip the very best overproof rum cocktails, no matter which one you make.
Dilution matters: It’s important when making overproof tiki cocktails and other types to dilute your rum properly. As the rum itself isn’t diluted as much as standard rum below 50% ABV, don’t be afraid to use more of your other mixing ingredients if you find the alcohol too strong.
Always use fresh citrus/fruit: Using fresh citrus and fruit for your ingredients and garnish is not just healthier but will bring more flavour with every sip.
Add balance: With the more potent flavours, many of these strong rum cocktail ideas use balancing ingredients like syrups and spices. Even if you have another overproof cocktail you want to make which isn’t on this list, better cocktails will include balanced flavours instead of swinging to one distinct flavour or another.
Use responsibly: Overproof rum is high, and we mean high, in alcohol. Please use responsibly with recommended measurements of around 12-50ml of overproof rum (depending on the drink).
Explore More Rum Cocktails
Want to learn how to make more delectable cocktails using white, spiced and overproof rum? Check out our cocktails page, which explores recipes such as the Strawberry Ripple, French Martini, V Snowball, Dragon’s Blood and more.
Shop Our Single Products of Rum
You can purchase our 70cl bottles of V Rum here, including:
- Premium White Rum (70cl) – smooth, citrus, vanilla, pineapple flavour notes, perfect for drinking neat or in a cocktail.
- Spiced Rum (70cl) – sweet spices, citrus fruits, smoky pineapple, banana flavour notes, gold in colour.
- Overproof White Rum (70cl) – tropical, pineapple, banana, citrus, lemongrass flavour notes, ideal for lots of overproof rum drink recipes.