Each season brings with it a different feel; spring is a rebirth of nature, summer is the time to feel tropical, autumn is all about cosy nights in and winter is about embracing the festivities to counter the blues.
Choosing white rum is the perfect base for some amazing seasonal rum drinks, but finding your favourite cocktail for each season can be challenging, and you may be tired of the same old mojitos and daiquiris. Whether you’re a home mixologist, a professional mixer or just a fan of delicious alcoholic beverages, V Rum is here with four of the latest and greatest white rum cocktail recipes, one for each season to ensure a tantalising taste and appropriate drink, no matter the time of year.
Spring – Mint and Elderflower Mojito
Okay – we may have said mojitos are old but hear us out as this cocktail has spring written all over it! Mint is at its best during late spring, so it’s a great chance to grow your own and use it in white rum cocktails. Elderflower is the perfect accompanying ingredient that has subtle hints of floral flavour, meaning with every sip of this spring cocktail, you’ll be truly immersed.
Ingredients
- Fresh mint – six to eight leaves
- Elderflower cordial 25 ml
- White rum 50 ml
- 1 Lime cut into wedges (substitute for juice)
- Soda water
- Sugar 1 tsp (optional for extra sweetness)
- Crushed ice
Method
- In a sturdy glass, add the lime wedges, fresh mint leaves and sugar if using. Gently muddle with a spoon to release the juices and mint oils.
- Pour in the white rum and elderflower cordial and gently stir to combine the flavours.
- Fill the glass with the crushed ice and top it up with the soda water.
- Stir gently again and enjoy! You could also add some optional garnish, like an extra sprig of mint, another slice of lime or even a slice of cucumber.
- This is hands down one of the best spring cocktails to sip and enjoy, taking in the light and rejuvenating flavours, whether serving at a garden party or enjoying on a late evening.
Summer – Coconut Pineapple Rum Cooler
The UK summer is unpredictable at the worst of times, either feeling like an average day or like you’ve stepped into a humid nightmare. You’ll need rum cocktail recipes that not only help inject some tropical shine but also cool you down in the heat. That’s where the Coconut Pineapple Rum Cooler comes into play, a simple rum cocktail that is refreshing, vibrant and just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
- White rum 50 ml
- Pineapple juice 75 ml
- Coconut cream or coconut milk 25 ml
- Lime juice 10 ml
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple wedge or mint to garnish
Method
- Add the white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream or milk, and the lime juice into a cocktail shaker with a handful of the ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for around 15 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Fill a tall glass with some more ice cubes and strain the mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with an extra pineapple wedge or some mint and enjoy.
- The Coconut Pineapple Rum Cooler is the ultimate summer cocktail refresher – tropical, creamy and effortlessly cool. The sweetness of pineapple and richness of coconut combine for a smooth, sun-soaked flavour, white the crisp white rum cuts through with just the right amount of warmth and zing.
Autumn – Apple Cider Highball
While you may think of spiced rum or dark rum for the autumn time, these types of rum aren’t to everyone’s taste. Fortunately, you can still use white rum for this Apple Cider Highball recipe, an ideal beverage for relaxing evenings by the fire or to enjoy at the pub after an afternoon walk. It combines autumnal flavours to create a refreshing mix with subtle notes of spice.
Ingredients
- White rum 50 ml
- Apple cider 100 ml (cloudy or dry)
- Soda water 25 ml
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Apple slice or cinnamon stick to garnish
Method
- Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes and add the white rum and lemon juice if using.
- Next, pour in the apple cider and top the glass with soda water.
- Stir the mixture gently and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
- Among the various seasonal rum drinks, this autumn cocktail is favoured thanks to the white rum lifting the drink with a subtle sweetness and clean finish, allowing the apple cider’s mellow notes to take centre stage. It’s a lighter take on seasonal sipping and perfect for crisp evenings and cosy catchups.
- If you want an added level of spice, you could substitute the white rum for spiced or even create a mixture of spiced honey that uses cinnamon, fresh ginger and a sprinkle of chilli flakes.
Winter – White Rum Hot Toddy
This white rum cocktail is sure to keep you warm during the wintertime, as the White Rum Hot Toddy is exactly that – hot! White rum is ideal for this winter cocktail, as it complements the citrus and fruity flavours of the other ingredients. As it’s also a warm drink, it’s also a great cure for the common cold and will help you get a healthy dose of vitamin C.
Ingredients
- White rum 50 ml
- Fresh lemon juice 15 ml
- Honey 15 ml
- Hot water 100 ml
- Lemon/orange slices to garnish
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Method
- Add the white rum, lemon juice and honey to a heatproof mug or glass.
- Next, pour in the hot water and stir until the honey dissolves completely.
- Garnish with a few lemon slices, or orange slices if you prefer, and even add a cinnamon stick for some extra sweet flavour.
- This is one of the most customisable seasonal rum drinks as you could swap the honey for maple syrup, and the lemon for orange. The White Rum Hot Toddy brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings with a smooth citrusy lift. White rum keeps the flavour light and crisp, balancing beautifully with honey and spice. Make this cocktail for yourself on a frosty evening or mix a larger batch for holiday gatherings.
Tips for Crafting Seasonal Cocktails
Use Fresh, In-season Ingredients
Seasonal produce adds great depth to seasonal rum cocktail recipes, adding true authenticity with every sip. For spring and summer, consider berries, citrus fruits, cucumber, melon and fresh herbs like mint. During the autumn and winter, apples, pears, cranberries, figs, root spices and certain spices like cinnamon and ginger are ideal. If you’re looking at how to make white rum drinks for each season, explore the diverse range of in-season ingredients available!
Consider Serving Temperature
For summer and spring, you’re bound to want fruity, tropical and refreshing beverages, whereas in the colder seasons you’ll likely crave a warm, comforting mix. That’s why the Mint and Elderflower Mojito for spring and the Coconut Pineapple Rum Cooler for summer are perfect as chilled rum cocktails, helping you cool off and embrace distinct flavours. The Apple Cider Highball for autumn and the White Rum Hot Toddy for winter complement the shift in temperature, with the toddy especially perfect for cold winter nights.
Don’t Underestimate the Garnish
A thoughtful garnish elevates presentation and adds sensory appeal. Garnish for summer can include fresh herbs, edible flowers and slices of citrus. For autumn and winter, dehydrated fruit, cinnamon sticks, cloves or sprigs of rosemary are great garnish options.
Match Glassware to the Mood
The right glass to enjoy your white rum cocktails enhances the vibe and function of the drink. Go for tall highballs for spritzes and long drinks, while elegant tumbler and martini glasses are ideal for sophisticated sips. Heatproof glasses and mugs are great for warming, strong or stirred winter cocktails.
Final Thoughts
Rotating white rum cocktails with the seasons isn’t just practical, it’s a fun way to keep your drinks fresh, exciting and full of flavour all year round. These four are just some of the top trending seasonal rum drinks, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your own creations using in-season ingredients or hosting a seasonal rum night with friends.
At V Rum, we craft the perfect white rum for all kinds of cocktail recipes. Explore how we make it and let us know what you think. We’d love to see you tag your seasonal rum cocktails on social media and see what you’ve mixed up!