About the Rum Runner cocktail

The Rum Runner cocktail was born in the 1950s at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida Keys.

According to legend, the bar had an excess of rum and liqueurs that needed to be used before new inventory arrived — so the bartender whipped up a potent, fruit-forward mix that became an instant hit with vacationers.

The name nods to Prohibition-era rum smugglers who plied the Caribbean waters, sneaking spirits into the United States.

True to its roots, the Rum Runner is bold, tropical, and unapologetically fun.

What Makes the Rum Runner Cocktail Special

This is a vacation-in-a-glass kind of drink. With two types of rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, orange juice, and grenadine, it’s sweet, tangy, and bursting with color.

It’s a cocktail that doesn’t take itself too seriously — served tall, often garnished extravagantly, and perfect for sipping poolside or beachside.

The Rum Runner belongs firmly in the tropical canon alongside the Mai Tai and Hurricane.

Spirit Swaps and Food Pairings

• Rum swaps: Light rum keeps it smooth, while dark or aged rum adds depth. Some bartenders even float overproof rum for a boozy kick.

• Liqueur options: If you can’t find banana liqueur, crème de banane works. Chambord or crème de mûre can replace blackberry liqueur.

• Pairings: Great with jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, tropical salsas, or BBQ ribs. Fruity desserts like pineapple upside-down cake or banana bread pudding are natural matches.

Why It Endures

The Rum Runner might not be subtle, but that’s the point.

It’s fun, fruity, and larger-than-life — a reminder of sunburned vacations, live music, and drinks with umbrellas. Its staying power comes from sheer crowd-pleasing joy.