August 16 is National Rum Day, and while it's not a statutory holiday yet (one can dream), it's still a fantastic occasion to mix up an iconic rum cocktail (or three).
First celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands 25 years ago, this day commemorates the repeal of the high excise tax on rum in the region. While you might not dwell on its historical significance, it’s a perfect moment to honour this storied spirit.
With over 150 years of expertise, BACARDÍ Rum has been at the heart of many beloved cocktails. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet one with your S/O, there's a classic rum cocktail to match your mood, and BACARDÍ is here for whatever your day brings.
To get into the spirit of National Rum Day (pun intended), check out these three iconic cocktail recipes you can easily whip up at home: the piña colada, Daiquiri and mojito.
Piña Colada
A piña colada on a tray by a beach. Courtesy of BACARDÍ
Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, the origins of the piña colada are famously disputed, with bartender Ramon "Monchito" Marrero Perez, Ricardo Garcia and Ramon Portas Mingot all claiming credit for its invention between the '50s and '60s.
Regardless, in its traditional form, this cocktail uses fresh strained pineapple (from which it gets its name), BACARDÍ Rum and coconut cream for an iconic sweet, sour and smooth combination that hits just right on a hot summer day.
To make this classic cocktail, combine 2 ounces of BACARDÍ Superior Rum, 1 ounce of coconut cream, 1 ounce of heavy cream and 6 ounces of fresh pineapple juice. Pour over half a cup of crushed ice, gently stir and garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.
Daiquiri
Two daiquiris on a tray with a bottle of BACARDÍ Rum in front of a tropical sunset. Courtesy of BACARDÍ
Named for the Cuban town where it was born, the Daiquiri was first mixed up in 1898 by American engineer Jennings Stockton Cox as a creative way to enjoy his monthly ration of BACARDÍ Rum while surveying the region for iron ore.
What makes this simple cocktail special is its iconic dry-yet-sweet character, brought out by a top-quality rum like BACARDÍ — arguably the only rum suitable for an authentic Daiquiri.
To make your own, add 2 teaspoons of extra fine sugar and 1 ounce of lime juice to a cocktail shaker and stir until the sugar dissolves. Then add 2 ounces of BACARDÍ Superior Rum. Fill the shaker with a half-half mix of crushed and cubed ice, shake until chilled, strain into a chilled coupe glass using a fine tea strainer and garnish with a lime wedge.
Mojito
Two mojitos on a table with a bottle of BACARDÍ Rum in front of a beach with palm trees. Courtesy of BACARDÍ
Like many iconic drinks, there's debate about the mojito's true origins. Whether you think it's descended from "el Draque," a medicinal tonic named for Sir Francis Drake, or an evolution of the mint julep, introduced by partying Americans during Prohibition, this legendary summer drink remains popular for its combination of sweet, fresh, tangy and herbaceous flavours that perfectly complement BACARDÍ Rum.
Mix a mojito by cutting a lime into quarters and squeezing the juice into a glass (you should get about ¾ ounces of juice). Drop the limes into the glass, top with 2 teaspoons of extra fine sugar and muddle them together.
Clap 12 fresh mint leaves between your palms, rub them on the glass rim and drop them in too. Then, fill the glass halfway with crushed ice, add 1½ ounces of BACARDÍ Superior Rum and stir. Top with crushed ice, a sprig of mint and ¾ ounces of club soda.
Nothing says "summer joy" quite like National Rum Day on August 16. Whatever your plans are, you can't go wrong with these delicious, satisfying, iconic summer beverages that have stood the test of time alongside their key ingredient — BACARDÍ.
To learn more about BACARDÍ, visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X or YouTube.
Please enjoy responsibly.
Narcity does not condone the overconsumption of alcohol. If you're going to drink alcohol, please do so responsibly and only if you're of legal age.