A classic summer drink, the Rum Runner, is a delicious yet complex mixture of rum, liqueurs and a variety of juices to bring about a smooth, great tasting cocktail. If you’ve never tried one, now’s the time to give it a taste and if you love summer cocktails, don’t miss out on my amazing Hurricane Cocktail recipe either!

Rum Runner Cocktail in a tall pirate designed pilsner glass on a turquoise tablecloth surrounded by oranges, pineapple wedges and banana slices.

What is a Rum Runner?

The Rum Runner was created back in the 1950’s in a bar called the Holiday Isle which was a Tiki bar in Florida. The drink was apparently created as a way to use up an abundance of rum and liqueurs to make way for more popular inventory and man did it take off! This drink has become a major staple in resorts around the world and is a very popular summer cocktail (especially at tiki bars).

How do you make a Rum Runner?

The drink is comprised of banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, dark rum, light rum and two different types of juice; orange and pineapple. You can make this in two ways; blended or over ice, just like the Blue Hawaiian. Both are equally as delicious but my preferred way is simply over ice as I can’t stand cleaning my blender (hey, what can i say, at least I’m honest).

Blended: Combine the ingredients in their quantities specified in the recipe card below into a blender with ice and blend until smooth. Pour into a hurricane or pilsner style glass (if you have one, if not.. any other glass will work) and garnish with an orange slice, pineapple slice and / or a cherry.

Over Ice: Combine the ingredients in their quantities specified in the recipe card below into a Boston shaker with ice and shake until cold to the touch. Strain over ice into a hurricane or pilsner style glass (if you have one, if not.. any other glass will work) and garnish with an orange slice, pineapple slice and / or a cherry.

For some other great drink ideas, give my Boulevardier or my easy Apple Cider Cocktail a try too!

The Glassware

The glasses you see here are made by Libbey Glass company and are part of their Treasure Island series. They are no longer made and are vintage so don’t expect to find them at your local store, however. I have these in three different sizes, the pilsner glasses you see pictured here, a smaller whisky style tumbler and small liqueur style glass. They can often be found on Etsy and eBay or at antique stores around the world. They are definitely beautiful glasses and a favorite piece from my collection.