The Real Rum Runner

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This classic rum runner cocktail recipe is straight from the Florida Keys, where it was originally concocted in the 1950s with fruit juice, banana liquor, and both light and dark rum for a boozy tropical drink.

2
Two Real Rum Runner cocktails served over ice, garnished with orange slices
2
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
5 mins
Servings:
1

This rum runner recipe will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation in your own home. 

Rum Runner

What Is a Rum Runner? 

The rum runner, which originated in the Florida Keys in the 1970s, was invented by a bartender who needed to use up extra ingredients. The result is a fruity (and strong) combination of different types of rum, fruit juices, banana and blackberry liqueurs, and grenadine. 

Rum Runner Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this rum runner recipe at home: 

  • Ice: You’ll need two cups of ice for this chilled cocktail.  
  • Juices: The fruity rum runner recipe calls for pineapple juice and orange juice. 
  • Liqueurs: From your liqueur cabinet, you’ll need blackberry and banana liqueurs. 
  • Rum: This potent cocktail calls for three types of rum (light rum, dark rum, and high-proof rum). 
  • Grenadine: A splash of grenadine syrup lends flavor and color. 
  • Orange: Garnish each drink with an orange slice. 

How to Make a Rum Runner

Simply shake all the ingredients with a cup of ice in a cocktail shaker, then shake to mix. Serve the drink over ice. That’s it! You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below. 

How to Serve a Rum Runner

While you can certainly serve rum runners in whatever glasses you have on hand, the drink is traditionally served in a hurricane glass. Garnish each cocktail with an orange slice for a pretty presentation. 

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 1 servings

  • 2 cups ice, divided, or as needed

  • 1 fluid ounce pineapple juice

  • 1 fluid ounce orange juice

  • 1 fluid ounce blackberry liqueur

  • 1 fluid ounce banana liqueur

  • 1 fluid ounce light rum

  • 1 fluid ounce dark rum

  • 1 splash grenadine syrup, or more to taste

  • 1 fluid ounce high-proof rum (such as Bacardi 151)

  • 1 slice orange

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make The Real Rum Runner cocktail

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Combine 1 cup ice, pineapple juice, orange juice, blackberry liqueur, banana liqueur, light rum, dark rum, and grenadine in a cocktail shaker; shake to combine.

    A hand shaking a cocktail shaker

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Fill a hurricane glass with ice. Pour in mixture.

    A cocktail shaker pouring a cocktail into a hurricane glass filled with ice

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Add high-proof rum for a floater and garnish with orange slice.

    Two Real Rum Runner cocktails served over ice, garnished with orange slices

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

511 Calories
0g Fat
50g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Calories 511
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 25mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 50g 18%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 42g
Protein 1g 1%
Vitamin C 26mg 29%
Calcium 29mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 141mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.