Rum and Coke. It’s a classic drink, and is extremely popular around the world.
There are hundreds (if not thousands!) of rums on the market, with plenty of brands, flavors, and strengths. But which rum is the best for making a rum and coke?
Don’t worry! This list of some of the best rums has got you covered. So whether you want to get the best rums for your bar, or simply want to improve your drinks cupboard, there’s something here for you.
These rums are all great choices for making the perfect rum and Coke, and you’re sure to find something you like!
Our 5 Best Rums for Coke and Rum
Rums tend to come as one of three variations – white rum, dark rum, and spiced rum. White rum is a more ‘pure’ alcohol and is aged in stainless steel barrels. This gives it its clear color and sweeter taste.
Dark rums (or golden rums) are aged in charred oak barrels, giving them a deep gold color and a stronger taste. The rum also takes on flavors in the wood, like other alcohols or fruit juices, adding an extra layer of complexity to the taste.
Spiced rums are similar to dark rums, but are aged with a mix of various spices. These usually include cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
There are also flavored rums, which are usually white rums infused with tropical fruits. Although they don’t have the same flavor profile as a typical rum, flavored rums can still be a great addition to a rum and Coke.
All of these types of rum are popular choices for a rum and Coke, and they all feature on this list. So let’s get right into it!
Captain Morgan’s Spiced Gold
Starting the list off strong, Captain Morgan’s Spiced Gold is a staple of almost every bar. Its popularity makes it one of the go-to’s for a rum and Coke. It’s also one of the cheaper options out there, so it’s great for drinks on a budget.
Its sweet taste and strong vanilla and spice notes go well with Coke, which is going to be the dominant flavor profile of your drink. There is also less of a burn from the alcohol, making this rum feel a lot smoother.
However, the flavors can be a bit overpowering with their almost aggressive sweetness. If you’re looking for a more subtle flavor, this may not be the rum for you.
Bacardi Superior White Rum
Bacardi is one of the biggest names when it comes to rum, and for good reason. This white rum has a very clean flavor, making it perfect as a mixer.
Without a strong flavor, Bacardi Superior brings out more of the flavor of the Coke, especially in a high-quality cola. It also adds a bit of sweetness, without being cloying or sickly.
As such, you end up with a rum and Coke that’s crisp and refreshing, especially with ice and a twist of lime.
While a great mixer, this rum doesn’t add much taste of its own aside from the normal burn of alcohol. Regardless, it is great for accentuating the Coke and is a perfect choice for a more subtle drink.
Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Another great spiced rum, Kraken Black is practically bursting with great flavor that perfectly compliments cola.
The smooth vanilla, caramel, and spices in its flavor profile balance well with the Coke, especially if it’s a higher quality cola. It also benefits if you use less mixer and let the taste of the rum shine through.
If the fantastic taste isn’t enough, Kraken rum also comes in a great bottle, which will make any drink selection stand out.
While it isn’t the most subtle rum and can be a bit on the nose with its flavor, Kraken Black certainly makes itself the star of the show!
Appleton Estate Signature Blend
Appleton Estate is well known for its great rums, and the Signature Blend is no exception. Its deep golden color matches the strong notes of vanilla and honey.
It is quite rich and sweet, which pairs perfectly with a lime slice as a garnish. You can even add a splash of lime juice to get a stronger hit of citrus. This dark rum makes for a more refreshing drink and goes down smooth.
It’s also one of the cheaper Appleton Estate rums, so you get a great-tasting rum from a premium brand without breaking the bank. This is a great rum to use for other drinks like rum margaritas or rum old fashioneds.
Malibu
Malibu is one of the most famous flavored rums, and you can find it at most bars and clubs. It’s known for its sweetness and its strong coconut flavor.
Malibu is popular as a shot or with most mixers due to its flavor and sweetness, as well as its low alcoholic content.
It also adds a delicious spin to a classic rum and Coke. The coconut works surprisingly well with the hints of vanilla and molasses in Coke, making Malibu and Coke a very pleasant variation.
It’s not for everyone, however. Malibu can be too sweet, especially when paired with Coke. It also makes coconut the dominant flavor by a large margin, which can be overpowering.
Buyer’s Guide
So now that you’ve seen some of the best rums for using in a rum and Coke, let’s take a look at some things to consider when making a choice.
Depending on what you want from your drink, you should think about the strength of the rum. That’s not just about the alcoholic content – some rums have a much stronger taste than others.
If you want a more subtle drink, Appleton Estate Signature Blend has a much more restrained taste, while Bacardi Superior has next to no flavor at all.
Contrastingly, if you want something bursting with flavor, spiced rums like Captain Morgan’s Spiced Gold and Kraken Black will add an extra dimension to your Coke.
Flavored rums like Malibu also add a great twist to your drink.
The flavor profile is also something to think about. Most rums will have hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak from the distilling and aging process.
However, some have extra flavors as well, either from spices directly added to the rum, or fruity flavors from the barrels it’s aged in. Some things work better with Coke, so look for a rum that will match your mixer.
While definitely taking a backseat to the quality of the rum, the brand can also play a role in your choice. If you know you like a particular brand of rum already, consider making it a staple of your rum and Coke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is White, Dark, Or Spiced Rum Better?
All three types of rum have their benefits, and there isn’t really a wrong answer.
White rum doesn’t have much of a taste apart from a light sweetness and the burn of the alcohol. This makes it a great mixer, especially with a high-quality cola, because it accentuates the pre-existing flavors.
Dark rums have a stronger taste, which can border on rich. If you’re using a dark rum, chances are you’ll want the rum to be the focal point of the drink.
Dark rums (see also: Best Rum For Dark And Stormy)also have more natural flavors that have seeped into them from the oak barrels during the aging process. The longer a dark rum has aged, the more developed these flavors will be.
Spiced rum is very similar to dark rums, but with the extra flavor from the variety of spices thrown in while it ages. These spices add a whole new flavor profile to the rum.
And while spiced rums can be overpowering at times, they usually make a perfect pairing with Coke.
Overall, the type of rum you use comes down to personal preference and the Coke you’re mixing it with.
Does Brand Matter?
Something you’ll find is that brand and price aren’t always an indicator of quality.
Just because a rum is pricey and from a big-name brand, it isn’t guaranteed to be the best rum. On top of that, they may not be a suitable rum to pair with Coke.
That said, some brands are worthy of their fame. While it isn’t always the case, if a brand is well-known for its quality it tends to be a safe choice.
How Should I Serve My Rum And Coke?
Rum and Coke is a drink defined by its simplicity. As such, you don’t need to go all-out making a fancy drink with the works. All you really need is a highball glass with some ice.
Adding a wedge or twist of lime as a garnish is all the presentation it needs, and the citrus will complement the other ingredients. Simple but delicious.
Final Thoughts
All of the rums on this list are great choices, and can all be used to craft a delicious rum and Coke. Whichever one you choose (if you only choose one!) is entirely up to your personal preference.
But regardless of which rum you favor, you’re guaranteed to up your rum and Coke game to the max. Enjoy!
