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Rum

SpiritsEditorial draft

Rum is a spirit distilled from sugarcane, either fresh juice or molasses. It ranges from light whites for mixing to complex aged rums for sipping.

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How to describe it to a guest

This is an aged rum with caramel and ripe-fruit notes; enjoy it neat or with a single cube.

Origin

It developed in the Caribbean in the 17th century, tied to the sugar industry. Today it is made worldwide, including in Mexico.

Production

Molasses or cane juice is fermented and distilled in column stills, pot stills or both. Many rums are aged in barrels, and some are blended or sweetened before bottling.

Flavor

From fresh cane and grassy notes to ripe banana, caramel, vanilla, spice and dried fruit.

Styles

Estilo hispano (ligero)
Column-distilled, clean and light; typical of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Estilo inglés (pesado)
Often pot-distilled, more intense and fruity; typical of Jamaica, Barbados or Guyana.
Rhum agricole
Made from fresh cane juice in the French tradition; Martinique has an appellation of origin.
Añejo
Barrel-aged, ideal for sipping or spirit-forward cocktails.

How to serve it

  • GlasswareRocks glass
  • TemperatureRoom temperature or over a large cube.
  • Whites shine in cocktails; aged rums, neat.

Pairings

  • Cochinita pibil
  • Plantain desserts
  • Grilled seafood

Reading the label

Agricole
Rum made from fresh cane juice rather than molasses.
Solera
A fractional aging system; the number on the label does not always indicate actual age.
Overproof
Very high-proof rum, used in small amounts.

Cocktails

Sources

  • The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails

Updated October 20, 2026