A rum drinkers perspective on rum & coke
It’s probably not a surprise that the majority of the time I drink my rum neat, although I’ve had my fair share of daiquiris, mai tai’s and other cocktails. That being said; a well made rum and coke is fantastic!
Typically a rum and coke is considered to be cheap and fast rather than a delicious and considered cocktail, but the truth is that a rum and coke done right is better than a sugar bomb in a plastic club at a nightclub bar (we’ve all been there). A rum and coke can be absolutely delicious.
The art is in the ratio
A good Rum and Coke lives and dies by its proportions. This isn’t a “just chuck it in” kind of drink if you want it to shine. Too much Coke, and you’ve got nothing but fizz and sugar. Too much rum and you might as well not bother because it loses the refreshing quality that makes it so appealing.
Personally I like to go for an equal parts or a 1:2 (rum/coke) ratio, but when you find that perfect ratio that works for you, poured over ice… you get a drink that’s worth drinking.
Bonus points if you add a lime wedge. Technically that makes it a Cuba Libre, but who’s counting?
Double standards??
Nobody rolls their eyes at a G&T even though it’s just as simple as a Rum and Coke. You don’t always want to drink your rum neat, sometimes the evening calls for a longer serve – but not everyone wants to spend the time crafting a cocktail.
Most importantly? A Rum and Coke isn’t about hiding the alcohol, it’s about complementing it. Pair it with a funky Jamaican rum, and it brings out the tropical fruit and spice. Mix it with a clean, dry Spanish-style rum, and you get something light, crisp, and elegant.
However you drink it, respect the rum
Drink your rum however you like. Neat, on the rocks, with Coke – there is no wrong way. But whatever your preference, take a moment to actually taste it. There’s a difference between mixing for enjoyment and mixing to mask.
If your goal is to get buzzed fast, you’re missing the point. Rum isn’t just fuel. It’s craftsmanship, culture, and character. However you serve it, it deserves your respect.
…and YES, even the expensive stuff
I know what you’re thinking. Surely not the fancy bottle? You’re not putting a £200 rum in Coke, are you?
Why not?
If that’s how you enjoy it, if that combination makes your eyes light up… then who’s to say it’s wrong? There’s no universal rule that says “good” rum must be sipped neat while you contemplate the meaning of life. If a splash of Coke with your premium bottle makes it sing for you, then pour it proudly.
I don’t see the point in letting a good or expensive rum gather dust on the shelf out of fear that you’re “doing it wrong.”
Tl;dr
You don’t have to choose between being a connoisseur who strictly sips neat and being someone who enjoys their rum with Coke; You can be both. In fact I recommend it!
