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Bring tropical vacation vibes straight to your glass with this rum runner cocktail. This fruity favorite combines orange juice, banana liqueur and pineapple rum, then finishes with a splash of grenadine for that signature layered look. Easy to prepare and even easier to sip, it’s perfect for poolside parties, summer BBQs or a casual weekend happy hour. With vibrant color and bold flavor, this drink delivers beach bar energy without leaving your kitchen.
This refreshing and pretty rum runner cocktail is a fruity mix of banana liqueur, pineapple rum and grenadine layered in a glass with orange juice and crushed ice.
If you love trying new cocktails, also try making negronis, watermelon palomas, cranberry margaritas, or sherbet champagne mimosas.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: Stir and pour straight into the glass, no shaker needed.
Tropical flavors: Orange, pineapple and banana combine into a vacation-worthy sip.
Great presentation: The layered look adds a wow factor.
Fun to serve: Always a hit at summer gatherings or cocktail nights.
Customizable: Swap ingredients for endless fruity variations.
Caribbean Punch Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Orange juice: Adds a citrusy base with a fresh, juicy flavor.
Light rum: A smooth spirit that blends without overpowering.
Pineapple rum: Brings extra tropical sweetness to the drink.
Banana liqueur: Adds a sweet banana twist that defines this cocktail.
Grenadine: Settles at the bottom to create a layered, sunset effect.
Crushed ice: Keeps it cold and enhances the beachy texture.
Maraschino cherries: Classic garnish for color and sweetness.
Orange slice: A fresh citrus accent to finish the look.
How to Make a Rum Runner Cocktail
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Combine the liquids: Stir orange juice, light rum, pineapple rum and banana liqueur in a hurricane glass.
Add grenadine: Pour gently so it sinks and creates a layered effect.
Add crushed ice: Fill the glass to chill the drink.
Garnish: Top with cherries and an orange slice.
Substitutions and Variations
Use dark rum: Swap light rum for a deeper, more robust flavor.
Try mango juice: Use in place of orange juice for a different tropical base.
Make it frozen: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy version.
Add coconut rum: For an extra island-style twist.
Serving Suggestions
With savory snacks: Serve this cocktail with dishes like smoked salmon sliders, a fennel and orange salad or jalapeno popcorn.
With something sweet: You could also pair it with orange bars or cheesecake cookies.
How to Store Rum Runners
Store: Keep unused rum runner cocktail in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it without the ice and garnishes. Only fill the bottle or jug 70% full, to allow room for expansion. Serve frozen or thaw first.
Top Tips
Pour grenadine slowly: It should sink without stirring to create the right visual.
Use crushed ice: It chills the drink fast and looks great in clear glasses.
Chill your glass: Keeps the cocktail cooler longer without dilution.
Use fresh juice: Enhances flavor more than store-bought varieties.
Rum Runner Cocktail FAQs
This Caribbean punch cocktail has a fun backstory. Legend says it was created by John “Tiki John” Ebert at Islamorada’s Holiday Tiki Bar when he needed to use up excess rum. He mixed rum, brandy, grenadine and banana liqueur, and the first rum runner cocktail was born. Named after real-life smugglers in the Florida Keys during Prohibition, these “rum runners” transported liquor by sea. One famous smuggler, Captain Bill McCoy, inspired the phrase “the Real McCoy.”
Yes, multiply the ingredients and stir in a pitcher. Add grenadine and ice when serving.
No because it’s prepared directly in the glass with no shaking required.
Tropical Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe
Rum Runner Cocktail
Equipment
- Hurricane Glass
- Cocktail Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces orange juice
- 1 Ounce light rum
- 1 Ounce rum, pineapple flavor
- 1 Ounce banana liqueur
- 1 Ounce grenadine
- ½ Cup crushed ice
To Garnish
- 2 maraschino cherries
- 1 Slice orange
Instructions
- Add the orange juice, light rum, pineapple rum, and banana liqueur to a hurricane glass and stir to combine.
- Pour in the grenadine. It will settle to the bottom, resulting in a layered look.
- Add the crushed ice.
- Garnish with the maraschino cherries and fresh orange slice.
Notes
Use crushed ice: It chills the drink fast and looks great in clear glasses.
Chill your glass: Keeps the cocktail cooler longer without dilution.
Use fresh juice: Enhances flavor more than store-bought varieties.
Nutrition
The rum runner cocktail is an easy tropical drink that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Its mix of banana liqueur, pineapple rum and citrus makes it ideal for summer entertaining, vacation vibes or casual nights at home. The layered look from the grenadine gives it eye-catching appeal, while the sweet fruit flavors make it a hit with almost any crowd. Serve this easy rum runner recipe with crushed ice and garnishes, and enjoy a taste of the tropics anytime.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I just made this and it’s so good. I can’t wait to make it again.
This is my go to summer cocktail! I LOVE it.
Pictures are appealing, sad that I can’t drink alcohol
This looks like the perfect cocktail for the summer months, I need to pin it so I can give it a try!
Ooo I would love to sip on this. This is a perfect summer drink.
This has me dreaming of a vacation!