It’s summertime, so everyone’s indulging a bit, even those who don’t usually drink much booze. For us, it’s the summer of rum! The warm months are the ideal time to experiment with lighter cocktails that give something sweet and colorful to sip, even if you typically have a more spirit-forward drink in hand or something just on the rocks. Rum, easier to consume than other liquor, is a staple of mixed drinks and punch-like cocktails in tiki-style glasses. Here are some suggestions for varying your summer drinks:

Blue Hawaii

Many famous drinks’ beginnings have been lost to time, yet certain libations’ legends have persisted. A few originated at hotel bars — the Singapore Sling, for instance, was created at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. A tiny bit closer to home, bartender Harry Yee made the first pour of rum, Blue Curaçao liqueur (to produce the characteristic hue), and pineapple juice (as a reference to the Hawaiian form of pineapple — sweet and golden, with minimal acidity) in 1957 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The ideal celebratory beverage for a trip.

Sex on the Beach

This fruity cocktail may be the first alcoholic beverage many Gen Xers had in college (along with their introduction to the delights of schnapps). It was so well received that it has become a classic and is recognized as an IBA Cocktail. Sex on the Beach is traditionally made with peach schnapps, vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice. If you are short of orange juice, the now three-component drink is known as Woo Woo. Fitness enthusiasts could compare Sex on the Beach to their favorite smoothie sans the blender.

Piña Colada

In addition to white rum and coconut cream, which give the drink its dessert-like flavor, pineapple juice also makes a cameo in this sweet classic poolside cocktail. The Piña Colada is the national cocktail of Puerto Rico, whether blended or served on the rocks, even if its beginnings on the island are still up for debate. Most people credit the Caribe Hilton Hotel — the company’s first establishment outside the continental U.S. The classic Piña Colada is perfect for poolside, summer barbeques, or even an after-dinner sip.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai, Tahitian for “good,” was created during World War II at Trader Vic’s in Oakland, California, when soldiers returned to the United States with fascinating tales from the South Pacific. The initial inspiration for this timeless cocktail may even have started in the 1930s by Donn Beach. It has since become the signature cocktail of every tiki bar worldwide. The Mai Tai, which is still served at hotels and pool parties and is made with light and

dark rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur, symbolizes the mid-century obsession with exoticism. Adding a little pineapple juice can sweeten the deal if you’re looking to cut down on the boozy taste.

Create Your Own Summery Rum Cocktails

Summer is a great time to break out of your comfort zone and try these classic rum drinks. With more access to exciting flavors, and a desire to experiment, you could create your spin on any of these traditional rum drinks and end up with a delightful signature cocktail all your own. Payless Liquors is here to facilitate your tasting journey, whether you’re looking to try something new or stick with an old favorite. With a wide selection of rums, you can’t go wrong with your choice of light or dark rum. Check out our impressive summer inventory of rum in-store. Happy sipping!