The amazing quality of rum, all rum, is the variety of remarkable flavors. When it comes to the best rum for daiquiri drinks, the variety of rum leads to many answers. The history of rum, combined with the daiquiri recipe, means there have been a lot of daiquiris made over the years.
From the Papa Hemingway to the DTO shot, there are plenty of ways to mix up a daiquiri recipe. Each bartender or mixologist has their own favorite combination of rum and cocktail ingredients for the drink, including gin brands. The 15 rums in this BinWise blog post are all excellent choices to mix up your version of a daiquiri.
15. Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve
The Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve rum is a spicy rum, darker than many others on this list. It’s a rich, well-aged rum that will make for a robust daiquiri. It can work well with mango or cherry flavors.
14. Ron Pepón Blanco
The Ron Pepón Blanco is a white rum that will work for any daiquiri recipe. It is a well-rounded flavor that stands alone, but can also complement any fruit or citrus you want to include in the mix.
13. Plantation’s Stiggins Fancy Pineapple Rum
The Plantation’s Stiggins Fancy Pineapple Rum is a delightfully flavorful addition to this list. Named for Reverend Stiggins of the Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, this dark pineapple rum makes for an entirely unique daiquiri. Drinking one while reading Dickens is the way to go.
12. Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum
The Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum is another one of the rare dark rums on this list. It’s a mix of flavors including nuts, chocolate, honey, and vanilla, with a nice fruity finish. It makes for a very unique daiquiri with an unmatched flavor profile.
"Key Takeaway: When it comes to the best rum for daiquiri drinks, the variety of rum leads to many answers."
11. Plantation Original Dark Rum
The Plantation Original Dark Rum ends up on most excellent rum lists, and it makes for a particularly flavorful daiquiri. Of all the dark rums you can use for a daiquiri, this option is most consistent with making great cocktails. That's because it’s such a high-quality rum.
10. Clairin Sajous
The Clairin Sajous is a unique option in that it comes from Haiti. Rum from Clairin Sajous is made from the Cristalline sugarcane variety, which makes the rum quite a refreshing blend of flavors. It’s a strong rum, and perfect for making a jaw-dropping daiquiri.
9. Scarlet Ibis
The Scarlet Ibis rum from Trinidad is a blend of three- to five-year-aged rums. It is described as old-school rum, and it lends an original taste to any daiquiri. Of course, with that classic drink flavor, we would recommend using it for a classic daiquiri.
8. Ron Zacapa 23
The Ron Zacapa 23, made of a blend of rums, some of which are aged up to 23 years, is an exceptionally smooth rum. It is recommended that you serve it neat, but rum is made for rule-breakers. Any daiquiri can be mixed well with this rum.
7. El Dorado 3 year
The El Dorado 3 year rum is aged in oak barrels for at least three years. It's then released to entice drinkers with a robust flavor profile. With a mix of citrus, vanilla, chocolate, raisins, coconut, and a delightful fruity touch, you’ll think you’ve entered the city of gold with this rum worthy of the complete rum guide.
6. Equiano Rum
The Equiano Rum, the world’s first Afro-Caribbean rum, is a blend of aged molasses rums from Barbados and Mauritius. There isn’t any other rum quite like this. It’s a dark rum that lends a bold flavor to the best daiquiris.
5. Bacardi Carta Blanca
The Bacardi Carta Blanca is designed for use with mixed drinks. With tasting notes of orange blossom, lavender, rose, apricot, lime, light coconut, and ripe banana, Carta Blanca pairs with other flavors without overpowering them.
4. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum packs a heavy punch at 126 Proof, with an ABV of 63%. That punch, however, is offset with a boost of flavor that makes this perfect for rounding out any drink.
3. Flor de Caña 4 Year Rum Extra Seco
The Flor de Caña 4 Year Rum Extra Seco is a mouthful in name and in flavor. It has a delightful rum burn to it, which mixes well with other strong flavors. It is also carbon-neutral and sustainably made–perfect for eco-friendly restaurants.
2. Havana Club 7
There are folks who will tell you that a daiquiri isn’t quite right if it isn’t made with Cuban rum. While we disagree, there is something special about Havana Club 7 rum. If you can get your hands on a bottle, this rich Cuban treat will show you the true essence of the daiquiri.
1. Probitas Rum
Probitas rum comes in at number one because it’s a delicious rum, but also because the name reminds us of Prohibition. That’s perfect for such a spirited liquor. Probitas is a blended white rum that makes any daiquiri the perfect blended drink.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daiquiri Rum
Mixing up daiquiris with types of rum is an ongoing process of delight for bartenders and amateur drink lovers. There are unique ways to go about it, and there’s always more to learn. Our answers to these frequently asked questions will help you fall deeper into the mix of the best rum for daiquiri drinks.
What Kind of Rum Is Best for Strawberry Daiquiris?
A white rum is best for strawberry daiquiris. The sweet, slightly tangy flavor of strawberry is accented by the sweetness of a white rum. A light golden rum can also work. However, a white rum is guaranteed to make a great strawberry daiquiri every time.
Is Captain Morgan Good for Daiquiris?
The Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum can make for quite a tasty daiquiri. The Captain Morgan company recommends mixing up a mango daiquiri. That mix involves the Original Spiced Rum, mango nectar, simple syrup, and lime juice. It’s a rich, juicy treat.
Do You Use White or Dark Rum for Daiquiris?
Traditionally, daiquiris are made with white and light rums. It pairs well with the lime flavor, and with other mixed-in flavors. However, it is completely possible to craft a great daiquiri with a dark rum. On this list of 15 of the best rums for daiquiris, there are several options for dark rums. A dark rum daiquiri can pair well with a more robust flavor profile.
Is Bacardi or Captain Morgan Better?
Whether Bacardi or Captain Morgan is better an entirely a matter of opinion. Both brands make some excellent rum options, many of which are perfect for different daiquiri recipes. As it goes with all types of alcohol, which one is better for you will depend on the drink you’re mixing. Above all else, it's about the flavor profile you prefer.
Put the Rum In the Daiquiri and, Well, You Get the Idea
Whatever way you mix it, the daiquiri is a classic rum cocktail. Depending on the rum you use and how you mix it, it can be great for summer cocktails, spring cocktails, or any other season. It’s even fun to drink when you’re learning about the rum runner history.
If you’re mixing up daiquiris for your bar, one thing you should keep in mind is the inventory process for your daiquiri ingredients. The BinWise Pro software, paired with BinScan, can help make your inventory program a breeze. Visit the site whenever you’re ready to get started.