Fruity Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe

Typically, most people order rum runners on a tropical vacation, but they're easy to make at home, plus it's fun to play bartender sometimes. Recipe developer Jennine Rye came up with this easy recipe to make for your next at-home, beach-themed happy hour. "I love how fresh, sweet, and fruity this cocktail is, but not in a sickly-sweet way. The sweet and fresh ingredients balance one another out so well. And, I adore the undercurrent of banana — it isn't overpowering, but it is definitely there, and it is a delicious addition. More cocktails should include banana liqueur," Rye shares. "This is a great summery cocktail due to the refreshing fruity flavors; summer garden parties and barbecues would be an ideal setting to serve it. It's also a great, classic cocktail for celebratory drinks, because who doesn't enjoy a rum runner?" Keep reading to find out how to make this tropical cocktail. 

There are a few ingredients that go into this fruity drink. You will need light rum, dark rum, banana liqueur, Chambord, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, a lime, and ice for shaking. There are also a few optional garnishes — a pineapple wedge and blackberries.

"It tastes like grown-up fruit punch. The refreshing sharpness of the orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime are nicely balanced by the sweetness of the banana liqueur, the Chambord, and the grenadine," Rye explains. "There is plenty of alcohol to give it that adult touch, with the rum providing a warming and slightly-sweet undertone."

Into a cocktail shaker, add the light rum, dark rum, banana liqueur, Chambord, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and lime juice. Finally, add some ice to the shaker, place the lid on the cocktail shaker, and shake until cold, about 15 seconds. 

Strain the drink into a glass filled with ice, and add garnish with pineapple wedges and blackberries, if desired. If you want to serve this cocktail with food, Rye provides a few of her favorite serving suggestions. "With a cocktail as fun and fruity as this, you will want to pair it with similarly-fun and summery foods — think Caribbean flavors like jerk chicken or curry chicken, or brightly-colored Hawaiian poke bowls, Mexican fajitas, or well-spiced meats straight off the barbecue." Rye suggests.