Chill out this summer with our Frozen Rum Runner recipe! Made with a delicious blend of light rum, blackberry brandy, banana liqueur, grenadine syrup, Rose's lime juice, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and a splash of 151 proof rum, this is the perfect drink to cool off with. Simply blend all ingredients in a classic kitchen or smoothie blender and enjoy! Perfect for beginner bartenders looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail.
Frozen Rum Runner Ingredients
- 1 oz light rum
- 1/2 oz blackberry brandy
- 1/2 oz Banana Liqueur
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- 1/4 oz Rose's lime juice
- 1 splash Pineapple Juice
- 1 splash Sweet and Sour mix
- 1/4 oz 151 proof rum
Frozen Rum Runner Equipment
- classic kitchen blender or smoothie blender works too
Frozen Rum Runner Recipe
Blend at high speed until smooth. Float 1/4 oz 151 proof rum as an optional extra. Garnish with a lime wheel and cherry. Enjoy!
The Frozen Rum Runner: A Classic Tropical Drink with a Twist
As a professional bartender, one of the most popular drinks that I get asked to make is the Frozen Rum Runner. This classic tropical drink has been around for decades and has been enjoyed by countless people all over the world. In this article, I will explore the history and popularity of the Frozen Rum Runner, the roles of its ingredients, how to properly garnish the drink, and some variations of the recipe that cater to different dietary needs. Additionally, I will go over common mistakes people make when attempting to make the drink.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Frozen Rum Runner is said to have originated in the Florida Keys in the 1950s. It was created by a bartender named Tiki John in Islamorada, who was looking to concoct a drink that would be refreshing and flavorful enough to help his customers beat the heat. The drink became so popular that it spread throughout the Caribbean and eventually to the rest of the world.
Famous For
The Frozen Rum Runner is famous for its tropical taste and the unique combination of ingredients that go into it. This drink is known for its bright red color, which comes from the grenadine syrup, and its fruity flavor, which comes from the banana liqueur and pineapple juice.
Geographic
The Frozen Rum Runner is a popular drink in tropical locations all over the world. It is especially popular in the Caribbean, Florida, and Hawaii. However, its popularity has spread to other parts of the world, and it can now be found in bars and restaurants in many major cities.
Appearance
The Frozen Rum Runner is a bright red, slushy drink that is served in a tall glass with a straw. It is often garnished with a slice of pineapple, a cherry, and a sprig of mint.
Ingredient Roles
The Frozen Rum Runner is made up of several ingredients, each with its own distinct role in the drink.
Light Rum
Light rum is the base spirit in the Frozen Rum Runner. It provides the alcohol content and a subtle sweetness that balances out the other ingredients.
Blackberry Brandy
Blackberry brandy is a sweet, fruity liqueur that adds depth and complexity to the drink.
Banana Liqueur
Banana liqueur is a tropical liqueur that adds a distinct banana flavor to the drink. It also adds sweetness and helps to balance out the tartness of the lime juice.
Grenadine Syrup
Grenadine syrup is a sweet, fruity syrup that is made from pomegranate juice. It gives the drink its bright red color and adds a sweet, fruity flavor.
Rose's Lime Juice
Rose's lime juice is a sweetened lime juice that is used to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients in the drink. It adds a tart, citrusy flavor that complements the other flavors in the drink.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is a sweet, tropical juice that adds a fruity flavor and helps to give the drink its slushy texture.
Sweet and Sour Mix
Sweet and sour mix is a pre-made mixture of lemon and lime juices and simple syrup. It adds sweetness and tartness to the drink and helps to balance out the other flavors.
151 Proof Rum
151 proof rum is a high-proof rum that is added to the top of the drink as a float. It adds an extra kick of alcohol and a subtle rum flavor to the drink.
How to Garnish
The Frozen Rum Runner is typically garnished with a slice of pineapple, a cherry, and a sprig of mint. The pineapple slice should be cut into a wedge and placed on the rim of the glass. The cherry should be placed on top of the pineapple wedge, and the sprig of mint should be placed next to the cherry. This garnish not only adds to the drink's tropical appearance but also enhances its flavor.
Variations
The Frozen Rum Runner can be easily adapted to cater to different dietary needs. Here are some variations of the recipe that I recommend:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Frozen Rum Runner, simply omit the light rum and 151 proof rum. The drink will still have its fruity flavor and slushy texture.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
The Frozen Rum Runner is already gluten-free, as none of its ingredients contain gluten.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the Frozen Rum Runner, simply ensure that the ingredients you use are vegan. Some brands of banana liqueur and blackberry brandy may contain animal products, so be sure to check the label before purchasing.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of the Frozen Rum Runner, simply omit the grenadine syrup and use a sugar-free sweetener instead. You can also reduce the amount of pineapple juice to lower the carb count.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Frozen Rum Runner, simply reduce the amount of banana liqueur, blackberry brandy, and sweet and sour mix. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener instead of the grenadine syrup.
Common Mistakes When Making
The Frozen Rum Runner is a relatively simple drink to make, but there are a few common mistakes that people make when attempting to make it. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Using Too Much Ice
Using too much ice can result in a drink that is too thick and difficult to drink. To avoid this, use just enough ice to achieve the desired texture.
Not Blending Long Enough
Not blending the drink long enough can result in a drink that is too chunky or has ice crystals. Be sure to blend the drink until it is completely smooth.
Using the Wrong Type of Blender
Using a blender that is not powerful enough can result in a drink that is too chunky or has ice crystals. Use a high-powered blender that can handle ice and frozen fruit.
Using the Wrong Proportions
Using the wrong proportions of the ingredients can result in a drink that is too sweet or too tart. Follow the recipe closely to ensure that the drink is properly balanced.
In conclusion, the Frozen Rum Runner is a classic tropical drink that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for decades. With its bright red color and fruity flavor, it is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of the many variations, the Frozen Rum Runner is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you are going to order Frozen Rum Runner in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Frozen Rum Runner can be served with different ingredients in different places.
