There is a Caribbean legend that states that every great story begins with a reference to rum.
With National Rum Day coming up on August 16, read on to discover a curated list of 9 restaurants across the U.S. and Caribbean that make for the perfect destination getaway to celebrate — whether you’re into craft cocktails, tropical vibes, or standout dining.
8 Days a Week – Available at The Cobo Bar and Grill, Salterra Resort & Spa
Located on the pristine island of South Caicos, Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, blends natural beauty with elevated island living. At Cobo Bar and Grill, the resort’s beach and waterfront restaurant, guests will want to celebrate the spirit 8 Days a Week with the 8 Days a Week cocktail, featuring Bacardi 8 Year Rum, pineapple, lime and vanilla. Whether watching the moonlight shimmer over the water or relaxing on the white sand beaches, Salterra offers an unforgettable way to toast National Rum Day.
- Ingredients: Bacardí 8 Year Rum, Pineapple Purée, Lime Juice, Angostura Bitters, Vanilla Extract, Pineapple Wedge
- Dish pairing: Pairs perfectly with The Tuna Poke Bowl, the Fish Tacos or anything fresh and crisp by the beach-side menu.
The Water Street Swizzle – at Beacon Rooftop Lounge, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
The Water Street Swizzle at Beacon Rooftop Lounge atop JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is a vibrant, layered cocktail that brings tropical flair and bold flavor to the skyline. The result is a complex, aromatic swizzle that’s as visually striking as it is refreshing. This cocktail showcases the bar’s artful approach to mixology and its celebration of rum as a versatile, elevated spirit.
- Ingredients: Diplomatico Planas rum and Rhum J.M Agricole Blanc, passionfruit purée, mango falernum, Sfumato rhubarb amaro, lime, demerara syrup, mint, and a splash of hibiscus elixir.
- Dish pairing: An ideal match for the Ahi Tuna Poke, the cocktail’s tropical passionfruit, mango, and lime notes enhance the freshness of the tuna and avocado, while the sweet soy and chili echo the drink’s subtle spice and floral complexity.
The Golden Trumpet Daiquiri – at Pelican Bar, Sheraton New Orleans
At the Sheraton New Orleans, the Golden Trumpet Daiquiri is a specialty cocktail served at Pelican Bar, offering a creative and refined twist on the traditional daiquiri. The bar’s use of handcrafted ingredients highlights its thoughtful approach to mixology and attention to detail. With rum at the center, this cocktail reflects the hotel’s celebration of New Orleans’ spirited culture and its embrace of timeless, yet modern, cocktail trends.
- Ingredients: Cruzan Rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, housemade vanilla syrup, and vanilla bitters
- Dish pairing: Perfect cocktail to try with Pelican Bar’s Blackened Catfish Tacos, as the cocktail’s tropical pineapple and vanilla notes enhance the guacamole and pico de gallo, while the lime adds a refreshing balance to the smoky, blackened fish
Red Rooster – at Library by the Sea, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
At Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa’s Library by the Sea, the Red Rooster cocktail is a vibrant, rum-forward creation that embodies the resort’s spirited and inventive mixology program. This cocktail exemplifies the resort’s commitment to showcasing regional ingredients and inventive combinations that elevate the guest experience.
- Ingredients: Bar Overproof Rum, Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac, sorrel kombucha and mango
- Dish pairing: Pairs beautifully with Library by the Sea’s Lobster Puri, as the rich Caribbean lobster and Spanish chorizo complement the bold notes of the Bar Overproof Rum and Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac.
Amarga Pasion – at Zima, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
At Zima, the rooftop bar at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, the Amarga Pasion cocktail is a standout rum-based creation that reflects the property’s elevated approach to island mixology. Its menu celebrates premium spirits and bold, tropical ingredients, aligning seamlessly with the growing appreciation for rum-forward cocktails.
- Ingredients: rum mix, allspice syrup, passionfruit, orange and Campari
- Dish pairing: Pairs seamlessly with Zima’s Crab Brioche, as the creamy chipotle mayo and sour cream complement the cocktail’s tropical passion fruit and citrus notes.
Seven Mile Punch – at Bàta Bar, Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman
Bringing a burst of island flavor to every sip, the Seven Mile Punch at Bàta Bar inside Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman is a deliciously carbonated cocktail that captures the spirit of the Caribbean. The bar’s dedication to local ingredients and handcrafted elements highlights its creative, Caymanian twist on classic recipes.
- Ingredients: OFTD spiced rum, house-crafted panela ginger ale, lime, and house-made fassionola syrup
- Dish pairing: Pairs perfectly with the Lobster & Shrimp Tacos, as the lime crema and fresh cilantro complement the cocktail’s zesty lime and spicy ginger ale, while the fassionola syrup balances the savory seafood flavors.
The Jungle Bird – at Seaglass, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
A bold, tropical cocktail that strikes the perfect balance between bitter and sweet. A modern nod to tiki culture with a refined, resort-style twist. This vibrant drink reflects Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa’s commitment to thoughtful, trend-forward culinary offerings that celebrate bold flavors and premium ingredients. From elevated cocktails to chef-driven menus, the property continuously curates experiences that honor both global influences and local character.
- Ingredients: Featuring Appleton Estate Signature Blend Rum, Campari, Liber & Co. Pineapple Gum Syrup, fresh lime, and pineapple juice.
- Dish Pairing: The Jungle Bird is just one example of how Seaglass blends classic techniques with creative flair, offering guests an authentic taste of island indulgence – pairs perfectly with our crisp gator bites and crab cakes sliders
Perfect Pie – at Edison Craft Beer & Kitchen, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
In honor of National Rum Day, our featured cocktail showcases the versatility of rum, a spirit deeply rooted in tropical tradition yet endlessly adaptable. This creation celebrates the timeless appeal of rum while introducing a modern Appalachian twist. By pairing locally sourced fruits, herbs, and house-made syrups with spiced rum, this cocktail is sure to become your next cherished family recipe.
- Ingredients: This refreshing summer beverage blends Captain Morgan rum, Chambord, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, St. Elizabeth allspice dram, and house-made blueberry basil syrup. It highlights blueberries and fresh basil sourced from the Appalachian Mountains, which are bursting with vibrant produce this time of year.
Hopeless Rum-antic at Currents, Riverhouse Lodge
This vibrant cocktail blends the warmth of rum with the exotic sweetness of falernum, nutty richness of orgeat syrup, and fruit flavors. The result is a well-rounded, aromatic beverage that’s both refreshing and indulgent, evoking the feel of a breezy escape, best enjoyed along the bank of the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon at Riverhouse Lodge.
- Ingredients: The Hopeless Rum-antic uses rum, falernum and orgeat complemented with lemon and cherry.
- Dish Pairing: The fruity, bold drink pairs well with the freshness of Currents’ Seared Wild Native King Salmon, featuring charred tomato vinaigrette, sweet corn chow chow, and wasabi parsnip purée.