Last Updated on March 24, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Pina Coladas are truly delicious, most especially when drank while at the beach with the blue sea as your background.
But with lots of variations– from a milder flavor to a rich flavor, you can achieve a refreshingly smooth taste, depending on the rum you use.
So whether you want an authentic Pina Colada or a modernized twist of this tropical cocktail, we listed the best rum for Pina Coladas for an ultimate drinking experience.
Top 15 Rums For Piña Coladas
15. Cruzan Estate Diamond Dark Rum
Average Price: approx. $21/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This dark rum is made with the finest ingredients and is aged in oak barrels.
We like its complex flavor, a perfect rum for sipping or mixing drinks like Pina Coladas.
Besides, this rum mixes well with fruit, heavy coconut cream, and coconut flavors, making any Pina Colada vibrant and intriguing.
We also have our recommended non-alcoholic rums here.
14. Flor de Caña 4 Extra Seco
Average Price: approx. $19/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This is a light-bodied rum with no sugar additives.
Flor de Caña is a white rum full of sweet aromas with chocolate and citrus essence, followed by a crisp and slightly dry finish.
If you want to tone down the coconut flavor and pineapple juice notes of your Pina Colada, use Flor de Caña Extra Seco to achieve the full rum flavors.
13. Bacardi 8
Average Price: approx. $30/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Bacardi 8 is deep gold rum with a layered and mellow flavor, combining dried fruits, spices, and oaky vanilla.
“Rum is in a unique position because it has a natural warmth that invites conviviality and connection, unlike other dark spirits on the market.”
— Lisa Pfenning, VP of BACARDÍ for North America
Bacardi is one of the best rums (and our go-to rum) when it comes to any Piña Colada recipe–be it Blue Hawaiian, Coffee Colada, Miami Vice, and more.
12. Don Q Gran Reserva Anejo XO
Average Price: approx. $56/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Don Q Gran Reserva XO is made by blending rum, aged 9-12 years, and Solera rums, aged 50 years max.
So, if you want a deep rum but with a balance of dryness and sweetness, this can be your best bet.
It elevates the traditional Piña Colada into a more complex drink.
11. Appleton Estate
Average Price: approx. $24/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Appleton Estate, particularly their Signature Blend Rum, is an aged rum with no added flavors, using sugarcane as its base ingredient.
It’s also a blend of column and pot still types of rum [1] from Appleton Estate, making it one of the best rums from the Caribbean.
We tried it in Miami Vice, and like in Pina Colada, it also complements well with cream of coconut, lime juice, and sugarcane juice.
Read: The Best Sipping Rums Under $50
10. Coruba Dark Jamaican Rum
Average Price: approx. $20/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Coruba Original is a dark rum aged in charred oak casks. We like its caramel and brown sugar flavor, making its profile slightly robust.
Coruba Original is full-bodied with hints of spices – a little more complex than other aged dark rum. But this character makes Coruba the best rum for Piña Coladas.
9. Don Q Cristal
Average Price: approx. $15/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Don Q Cristal is a white rum with a delicate flavor profile, so expect a smoother Pina Colada.
It tastes great with coconut milk or cream of coconut and even in coconut liquor.
Due to its smoothness, it’s versatile, making it a perfect base for cocktails like Piña Colada and other tropical drinks.
In fact, you can substitute Cristal in any vodka-based cocktail, and you can’t tell the difference.
So you better try it or explore any aged Spanish rum or Don Q gold rum.
8. BATI 2yr Fijian White Rum
Average Price: approx. $22/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This BATI Fijian White Rum is a non-Caribbean rum with a bold vanilla aroma.
BATI is a good rum for Pina Coladas, with sugar cane as its base ingredient, complementing the pineapple flavor of the drink with its citrus, oak, and vanilla notes.
7. Plantation Stiggins Fancy Pineapple Rum
Average Price: approx. $34/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: For a more fruity Pina Colada, try the Plantation Stiggins Fancy pineapple rum—a flavored rum.
We like the real flavors of fresh pineapple juice with sugar cane juice in this drink.
This is a blend of silver and dark rum from the Plantation’s line. This pineapple rind-infused rum is a perfect base for Piña Coladas and other tropical fruit cocktails.
6. Chairman’s Reserve of St Lucia
Average Price: approx. $44/700ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This aged rum has the perfect balance of complexity and smoothness that makes any Pina Colada variation a good drink at the beach.
Like any other rum, it complements the creamy coconut flavors and pineapple sweetness.
5. Rum Fire Overproof Jamaican Rum
Average Price: approx. $30/750ml
Alcohol Content: 63% ABV
Why We Like It: Want a boozy Pina Colada? We highly recommend this overproof rum from Rum Fire.
It’s a Jamaican rum that shines and complements well with pineapple and coconut flavors.
It gives the boozy vibe, making for a perfect Pina Colada, pineapple juice, and coconut milk.
If this is your first time trying Pina Colada, you might want to mix it with regular spiced rum unless you want a sure kick of alcohol.
Alternative: You can try Stroh 160, an Austrian spiced rum, with 160-proof or 80% ABV.
4. Havana Club 3
Average Price: approx. $30/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Havana Club rum is a blend of aged rums, providing a silky finish with notes of apricot and pineapple.
We particularly like its oak and vanilla notes, which bring vibrancy to any Pina Colada.
It’s not too sweet, but its sweetness is enough to craft rum-based cocktails. It complements the flavor of coconut cream, specifically, so it’s best served in Pina Colada.
3. Myers’s Rum
Average Price: approx. $26/750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Looking for a budget-friendly rum for making Piña Coladas? Try Myers’s rum.
It transforms tropical drinks, like Piña Colada, into a more complex drink, with bolder flavor.
This dark rum has butter, sugar cane, tobacco, and caramel notes with a dark chocolate finish.
Though it seems sweet, its aging process for up to four years in bourbon barrels builds its slightly sweet flavor.
2. Don Q Coco
Average Price: approx. $15/750ml
Alcohol Content: 21% ABV
Why We Like It: For a beginner-friendly rum, Don Q Coconut rum is perfect for you.
This flavored rum is almost the same coconut liqueur for its real coco taste. It’s one the best light rums you can use in Piña Coladas.
Coconut rum is best to mix with other types of rum—darker to spiced rum to aged rums—in cocktails, like in Pina Colada, Dark & Stormy [2], Daiquiri, Caribbean Rum Punch, etc.
1. Plantation 3 Stars
Average Price: approx. $21/750ml
Alcohol Content: 41.2% ABV
Why We Like It: Plantation 3 Stars is a sure winner when it comes to Pina Coladas, as this white rum delivers a good depth and body.
It’s full-bodied, making a classic Pina Colada recipe a savory tropical cocktail with a perfect balance and richness.
If you’ve tried the Plantation Original dark rum, you shouldn’t miss this one.
*Average prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What kind of rum do you use in piña coladas?
Traditionally, light or silver rum is used in piña coladas to create a smooth and balanced cocktail. Light rum, also known as white or silver rum, has a subtle flavor profile that allows the tropical flavors of the piña colada—pineapple and coconut—to shine through without overpowering them. This type of rum is typically aged for a short period and has a lighter color compared to darker rums. Light rum’s clean and crisp taste pairs well with the fruity and creamy elements of the piña colada, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying drink. However, some variations of the piña colada may use gold or aged rum for a richer flavor profile, depending on personal preference.
What alcohol can be used in Piña Colada?
Piña coladas traditionally feature rum as the primary alcohol. Specifically, light or silver rum is commonly used to create the classic version of this tropical cocktail. However, variations of the piña colada may incorporate different types of alcohol to add complexity and unique flavor profiles. For instance, some recipes may include coconut-flavored rum, such as Malibu or other coconut-infused spirits, to enhance the drink’s coconut essence. Additionally, spiced rum can be used to add depth and warmth to the cocktail, offering a twist on the traditional recipe. Ultimately, the choice of alcohol in a piña colada can vary depending on personal taste preferences and desired flavor profiles, allowing for creative experimentation and customization.
Which rum is best for mojito?
The best rum for a mojito is typically light or silver rum, also known as white rum. Light rum has a clean and crisp flavor profile with subtle notes of sugarcane and hints of tropical fruit, making it an ideal base spirit for this refreshing cocktail. Its light color and smooth texture allow the fresh mint, lime, and other ingredients in the mojito to shine through without overpowering them. Additionally, light rum blends seamlessly with the sweetness of the sugar and the acidity of the lime juice, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful drink. While light rum is the traditional choice for mojitos, some variations may use other types of rum, such as gold or aged rum, for a richer and more complex flavor profile. Ultimately, the best rum for a mojito depends on personal preference and desired taste characteristics, so feel free to experiment with different options to find the perfect match.
What rum to use in Piña Colada according to Reddit?
According to various discussions and recommendations on Reddit, there are differing opinions on what type of rum to use in a Piña Colada. However, many Redditors suggest using light or white rum for the classic version of the cocktail. Light rum is favored for its clean and crisp flavor profile, which allows the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut to shine through without overpowering them. Some Redditors also recommend using coconut-flavored rum, such as Malibu, to enhance the drink’s coconut essence. However, preferences may vary, and some users may opt for other types of rum, such as gold or aged rum, depending on personal taste preferences and desired flavor profiles. Ultimately, the choice of rum in a Piña Colada can vary, so experimenting with different options is encouraged to find the perfect match.
Is white rum or dark rum better for Piña Colada?
While both white rum and dark rum can be used to make Piña Coladas, white rum is traditionally preferred for the classic version of the cocktail. White rum, also known as light or silver rum, has a clean and crisp flavor profile with subtle notes of sugarcane, making it an ideal base spirit for Piña Coladas. Its light color and smooth texture allow the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut to shine through without overpowering them. Dark rum, on the other hand, has a richer and more robust flavor profile with caramel and spice notes, which may overpower the delicate flavors of the cocktail. However, some variations of Piña Coladas may incorporate dark rum for a different flavor experience, offering a richer and more complex profile. Ultimately, the choice between white rum and dark rum depends on personal preference and desired taste characteristics.
Is Malibu used in Piña Colada?
Malibu, a coconut-flavored rum, is commonly used in Piña Coladas to enhance the cocktail’s coconut essence and add a tropical twist to the classic recipe. While traditional Piña Coladas typically use light or white rum as the base spirit, some variations may incorporate Malibu or other coconut-flavored rums for added flavor. Malibu’s sweet and creamy coconut flavor complements the pineapple juice and coconut cream in the cocktail, creating a deliciously indulgent and tropical drink. However, preferences may vary, and some purists may prefer to stick to traditional light rum in their Piña Coladas. Ultimately, the choice of using Malibu in a Piña Colada depends on personal taste preferences and desired flavor profiles, allowing for creative experimentation and customization.
Is Bacardi good in Piña Colada?
Bacardi, a well-known brand of rum, can be a good choice for making Piña Coladas, particularly if you’re using their white or light rum variants. Bacardi white rum has a clean and crisp flavor profile that pairs well with the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut, allowing them to shine through in the cocktail. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a versatile base spirit for Piña Coladas, creating a refreshing and satisfying drink. However, preferences may vary, and some people may prefer to use other brands or types of rum in their Piña Coladas depending on personal taste preferences and desired flavor profiles. Ultimately, Bacardi rum can certainly be a good option for making Piña Coladas, especially when combined with high-quality ingredients and proper mixing techniques.
Can you use Bacardi rum in Piña Colada?
Yes, Bacardi rum can be used in Piña Coladas, and it’s a popular choice for many cocktail enthusiasts. Bacardi offers a range of rum varieties, including white or light rum, which are commonly used as the base spirit in Piña Coladas. Bacardi white rum has a clean and crisp flavor profile that blends well with the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut, creating a refreshing and delicious cocktail. However, Bacardi also produces other rum variants, such as gold or dark rum, which can offer different flavor profiles and richness to the Piña Colada, depending on personal preference. Ultimately, using Bacardi rum in Piña Coladas can result in a flavorful and enjoyable cocktail, especially when paired with high-quality ingredients and proper mixing techniques.
Is dark rum good for Piña Colada?
Using dark rum in a Piña Colada can certainly offer a unique twist to the classic cocktail. Dark rum brings a richer and more complex flavor profile compared to light rum, with notes of molasses and spices. When incorporated into a Piña Colada, dark rum can add depth and warmth to the drink, complementing the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut. However, it may alter the overall taste experience, so whether it’s “good” for a Piña Colada depends on individual preferences. Some may enjoy the depth and complexity that dark rum brings, while others may prefer the lighter and more traditional taste of light rum. Experimentation with different types of rum can lead to discovering personalized variations of this popular cocktail.
Final Verdict: Best Rum for Pina Coladas
The best rum for Piña Coladas boils down to your taste and preference.
Any Piña Colada served with your favorite or preferred rum is the best, and you’ll surely enjoy it regardless of time, place, and occasion.
But if we need to recommend one rum [4] to make a delicious Pina Colada, no one can beat Plantation Stars 3 in Piña Coladas, regardless of the variation.
References:
- Best rum overall
- Dark ’n’ Stormy: The history of Bermuda’s unofficial drink
- The Piña Colada Was Invented in This Glamorous Puerto Rican Hotel
- Rum Liquor
