Give summer the celebration it deserves with this mango rum drink. Refreshing and tropical, it’s oh-so-easy to make. And your guests will love its frosty sweetness. Now, go grab the blender!
Before You Get Started…
How do you pick a mango?
Given that it’s the star of the show, you want your mango to be at peak ripeness—and flavor. You’re looking for fruit that has a little bit of give when gently squeezed. As a comparison, think of the way you might select an avocado. The softer they are, the riper. Don’t focus too much on color; it is not always an indication of ripeness—especially since different varieties have different hues. Pick up a few extra fruits and add these tasty mango recipes to your recipe rotation.
What’s the difference between light and dark rum?
While there’s no definitive answer about whether light or dark rum is better, each liquor has different flavors and properties. All rum is made from sugar cane. And light rum is light because it’s been aged for less time, giving it a subtle flavor ideal for mixing into cocktails. Dark rum is aged before being distilled, lending to bolder colors and tastes. It’s best for sipping straight. For this recipe, we recommend light rum to let the fruit flavors shine.
Want the mango taste, but not the alcohol? This mango smoothie is a refreshing substitute.
How to Make a Mango Rum Cocktail
This recipe serves 14, so round up your friends, put on some music and get ready to toast!
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
- 4 cups of fresh mango, cubed
- 2/3 cup superfine sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-1/2 cups light rum
- Ice cubes
- 7 cups club soda, chilled
Step 1: Blend and pour
Place the first four ingredients in a blender (our Test Kitchen loves this one). Cover and process the mixture until it’s pureed. Transfer to a 1-1/2-quart pitcher and stir in the rum.
Step 2: Cool it down
Pour 1/3 cup of the mango mixture into a glass—a half-pint mason jar works great. Add ice, then pour in 1/2 cup of soda to finish the drink.
Serving Ideas for Mango Rum Drinks
Pick a garnish
Nothing dresses up a cocktail better than a good garnish. Accentuate the tart lime by placing a lime wedge on the rim of your glass. Or, beat the summer heat with some refreshing mint or rosemary leaves and a slice of strawberry. For a truly tropical drink, add pineapple or even dragon fruit. (Have leftover pineapple? Put it to good use in these classic desserts.)
Keep ’em cool
Don’t worry if the mixture seems too thick at first. Heat will help melt the ice, watering down the drink. On warmer days, pop the mango puree in the fridge to help it stay cool. And if you have any mango rum drink after the party, pour it into ice pop molds (these are our top picks) and freeze for a boozy treat.
More Tropical Rum Cocktails
My beverage is so sensational it's like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
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Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make drink can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Blueberry and lime are two of my favorite flavors, so I added blueberries to my favorite mixed drink! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.—Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois
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This is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
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The flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer's night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It's a favorite for our girls' night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
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I created this with my favorite Bahamian juices. I got the inspiration for it from other Bahama punches I have sampled. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Henderson, North Carolina
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Whether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois
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Refreshing but not overly sweet, this drink is a festive choice for Christmas get-togethers. Serve it during cocktail hour, at dinner or even for brunch in place of mimosas. —Claire Beattie, Toronto, Ontario
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This refreshing cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
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You won’t mind breaking out the blender for these frosty fruit drinks—they’re a breeze to whip up. If you don't have fresh, use frozen peaches. A dash of grenadine gives the golden daiquire a blush of red.—Joan Antonen, Arlington, South Dakota
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Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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This party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour. For a splash of color, garnish with strawberries and lime.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
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“A sunset in a glass” is how your guests might describe this two-tone cocktail. With or without the spiced rum, it makes a refreshing thirst-quencher for parties any time of year.—Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
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This agua de jamaica recipe features an iced tea made from hibiscus—tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Here's a different drink for a beer-drinking crowd. It gets a touch of sweetness from lemonade. Make it in a blender for a frothy, fun look or mix in a pitcher for less foam.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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The post How to Make the Best Mango Rum Cocktail appeared first on Taste of Home.
Kim Bussing
