Jetty Rum Runner Recipe

If you’ve ever kicked back at a beach bar with a fruity, rum-filled drink in hand, chances are you’ve had something like the Jetty Rum Runner. This tropical cocktail has been a go-to for laid-back vibes since it first hit the scene in 1976 at The Jetty Lounge in Fort Pierce, Florida. Known for its perfect blend of light and dark rum, mixed with sweet fruit flavors, it’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’re on vacation.

So, if you’re looking to bring a little sunshine to your next gathering, this Jetty Rum Runner Recipe is the way to go! Let’s learn all the process how to make this special cocktail at home.

Why Is It Called a Rum Runner?

The Rum Runner cocktail gets its name from the Prohibition era (1920–1933), when smugglers, known as rum runners, transported illegal alcohol by boat to the U.S. from the Caribbean. These daring smugglers would navigate tricky waters to sneak in rum and other spirits, fueling speakeasies and hidden bars across the country.

The drink itself was created much later, but the name is a nod to those old-school bootleggers and their love for rum.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to make this delicious Jetty Rum Runner. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and smoothness.

• 1 oz. Orange Juice: The orange juice brings a refreshing citrusy taste that complements the other fruity flavors. It adds a tangy element that balances out the sweetness of the other juices.
• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice has a naturally sweet and tropical flavor, which is a key ingredient in many fruity cocktails. It pairs wonderfully with the other juices to create a well-rounded flavor.
• Dash of Grenadine: Grenadine adds a hint of sweetness and a touch of color to the drink. Just a splash goes a long way to enhance the overall look and taste.
• 1 oz. Light Rum: Light rum is the base alcohol for this drink. It’s smooth and sweet, giving the Jetty Rum Runner its signature rum flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 1 oz. Blackberry Liqueur: The blackberry liqueur adds depth and a fruity, slightly tart taste. If you can’t find blackberry liqueur, blackberry brandy can work as a substitute.
• 1 oz. Banana Liqueur: Banana liqueur brings in a creamy, tropical flavor that’s key to making this drink stand out. It gives the cocktail a unique flavor profile that’s sweet but not overwhelming.
• 1 oz. Dark Rum (for topping): Dark rum is used as a finishing touch. It has a rich, deep flavor that contrasts nicely with the light rum and adds complexity to the drink.

Substitutions & Variations

If you don’t have all of these ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can still make a delicious version of the Jetty Rum Runner. Here are a few ideas for substitutions:

1. Light Rum: You can use white rum or even spiced rum in place of light rum if you prefer a bit more flavor.
2. Blackberry Liqueur: If you don’t have blackberry liqueur, you can use another berry-flavored liqueur like raspberry or blueberry, or substitute with berry syrup.
3. Banana Liqueur: If banana liqueur isn’t available, you can try using banana-flavored vodka or just leave it out for a slightly different flavor.
4. Dark Rum: You can also use any dark or aged rum for the topping. The darker the rum, the richer the flavor!

Kitchen Appliances Needed to Make This Dish

The good news is that you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets to make the Jetty Rum Runner. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cocktail Shaker: This is essential for mixing the ingredients and chilling the drink properly. A shaker will also help combine everything for a smooth consistency.
• Measuring Jigger: A jigger is helpful to measure your ingredients accurately, so you get the perfect balance of flavors every time.
• Strainer: This will help you pour the mixed ingredients into your glass without any ice cubes getting in the way.
• Glass: A simple rocks glass or highball glass will work perfectly for serving the Jetty Rum Runner.

How To Make Jetty Rum Runner Recipe

Making the Jetty Rum Runner is easy! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing drink in no time.

Step 1 | Mix the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz. of orange juice, 1 oz. of pineapple juice, and a dash of grenadine. Add 1 oz. of light rum, 1 oz. of blackberry liqueur, and 1 oz. of banana liqueur.

Step 2 | Shake It Up

Add ice cubes to the shaker, then close it tightly and shake the ingredients until the mixture is chilled and well-combined (about 10-15 seconds).

Step 3 | Prepare the Glass

Fill a glass with fresh ice cubes, then strain the mixed ingredients into the glass.

Step 4 | Top with Dark Rum

Grab your favorite bottle of dark rum and pour about 1 oz. or 2 over the top of your cocktail.

Step 5 | Enjoy

Stir gently, and there you have it! Your delicious Jetty Rum Runner is ready to enjoy.

Tips for Making Perfect Jetty Rum Runner

• Use Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange and pineapple juice will make a big difference in flavor. It’s worth the extra effort!
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more grenadine or banana liqueur.
• Chill the Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glass beforehand by filling it with ice water and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Dark Rum for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the dark rum topping! It adds a rich flavor that complements the sweet fruity notes.

The drink itself was created much later, but the name is a nod to those old-school bootleggers and their love for rum.

How to Serve a Rum Runner

Serving a Rum Runner is all about keeping it fun, tropical, and refreshing! Here’s how you can serve it up like a pro:

1. Choose the Right Glass: Traditionally, a hurricane glass or a tall highball glass works best. These give your drink that classic beachy vibe.
2. Fill with Ice: For the best experience, serve it over crushed ice or cubed ice to keep it cool and refreshing.
3. Garnish Like a Pro: A maraschino cherry, an orange slice, or even a pineapple wedge makes the drink look as good as it tastes. Some even add a little umbrella for extra tropical flair!

Proper Storage Tips

If you have leftover Jetty Rum Runner here’s how you can store it for later:

How to Store: Pour any leftover cocktail into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help keep it fresh for a short period, about 1 to 2 days.

Jetty Rum Runner Recipe FAQs

1. What’s the history behind the Rum Runner cocktail?

The Rum Runner originated in the late 1950s at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida. It was created to use up excess rum and fruit liqueurs. The name comes from Prohibition-era smugglers who transported rum from the Caribbean to Florida.

2. Is a Jetty Rum Runner very strong?

Yes! It contains about 3 oz. of alcohol, making it stronger than most cocktails (which have 1.5-2 oz.). The fruit juices mask some of the alcohol taste, so sip slowly! Reduce the rum or add more juice for a lighter version.

3. Can I make a large batch for a party?

Absolutely! Multiply ingredients by 8 for a pitcher (excluding dark rum). Mix everything ahead of time and refrigerate, then pour over ice and float dark rum when serving for the layered effect.

4. What’s the difference between a regular Rum Runner and a Jetty Rum Runner?

The Jetty version features a dark rum float and balanced ingredient portions, while classic Rum Runners sometimes mix everything together or include extras like crème de cacao.

5. Can I use frozen fruit juice instead of bottled juice?

Yes! Thaw and mix frozen concentrate before using. It often tastes fresher than bottled juice and allows for stronger fruit flavors.

6. What glasses work best for serving?

Hurricane glasses are ideal for showcasing the drink’s colors, but highball, Collins, or tiki mugs also work well.

7. Can I use spiced rum instead of dark rum for the float?

Yes, spiced rum adds a warm, flavorful twist. It’s a great option for colder months and gives a unique flavor, though it’s a bit lighter in color than dark rum.

Conclusion

The Jetty Rum Runner Recipe has become one of my signature cocktails whenever I want to bring tropical vibes to any occasion. Its beautiful layers of flavor—from the fruity sweetness to the complex rum notes—create a drink that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

I hope you try this recipe and enjoy every sip as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your cooking experiences with us and follow us on Pinterest for more amazing recipes. Cheers!