White rum is often called light rum, but appearance does not tell the whole story. Some white rums are unaged; others are aged briefly and filtered clear.
Main styles
- Light column-still rum: clean and easy to mix.
- Characterful blended rum: combines lighter and heavier distillates.
- Cane-juice rum: grassy and vegetal rather than molasses-led.
- Overproof white rum: intense and intended for measured use.
Best cocktails
Daiquiri
Shake 2 oz white rum, ¾ oz lime and ½–¾ oz syrup with ice.
Mojito
Combine rum, lime, sugar and mint, then top with soda.
Highball
Pair white rum with coconut water, grapefruit soda or ginger beer.
How to choose
For clean cocktails, choose a lighter style. For a Daiquiri where rum should be obvious, look for pot-still character or a flavorful blend. Check proof before substituting overproof rum.
Browse the white rum collection and all rum.
Sources
The classic Daiquiri and Mojito structures were checked against the International Bartenders Association. Rum production rules vary by origin.
