Making Key West Rum Runner, The Favorite Drink Of The Island

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How Did the Rum Runner Come to Exist?

Where did it start, you ask? History says the famous drink dates back to the 1950s. The story goes that the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida (now known as The Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina), had an overstock of rum and various liqueurs that needed to be used up before a new shipment arrived. The bartenders got creative, mixing a delicious blend with the surplus—and voila! The Rum Runner was born. They fittingly named it after the real-life “rum runners” who once smuggled liquor through the Florida Keys during Prohibition.

Why the Rum Runner Became Key West’s Signature Cocktail

Like many legendary recipes, the Rum Runner made its way down the Florida Keys and became a beloved drink in Key West. While the original ingredients were simple, local bartenders began to customize the recipe to suit their patrons’ tastes. Some versions have different ratios of fruit liqueurs, while others include a splash of grenadine or a float of dark rum. But the soul of the drink remains the same—without rum, it's simply not a Rum Runner!

Although recipes vary, the classic Rum Runner includes, light rum, dark rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liquor, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine is optional. It is often served on the rocks, typically garnished with an orange, cherry or a key lime. After its creation, it quickly spread throughout the Keys, especially Key West, where it became a staple at tiki bars, beach shacks and restaurants. Its fruity, rum-heavy profile made it perfect for the laid-back, party-forward culture of the Florida Keys.

Key West Rum Runner recipe

Try This Classic Rum Runner Recipe

The following recipe stays true to the spirit of the original Rum Runner cocktail. It’s easy to make, packed with tropical flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're planning a sunset gathering or just relaxing at home, try mixing up this iconic drink. It’s no wonder the Rum Runner remains one of Key West’s most famous and favorite cocktails.

The Rum Runner Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups ice
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 1 oz blackberry liqueur
  • 1 oz banana liqueur
  • 1 oz light rum
  • 1 oz dark rum or aged rum
  • Splash grenadine
  • Optional: 1 oz of Bacardi 151 to float on top
  • Optional: orange slice

To make by the gallon use 24 oz of each ingredient.

To Mix (Blended):

  1. Fill your blender with the ice.
  2. Add all of the liquid ingredients.
  3. Blend the contents until smooth.
  4. Pour into a Hurricane glass and garnish with an orange slice.
  5. Add the 151 floater! Can’t forget that!!!

To Mix (On the Rocks):

  1. Fill glass with ice.
  2. Add the liquid contents.
  3. Pour the 151 in the straw or on the top.

This is my favorite way to enjoy the Rum Runner. Enjoy!

No Hurricane glass available, no problem. Anything that will hold liquid will work!

Making Key West's Favorite Drink, the Rum Runner!

How to make a Key West Rum Runner

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