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Published: Jun 28, 2021 by Nancy · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

Rum Sour Cocktail

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Glass of rum sour cocktail with lemons in the background.

An easy recipe for the BEST Rum sour cocktail! Made with dark rum and fresh lemon juice, this 3 ingredient classic drink is sweet, tart and refreshing!

Glass of rum sour cocktail with lemons in the background.
Jump to:
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • Questions
  • Variations
  • Craving more?
  • 📖Recipe

With its range of flavors, rum is one of my "go-to" spirits for cocktails! Whether it's an easy drink like Rum and Ginger Beer, or something a little more complex like a Pina Colada, this liquor is incredibly versatile.

While there are lots of complicated rum cocktails, this Rum sour isn't - it's incredibly simple to make. It uses the same formula as a vodka sour - substituting rum for vodka.
For a three-ingredient cocktail you get a lot of "bang for your buck" - this drink is sweet, tart, refreshing with a hint of spiciness.

So, now that I've got your attention, let's get to it!

🥘 Ingredients

Ingredients for the rum sour cocktail recipe.

As I mentioned, the ingredients are super simple - you can find everything you need at almost any grocery store.

  • Rum - although you could make this drink with white or gold rum, it really shines with dark rum. As to which dark rum to use, there is a huge variety out there (which is part of the fun!). Dark rums can be expensive and there is no need to use an expensive rum for this cocktail - save those for sipping on their own!
  • Lemon juice - like all cocktails, freshly squeezed juice is the best!
  • Simple Syrup

🔪 Instructions

As I mentioned, this rum cocktail is really easy to make.

  1. Add the rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add ice and shake for 30 - 45 seconds.
  3. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
  4. Garnish with a slice of lemon, maraschino cherry, and a sprig of mint if you're feeling fancy.

Questions

What makes a cocktail a "sour?"

A sour is type of cocktail made with liquor (usually whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila or rum), lemon or lime juice and a sweetener. Popular cocktails like the margarita, and a gimlet are sours.

What's the difference between a rum sour and a daiquiri?

A daiquiri is made with light rum, lime juice and simple syrup. The Rum Sour switches light rum for dark and lemon juice for lime juice.

What is the ratio for a "sour" cocktail?

Classic sour cocktails are all about the ratios! Generally, the ratio is 2 parts liquor, 1 part sour and 1 part sweet.
But... since I'm using rum in this cocktail (which has it's own sweetness) I found the cocktail ratio for this drink a bit "off". So, after experimenting (tough job but somebody has to do it!) I decided upon a 2 parts liquor and ¾'s sweet and ¾'s sour.
If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, go ahead and use 1 part sweet and one part sour.

Variations

This drink is made for experimentation. So here are some ideas for changing it up!

  • You can definitely play with the sweetener. Demerara syrup, honey syrup or orgeat.
  • Lemon juice pairs really well with dark rum, but lime juice is delicious as well.

Craving more?

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📖Recipe

single glass of a rum sour.

Rum Sour cocktail

An easy recipe for the BEST Rum sour made with dark rum and fresh lemon juice! A simple, 3 ingredient classic drink that's perfect anytime!
4.70 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection Go to Collections
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories:
Author: Nancy Buchanan

Equipment

  • cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • hawthorn strainer

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. dark rum
  • ¾ oz. lemon juice fresh is best for this cocktail
  • ¾ oz. simple syrup
  • 1 lemon slice optional
  • 1 maraschino cherry optional
  • 1 mint sprig optional

Instructions

  • Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
  • Add the rum, lemon juice and simple syrup.
  • Put the lid on the shaker and shake for 30 - 45 seconds.
  • Pour over ice into a rocks glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon slice, maraschino cherry and mint if desired.

Recipe Notes

Ingredients

  • Rum - although you could make this drink with white or gold rum, it really shines with dark rum. As to which dark rum to use, there is a huge variety out there (which is part of the fun!). Dark rums can be expensive and there is no need to use an expensive rum for this cocktail - save those for sipping on their own!
  • Lemon juice - like all cocktails, freshly squeezed juice is the best!
  • Simple Syrup - to make simple syrup combine equal parts water and sugar ( if you're not making more than one or two cocktails I recommend using ¼ cup). Combine in a small saucepan and heat over medium high heat until the sugar is dissolved. Cool before using. To store, place in a lidded container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. 
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More Easy Cocktail Recipes

  • Apple Martini
  • Bourbon Smash Cocktail
  • Demerara Syrup
  • Dark Rum Mojito

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa Hatfield says

    June 28, 2021 at 8:05 pm

    5 stars
    This is a great cocktail, I used Puerto Rican dark rum and the garnish is beautiful. A great sipper!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      June 29, 2021 at 8:19 am

      Awww... thanks!!!!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Nancy Buchanan! At A Communal Table, you’ll find simple, delicious recipes inspired by world cuisine.

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