Rum Runner (Florida)

An enjoyable throwback drink from the 1950s, the rum runner is another example of a great drink with many recipes. In general, a rum runner should have rum, banana, and blackberry, but this is not always the case. One of the best rum runner recipes includes light and dark rums, banana and blackberry liqueurs, orange and pineapple juices, and grenadine. Others prefer the spices of falernum instead of grenadine's sweetness or skip either of the juices. No matter how you make it, it is a fun drink. As the story goes, Rum Runners were invented in the late 1950's at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida. Supposedly, the bar had an excess of rum and certain liqueurs that needed to be moved before the arrival of more inventory. A very tasty concoction was developed using the excess alcohol and voila.

1 oz light rum
1 oz dark or aged rum
1 oz banana liqueur
½ oz blackberry liqueur or blackberry brandy
1 oz fresh pineapple juice
1 splash grenadine

Garnish:
variety of fresh fruit

Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.

Strain into a hurricane glass over fresh ice.

Garnish with fruit and enjoy.

Makes 1 cocktail.

Cook's Notes: If you cannot find falernum (an almond, ginger, lime, and spiced sugar syrup) that is used in many rum cocktails, use grenadine instead.