Here Are the Manliest Rum Cocktails (According to a Woman)

Bring on the manly rum drinks! But what is it exactly that makes a drink manly? The concept of cocktails (or alcoholic beverages in general) having some kind of gender identity seems to be an idea as old as the drinks themselves. And just to be clear: drinks are just drinks, and well-made drinks are to be enjoyed by all!

However, it’s fun to take a look at the drinks that folks most commonly associate with more masculine or feminine traits and why.

Find the full list of drinks and recipes below, but first, let’s dive into the background of these stereotypes about drinks and gender.

Why are certain drinks seen as more or less manly than others?

This entrenched association of drinks with gender is mostly a result of societal and cultural influences. The associations have bubbled up from traditional gender roles, of course.

But marketing and advertising strategies, as well as social expectations have shaped our perceptions over time. Let’s take a deeper look at what contributes to the association of manly drinks vs. girly drinks:

Cultural stereotypes

Societal norms and stereotypes perpetuate the notion that certain drinks are more suitable or appealing to men or women. These stereotypes can be influenced by historical gender roles, societal expectations, and cultural beliefs.

Think of Ron Swanson, the quintessential manly man character from the popular TV show, “Parks and Recreation.” His drink of choice? Lagavulin. This classic Islay Scotch whisky is known and loved for its bold and smoky flavor profile.

On the other end of the spectrum, consider the character Carrie Bradshaw from HBO’s cult classic, “Sex And the City.” Carrie and her three best girlfriends’ drink of choice?

The vodka and cranberry-based Cosmopolitan. The popularity of the TV show made this light and fruity pinkish drink one of the most popular and recognizable cocktails in the world.

Looking for simple rum drinks? Check out my Guide to Easy Rum Mixed Drinks!

Marketing and advertising

Beverage companies often use targeted marketing strategies to appeal to specific demographics. These campaigns may employ gender-specific imagery, language, and messaging to create a connection between a drink and a particular gender. This can reinforce the association in consumers’ minds.

Socialization and peer influence

From an early age, individuals are often exposed to gendered messages and influences. Peers and social norms can reinforce the association of certain drinks with gender as people conform to these expectations to fit in or feel accepted.

Choosing the manliest rum drinks

The notion of “manly” cocktails can definitely vary based on personal preferences and cultural perceptions. However, if you’re looking for rum-based cocktails that are often associated with robust flavors or a strong character, you’re in the right place! Here’s a bit more of our criteria for choosing the manliest rum drinks of all time:

Strong and bold flavors

Manly cocktails are often known for their robust and assertive flavor profiles. They may incorporate spirits with higher alcohol content, bitters, or strong and distinct ingredients that make a bold impact on the palate.

Spirit-forward

Manly cocktails typically showcase the base spirit prominently, allowing its unique characteristics to shine through. They may have minimal mixers or use spirits in higher proportions, emphasizing the strength and character of the spirit itself. Think of James Bond and his infamous Vesper Martini.

Perfectly balanced, of course – never too sweet

Manly cocktails tend to have a drier or less sweet taste compared to cocktails that are considered more “feminine” or “fruity.” They may lean towards more savory, bitter, or complex flavors rather than overt sweetness.

And now, the manliest rum cocktails of all time

Now on to the recipes! These are our top picks for manly rum drinks, but this list is far from comprehensive. Find more rum drinks or check out our list of tropical and tiki drinks.

Rum Old Fashioned: The strong, silent type

The classic Old Fashioned cocktail traditionally uses whiskey, but you can create a delicious twist by substituting with a bold, aged rum. Use demerara simple syrup or even spiced simple syrup to make this drink far more dark and handsome than the regular ‘ol simple syrup or sugar cubes. Mix a couple ounces of a quality aged rum with a few dashes of bitters, a 1/4 ounce of demerara syrup and an expressed orange twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz aged rum
• 1/4 oz demerara simple syrup
• 2 dashes angostura, aromatic, or orange bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions:

• Add the first three ingredients to a mixing glass, then fill it about 3/4 with ice.
• Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice (bonus points for serving it over one large cube or ice sphere).
• Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

The Hemingway Daiquiri: The charismatic lover boy

Also known as the Papa Doble, the Hemingway Daiquiri is a classic rum cocktail named after the renowned writer Ernest Hemingway.

It is considered a quintessential rum cocktail due to its historical significance, unique flavor profile, and association with Hemingway’s love for rum. The classic Daiquiri is a fantastic cocktail that is almost as manly, but lacks the intrigue of maraschino liqueur and grapefruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 oz simple syrup (optional)
• Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it 3/4 with ice.

Shake until well chilled, then strain into a double rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Rum Negroni: The true gentleman

The Rum Negroni is a delightful variation of the classic Negroni cocktail. It substitutes the gin in the traditional recipe with rum, resulting in a nuanced and flavorful twist. It’s deeper, more complex flavors make it somehow more mysterious and manly than the classic gin-based version.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz aged rum
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions:

Combine the first three ingredients in a mixing glass and fill it 3/4 with ice.

Stir until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Navy Grog: The bad boy with a heart of gold

The Navy Grog is a classic tiki cocktail known for its potent and complex flavors. It typically includes a combination of light and dark rums, along with citrus juices and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz light rum
• 1 oz jamaican rum
• 1 oz demerara rum
• 1 oz honey syrup
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 3/4 oz grapefruit juice

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it 3/4 with ice.

Shake until well chilled, then strain into a double rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

Rum Manhattan: Man of mystery

A mix of dark rum and sweet vermouth is commonly referred to as a “Rum Manhattan.” It is a variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail, which traditionally uses whiskey as the base spirit. The substitution of dark rum adds a distinct flavor profile to the drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
• Cocktail cherry, for garnish

Instructions:

Combine the first three ingredients in a mixing glass and fill it 3/4 with ice.

Stir until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cocktail cherry.

Jet Pilot: The wildcard

Another tiki cocktail, the Jet Pilot, is known for its strength. It combines multiple rums, including high-proof or overproof options, with various fruit juices, syrups, and a touch of spice. The combination of potent rums and the intensity of the flavors contributes to its strength.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz overproof Jamaican rum
• 3/4 oz overproof demerara rum
• 3/4 oz gold rum
• 1/2 oz grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1/2 oz falernum
• 1-2 dashes absinthe
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Cocktail cherry and mint, for garnish

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it 3/4 with ice.

Shake until well chilled, then strain into a double rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and a sprig of mint.

Quality rum, served neat: The main character

Yeah, yeah, yeah, not a cocktail. But there’s really nothing stronger or more manly than spirits served neat. Just be sure that they’re high quality. Bonus points for making it a bit interesting, like perhaps a nice aged rhum agricole!

Dark and Stormy: The boy next door

Here’s the easiest drink on the list, and it’s a simple favorite that’s also easy to order at any bar. This cocktail combines dark rum with ginger beer, resulting in a flavorful and slightly spicy drink. Fill a highball glass with ice, add dark rum, and top it off with ginger beer. Squeeze in a wedge of lime and garnish with a lime wheel.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blackstrap rum (such as Gosling’s Black Seal)
• 6 oz ginger beer
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the ginger beer.

Pour the rum on top, then squeeze the lime wedge over the drink and drop it in. Stir or serve with a straw.