Overproof rum is a type of rum that has a higher alcohol content than traditional rums. While most rums have an alcohol content of around 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), overproof rum typically has an alcohol content of 60% ABV or higher. The term “overproof” refers to the fact that the rum’s alcohol content is over the legal limit that was historically used to prove that the rum was not watered down or adulterated with other ingredients.
Overproof rum is often used in cocktails and mixed drinks that require a stronger and more pronounced rum flavor. Due to its high alcohol content, overproof rum is usually not consumed on its own or in large quantities. Instead, it is typically used in small amounts to add flavor and strength to cocktails, such as the famous Mai Tai and Zombie cocktails. Overproof rum is also sometimes used in cooking and baking to add a distinct rum flavor to recipes.
Overproof Rum Cocktails
Firecracker
Ingredients:
- 1 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1/4 oz grenadine
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Ice
- Jalapeño slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, orange juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, grenadine, and hot sauce to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a jalapeño slice.
The Beast
Ingredients:
- 2 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and orgeat syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a tiki mug filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Flaming Volcano
Ingredients:
- 2 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1/2 oz dark rum
- Ice
- Lime wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and honey syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Pour the mixture into a volcano bowl.
- Float the dark rum on top of the mixture.
- Light the dark rum on fire and sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and cherry.
Zombie
Ingredients:
- 1 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
- 1/2 oz passion fruit syrup
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, dark rum, white rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, cinnamon syrup, passion fruit syrup, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a tiki mug filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
Painkiller
Ingredients:
- 2 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a tiki mug filled with ice.
- Grate nutmeg on top for garnish.
Jet Pilot
Ingredients:
- 1 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz gold rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
- 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/4 oz falernum
- 1/4 oz absinthe
- Ice
- Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, dark rum, gold rum, lime juice, cinnamon syrup, grapefruit juice, falernum, and absinthe to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a tiki mug filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
Flaming B-52
Ingredients:
- 1 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz Kahlúa
- 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Ice
- Whipped cream and coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, Kahlúa, and Bailey’s Irish Cream to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
- Pour a small amount of overproof rum on top of the mixture and ignite with a lighter or match.
- When the flame goes out, top with whipped cream and a few coffee beans.
Hurricane
Ingredients:
- 2 oz overproof rum
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz passion fruit syrup
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit syrup, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
The Flaming Volcano
Ingredients:
- 1 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- Ice
- Lemon and orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, grenadine syrup, and honey syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a volcano bowl filled with ice.
- Carefully pour some overproof rum on top of the mixture and ignite with a lighter or match.
- Garnish with lemon and orange slices.
The Scorpion
Ingredients:
- 1 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz brandy
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz orgeat syrup
- Ice
- Lime and orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, light rum, brandy, orange juice, lime juice, and orgeat syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a scorpion bowl filled with ice.
- Garnish with lime and orange slices.
Navy Grog
Ingredients:
- 1 oz overproof rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the overproof rum, dark rum, light rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey syrup, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a double old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
About Overproof Rum
Overproof rum is a type of rum that has a higher alcohol content than regular rum. The alcohol content of overproof rum is typically between 75-80% ABV (alcohol by volume), compared to regular rum which usually has an ABV of around 40%.
Origin: Overproof rum has been around since the early days of rum production, with sailors using it as a form of currency and as a way to preserve rum during long voyages. Overproof rum is produced in many different countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana.
Ingredients: The ingredients used to make overproof rum are similar to those used to make regular rum. These typically include molasses, yeast, and water. However, the distillation process for overproof rum is different from regular rum, resulting in a higher alcohol content.
Flavor: Overproof rum is known for its strong and intense flavor, with notes of caramel, molasses, and spices. The higher alcohol content also gives it a distinct and powerful kick.
Proof: The proof of overproof rum varies depending on the brand, but it is typically between 150-160 proof, which translates to 75-80% ABV.
Usage: Overproof rum is primarily used as a mixer in cocktails due to its high alcohol content. It can add a strong and distinct flavor to drinks and can be used in smaller amounts than regular rum. It can also be used in cooking, particularly in recipes that require a strong rum flavor.
Serving: Overproof rum is typically served in smaller amounts than regular rum due to its high alcohol content. It is often used in cocktails or mixed with fruit juices and other mixers.
Production: Overproof rum is produced in a similar way to regular rum, using molasses or sugarcane juice as the base ingredient. The main difference is in the distillation process, which results in a higher alcohol content.
Manufacturer: There are many different manufacturers of overproof rum, including Wray & Nephew, Plantation, Pusser’s, Cut.
Variations: There are different variations of overproof rum, with some brands adding different spices or flavors to create unique and distinct products. Some examples include spiced overproof rum and flavored overproof rum.
Overproof rum is a popular ingredient in many cocktails due to its strong flavor and high alcohol content. It can be mixed with a variety of different mixers, including fruit juices, sodas, and syrups. It can also be used in cooking, particularly in recipes that require a strong rum flavor. Some common mixers for overproof rum include pineapple juice, lime juice, coconut cream, and grenadine. Overproof rum can also be used to make flavored syrups and infusions, such as vanilla or cinnamon-infused rum. When mixing with overproof rum, it is important to use caution and not overdo it, as the high alcohol content can quickly overpower other flavors and lead to a very strong drink.