5 Rum-And-Raisin Cocktails For Festive Sipping

The incredible marriage of rum and raisins during the holiday season intertwines culinary tradition spanning centuries with festive flavours even today. This historic combination is rooted in the very essence of festive celebrations across various cultures. Raisins, considered to be a symbol of abundance and sweetness, have long been a staple in festive desserts, lending their rich, chewy texture to cakes, puddings, and mince pies. And if those raisins are rum soaked, they turn even sweeter and merrier, don’t they? 

The infusion of rum into raisins as a ritual or process, often begun weeks before the December holidays, allows the raisins to absorb the rum's essence, resulting in a flavourful blend perfect for enhancing holiday treats. And when it comes to cocktails, the rum raisin combination adds a layer of depth and nostalgia unparalleled by any other combination during the festive season. From classic rum-based drinks to innovative mixes, this duo brings a familiarity that also adds to the festivities.  

Now, if you are looking for the perfect rum-and-raising cocktails to sip on this holiday season, here are five options that you can and should try out. Of course, the first and foremost ingredients you need are Captain Morgan’s Dark Rum and a variety of raisins that can be red, black or even brown in colour. 

1. Rum Raisin Old Fashioned 

An Old Fashioned cocktail is always a crowd-puller, but this version will have you wanting more. Combine 50ml of Captain Morgan Rum with 10ml rum-soaked raisin syrup and two dashes of angostura bitters in a mixing glass. Add ice cubes and stir well, then strain into a glass filled with a large ice cube. Garnish the cocktail with an orange peel and sip on it to enjoy the festive flavours of Rum Raisin Old Fashioned. 

2. Rum Raisin Flip 

The Flip is an old-school classic cocktail that combines a whole egg with a great cocktail base. To make the Rum Raisin Flip, place 50ml Captain Morgan rum, 15ml rum-soaked raisin syrup, one egg and a pinch of ground nutmeg in a cocktail shaker. Shake the ingredients vigorously to emulsify the ingredients, then add ice and shake again. Strain the drink into a chilled coupe glass and serve with a sprinkling of nutmeg powder. 

3. Rum Raisin Daiquiri 

If you believe Daiquiris are delicious then this Rum Raisin Daiquiri will open up your palate to a world of new flavours this festive season. All you need to do is add 50ml Captain Morgan rum, 25ml rum-soaked raisin syrup, 25ml fresh lime juice and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Shake everything vigorously then strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish the Daiquiri with a raisin or lime twist and wow your guests with its deliciousness. 

4. Rum Raisin Hot Toddy 

A warm, hot toddy is capable of embracing you with festive spirit anyways, but when it is flavoured with rum and raisins, it turns into an incredible cocktail for the festive season.  What you need to do is pour steaming hot water into a heatproof mug, add 50ml Captain Morgan rum, 25ml rum-soaked raisin syrup, one cinnamon stick and gently mix it all up. Add a lemon wedge and some cloves for garnish, then let the cocktail steep for a while before serving it up. 

5. Rum Raisin Punch 

A Punch, any Punch for that matter, has the capacity to bring a crowd of people together.  All you need to do to make this simple punch is to combine 200ml Captain Morgan rum, 100ml rum-soaked raisin syrup, 500ml apple cider, 250ml ginger beer and give it a gentle stir until everything is combined. Add ice cubes, sliced apples, raisins and cinnamon sticks and let them steep in the liquid for an hour before serving.