Rum and Cola

• One of the most classic dark rum drinks is rum and cola. It is made by pouring one to two ounces of dark rum over a glass of ice and filling the glass with a popular cola drink. The Jamaican Coke cocktail takes this classic blend a step further by adding other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the rum. A good Jamaican Coke recipe is to combine 1/2 oz. of cherry flavored brandy with two ounces of dark rum, one splash of Falernum and one dash of molasses. Pour this concoction into a glass half-filled with ice and then top with your favorite brand of cola.

Almond Cooler

• The Almond Cooler is a refreshing dark rum drink recipe that combines fruit juices for a tropical twist. A hurricane glass is the common vessel for this tropical drink. In a blender, add 1-1/4-oz. dark rum, 1/2-oz. banana, two-oz. orange juice, two-z. pineapple juice, one-oz. grenadine and two-oz. coconut cream. Blend until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and banana has liquefied. Add three ice cubes and blend to crush the ice cubes. Serve in a hurricane glass and garnish with an orange slice, maraschino cherry and cocktail umbrella. This recipe can easily be adapted into a punch for serving large groups at a party.

Abilene

• The Abilene is a simple dark rum drink that is perfect for serving at parties. To make this drink, fill a highball glass 3/4-full with ice cubes. Add 1-1/2-oz. dark rum, two-oz. peach nectar and three oz. of orange juice. Mix well and serve immediately. To make this a frozen drink, add the ingredients to a blender with a few frozen peaches and ice cubes and then blend until ice is crushed small enough to fit through a straw. You can garnish the glass with a maraschino cherry or orange slice. To adapt this recipe for large parties, combine ingredients in a large punch bowl. Frozen orange juice concentrate can be used in place of orange juice to keep the drink cool. Orange slices and frozen peaches will make this drink visually appealing in the punch bowl.