Rum and ginger ale is the perfect combination! This refreshing spin on the Dark and Stormy has a subtler ginger flavor.

Looking for a tasty, refreshing cocktail that takes 1 minute to mix together? Try Rum and Ginger Ale! It’s similar to a Dark and Stormy, but the ginger flavor is subtler and melts right into the rum. Add a squeeze of lime and it’s the perfect refreshing highball. It’s a great way to make a fast and easy cocktail with a bottle of rum. We like it best with aged rum, but whatever you have will do! Grab your bottle and let’s get mixing.

What’s a Rum and Ginger Ale?

The Rum and Ginger Ale is a cocktail whose closest relative is actually the Rum and Coke. Also known as the Cuba Libre, the rum and coke was invented in Cuba in the early 1900’s. “Cuba Libre” means “Free Cuba” in Spanish: it’s a rallying cry that came from the Spanish American war in 1898. So the tradition of mixing rum with fizzy mixers like cola has been around for at least 100 years! Here’s what to know about the rum and ginger ale:

Rum and ginger ale is a highball cocktail that’s a mix rum and ginger ale, like the Rum and Coke or Cuba Libre. Serve it in a highball or lowball glass with ice, and it’s a refreshing cocktail that highlights the subtle flavor of ginger ale.
How is it different than a Dark and Stormy? The Rum and Ginger Ale is sweeter and more subtle than a Dark and Stormy, which pairs the strong flavors of dark rum and spicy ginger beer.

The best rum for Rum and Ginger Ale

You can use any type of rum when you make Rum and Ginger Ale. In fact, you’ll get a different drink with each variety! Here are the major types of rum and how the flavors change the drink, listed in order of our preference:

Aged rum is the best option. Also known as golden rum or añejo, aged rum has an intense depth in flavor. It can have notes of vanilla, coconut, almond, citrus, or caramel. The aged rum that we used here was Brugal Añejo Rum.
White rum also works! Light rum has a very straightforward flavor with a signature burn.
Dark rum is tasty as well. Dark rum is aged as well and has a deep, caramel flavor and sometimes notes of cinnamon and spices. It also makes a very tasty Rum and Ginger Ale.

Top brands of ginger ale

What ginger ale to use? There are several types of ginger ale brands on the market: our favorites are the same as our favorite brands of ginger beer. Here’s what to know:

Q Ginger Ale: This is our top choice! We like that it comes in small cans so you only have to use a little at a time. It’s also our top brand of ginger beer.
Fever Tree Ginger Ale: Fever Tree is made with real ginger and has no artificial sweeteners.
More Ginger Ale Brands: Here’s a list of more top brands.

What’s the difference vs ginger beer? Go to Ginger Beer vs Ginger Ale.

Mixing carbonated mixers with alcohol is an ages old tradition! There are lots of spins on this concept. Once you’ve tried the Rum and Ginger Ale, there are so many more to explore! Here are some favorite variations:

Try the Dark and Stormy with dark rum and ginger beer
Opt for the Whiskey Ginger with rye whiskey and ginger ale
Go for old favorite the Cuba Libre
Try a Tequila and Ginger Ale
Try a Pimm’s Cup, a British drink with Pimm’s No. 1 and ginger ale
Mix ginger ale with beer for a Shandy

When to serve a Rum and Ginger Ale

This cocktail is bubbly and light: great for impromptu gatherings and parties, or simply sipping on the patio. Try it as a:

Summer drink
Afternoon drink
Dinner party drink
Before dinner drink (aperitif)