Root beer and rum, sometimes referred to as a root beer float with a kick or an alcoholic root beer float, is a cocktail made by adding rum to root beer. The combination of the sweet, creamy root beer and the alcoholic bite of the rum creates a unique drink that some people enjoy. However, others find that the flavours do not combine well. So, is root beer and rum good? There are a few factors to consider.
Taste
The taste of root beer and rum will really come down to personal preference. Those who already enjoy the flavours of root beer and rum separately may find that they combine deliciously. The vanilla and wintergreen notes of the root beer pair nicely with rum’s sweet, molasses flavours. The root beer helps mask some of the harsher alcohol flavours, making for a sweeter, smoother tasting drink.
However, others argue that the distinctive flavours of root beer and rum clash when combined. The herbaceous, sarsaparilla taste of root beer can compete with the rum rather than complement it. Those who don’t care for the anise-like flavour of root beer especially may find it overpowering when paired with rum.
So in terms of taste, whether you’ll find root beer and rum good largely depends on if you enjoy the flavours of each separately. Those with a sweet tooth who want to mellow out their rum’s bite are more likely to enjoy the combination.
Mouthfeel
Beyond flavour, the mouthfeel and carbonation level also impact the enjoyment of root beer rum cocktails. Root beer on its own tends to be creamy but moderately carbonated. The addition of rum can change the texture, especially if a white or spiced rum is used. This gives the drink an almost frothy, foamy texture that some may find unappealing. However, using a darker aged rum can help maintain a creamy mouthfeel.
The amount of rum added also alters the mouthfeel – a splash of rum may lightly enhance the root beer’s flavour and carbonation, while too much can make it feel harsh. Finding the right rum to root beer ratio helps create a pleasant, balanced mouthfeel.
Sweetness
One of the main appeals of mixing root beer and rum is making a sweeter, more palatable alcoholic drink. On its own, rum can have quite a harsh, potent flavor. The sugary sweetness of root beer helps mask this burn, allowing the rum to be enjoyed more easily.
However, getting the right balance of sweetness is key. If there is too much root beer relative to the rum, the cocktail may end up cloyingly sweet. But too little root beer may not properly disguise the rum. The ideal combination should still have flavors of both the root beer and rum coming through.
Finding your preferred level of sweetness for the drink comes down to personal taste. Those with more of a sweet tooth may prefer it heavier on the root beer, while others may like just a splash.
Alcohol Content
Naturally, the amount of rum added to the root beer also determines the cocktail’s alcohol content. This is important to consider based on your desired drinking strength.
Some enjoy root beer and rum as a fun twist on enjoying straight rum, so prefer a very alcoholic drink. But others see it as a way to enjoy the flavors of rum in a low alcohol, long drink.
Depending on your goals, you can play with the ratios. Using just a shot or two of rum in a full mug of root beer makes a weakly alcoholic drink. But adding a half cup or more of rum can create a serious cocktail.
Consider if you want root beer to lightly enhance the rum or vice versa when determining the alcohol strength you want.
How to Make Root Beer and Rum
If you want to give the root beer rum cocktail a try, here are some tips on making it:
Ingredients
– High quality root beer – avoid diet or artificially flavored varieties. Look for brands made with cane sugar.
– Aged, spiced, or vanilla rum – White and dark rums both work. Flavored varieties complement the root beer well.
– Ice
– Lime or lemon wedge for garnish (optional)
Directions
1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in 2-6 ounces of rum, depending on your desired alcohol strength. For a stronger drink, use 4-6 ounces. For lower alcohol, stick to 2-3 ounces.
3. Fill the rest of the glass with root beer. Start with a good quality root beer for the best flavor.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge if desired. The citrus helps cut the sweetness.
6. Add a straw and enjoy your boozy root beer float!
Tips
– Play around with different rum varieties. Spiced rum adds warmth, while vanilla rum accentuates the root beer’s flavors.
– Adjust rum to root beer ratios based on your tastes. More root beer mellows out the rum’s harshness. More rum gives you a stronger cocktail.
– Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it a true float with a kick.
– For a less sweet drink, top with a splash of club soda or ginger beer.
– Serve in a chilled mug or tall glass with lots of ice to keep it cold.
Pros and Cons of Root Beer and Rum
Like most cocktails, root beer and rum has both its pros and cons. Here are some of the key points to weigh:
Pros
– Unique flavor combination you can’t get with other drinks
– Rum’s harshness is mellowed out by the root beer’s sweetness
– Higher alcohol level than typical root beer
– Versatile – can control the sweetness, alcohol content, carbonation based on your tastes
– Fun way to switch up rum cocktails or root beer floats
Cons
– Root beer’s strong flavor may overpower the nuances of high quality rums
– Sweetness levels need to be balanced carefully
– Bubbly carbonation may not mix well with alcohol
– Rum can give root beer a harsh, acidic taste
– May be too sweet or strong tasting for some
– Not as mixable for cocktails as other liquors
Popular Brands to Use
Certain brands of rum and root beer pair especially well in this cocktail. Here are some top options:
Rum
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bacardi Oakheart | Spiced rum adds warmth |
| Captain Morgan | Vanilla and caramel notes complement root beer |
| Kraken Black Spiced Rum | Bold, spicy flavor balances sweetness |
| Appleton Estate | Aged rum won’t get overpowered |
Root Beer
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| A&W | Classic flavor, perfect balance of sweetness |
| IBC | Strong wintergreen flavor adds herbal note |
| Virgil’s | Made with cane sugar, robust flavor |
| Henry Weinhard’s | Smooth, creamy vanilla-forward taste |
Brands that use natural ingredients like cane sugar generally taste best. Mass market and diet root beers can become overly sweet or artificial tasting when mixed with rum.
Who Would Enjoy a Root Beer and Rum Cocktail?
While it’s not for everyone, certain people are more likely to enjoy the taste of root beer and rum:
– Those who already enjoy the flavors of rum and root beer separately
– People with a sweet tooth who want a lower alcohol dessert cocktail
– Someone looking for unique drink recipes to mix up their home bar
– Those who like reinventing classic food and drink combinations (e.g. boozy milkshakes or cocktails)
– Anyone wanting to make a fun alcoholic twist on a root beer float
– Those who prefer sweeter tasting cocktails that hide the harshness of straight liquor
– People who like boldly flavored drinks and enjoy experimenting with unusual flavor combinations
– Someone wanting a nostalgic reminder of childhood root beer floats with an adult kick
The root beer and rum combo appeals most to adventurous drinkers who appreciate both sweet and alcoholic flavors. The novelty of the combination intrigues cocktail aficionados and home mixologists. But it may be off-putting to those who don’t regularly drink rum or find root beer too sweet.
Occasions for Enjoying Root Beer and Rum
Here are some of the best occasions for breaking out the root beer and rum:
Summer Barbecues
The fun, informal vibe of a summer barbecue is perfect for prepping a big batch of boozy root beer. Keep it on hand along with other classic summer cocktails.
Watching Sports
While watching the game at home or out at a sports bar, root beer and rum makes for a unique twist on game day drinking.
Dessert Cocktails
After a big meal when you want a sweet treat, try root beer with a double shot of rum for a dessert drink.
Relaxing at Home
Keep a bottle of rum and root beer in the fridge to enjoy this low-effort cocktail while relaxing on the couch or porch.
Adult Root Beer Float Night
Have friends over for a boozy twist on this childhood favorite by making DIY floats with rum.
Themed Cocktail Parties
At your next throwback themed bash, serve root beer rum floats along with other fun, nostalgic drinks.
Tips for Enjoying Root Beer and Rum
To get the best drinking experience when making root beer and rum cocktails:
– Use high quality ingredients – the root beer and rum both impact the flavor.
– Find the right balance of rum to root beer for your preferred sweetness and alcohol levels.
– Start with a 1:4 rum to root beer ratio. Adjust according to your tastes.
– Add rum to the glass first, then top with root beer to avoid excess foaming.
– Use lots of ice to keep the cocktail chilled.
– Consider garnishes like citrus slices or vanilla beans to enhance the flavors.
– Try different types of rum like spiced, vanilla or black – they all create a unique flavor profile.
– Mix up the ratios, garnishes and rum styles for new variations.
– Avoid mass market, diet or flat root beers. Look for natural brands made with cane sugar.
– Don’t over-stir – gentle mixing maintains the root beer’s carbonation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about mixing root beer and rum:
What kind of rum works best with root beer?
Spiced rums like Captain Morgan or Kraken complement the root beer flavors well. Aged dark rums like Myers’s or Gosling’s Black Seal also work nicely. White rums can become overpowered by the root beer.
How much rum should I use in a root beer cocktail?
That depends on your preferred alcohol strength! For a lighter drink, use a 1:4 rum to root beer ratio. For something stronger, try a 1:2 ratio. Typical recipes call for 2-6 ounces of rum per serving.
Is there an actual cocktail that contains root beer and rum?
While not an established cocktail, the root beer rum float is common at home and in bars. Similar established drinks include the rum and Coke. The flavors pair similarly.
What’s the alcohol percentage of root beer and rum?
This depends entirely on the rum to root beer ratio. At a 1:4 ratio, the drink is around 8-10% ABV. At 1:2 ratio, it can reach 15-20% ABV. For comparison, beer is around 5% ABV.
Is root beer and rum just a kids drink?
While it originated as a spin on a childhood float, the addition of rum makes it decidedly adult. The flavors play on nostalgia but it packs more alcohol than a typical beer or cocktail.
Is root beer and rum just an odd combination?
It may seem an unlikely pairing, but the sweet vanilla and spice flavors of good root beer work surprisingly well with aged, spiced rums. The sugar and carbonation help mellow the rum’s bite.
Conclusion
While not for everyone, root beer and rum can be an enjoyable cocktail with the right ratio and ingredients. Finding a good balance between the rum’s alcoholic strength and root beer’s sweetness results in a fun, nostalgic drink. It works best with high quality, natural brands of root beer and spiced or aged rum varieties. The combination delivers unique flavor not found in other cocktails and allows for endless riffs and improvisations to create your own perfect boozy root beer float. Sipped on a warm summer night or during a spirited game day, root beer and rum can be a delicious, indulgent treat.