Captain Morgan is one of the most popular spiced rums on the market, known for its sweet and spicy flavor profile. However, as one of the top selling spiced rum brands, Captain Morgan doesn’t come cheap. A 1.75 liter bottle can cost $30 or more at many liquor stores. For budget-conscious shoppers or college students looking to stock up for a party without breaking the bank, the Captain may be out of reach. Luckily, there are plenty of cheaper Captain Morgan alternatives that replicate the sweet vanilla, molasses and spice flavors, without the high price tag.
Why is Captain Morgan Rum Expensive?
There are a few reasons why Captain Morgan costs more than bottom-shelf rum brands:
- Brand recognition – Captain Morgan is one of the most heavily marketed spiced rum brands, so consumers are willing to pay more for the name.
- Quality ingredients – Captain Morgan uses virgin sugar cane molasses as a base and natural vanilla and spice flavors, which cost more than artificial flavorings.
- Aged rum – The Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum uses a blend of 1-5 year old rums, which contributes to the higher price point.
- Global production & distribution – Captain Morgan is owned by alcohol giant Diageo and produced in multiple distilleries around the world before bottling and global distribution.
While these factors contribute to the great taste of Captain, they also drive up the retail cost significantly. Thankfully, other brands have found ways to emulate the Captain’s flavor at a fraction of the cost.
Captain Morgan Alternatives Under $20
Here are some top picks for cheap spiced rums that deliver a similar sweet and spicy taste:
Bacardi Oakheart
Owned by another rum giant, Bacardi, Oakheart is aged in charred American oak barrels to give it signature vanilla and caramel flavors. Priced around $15 per 1.75 L, it’s less than half the cost of Captain Morgan.
Kraken Black Spiced Rum
With its black bottle and ominous name, you may not expect Kraken to be so sweet. But this Caribbean rum delivers bold vanilla, caramel, and spice flavors. A 1.75 L bottle can be found for around $18.
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Sailor Jerry balances sweet tones of vanilla and cinnamon with peppery ginger for a warming flavor profile. And the liter-sized plastic bottles are budget-friendly at approximately $18.
Calico Jack Spiced Rum
This Captain Morgan knockoff has a nearly identical look and flavor. The molasses and vanilla notes are spot-on for a spiced rum. For a 1.75 L bottle, expect to pay around $15 or less.
Tips for the Best Cheap Spiced Rum
To get the best tasting and most authentic spiced rum on a budget, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the label for natural flavors and caramel color – Artificial flavoring and coloring can make a rum taste fake and too sweet.
- Seek out aged rums – Even just 1-2 years in oak barrels enhances flavor for a little extra cost.
- Buy liter or larger bottles – The biggest savings come from larger sizes, like 1.75 L handles.
- Look for sales and coupons – Distillers often run promotions to compete with Captain Morgan prices.
- Consider store brands – Many stores like Walmart and Target have low-priced spiced rums that rival the big names.
With the right budget-friendly pick, you can still enjoy classic vanilla, caramel and spice flavors without blowing your liquor budget.
Cheap Spiced Rum Cocktail Recipes
Any of these affordable spiced rums can sub into classic Captain Morgan cocktails:
Spiced Rum Mojito
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- Mint leaves
- Club soda
Muddle mint leaves and lime juice with sugar, add rum and fill glass with ice and club soda. Top with more mint.
Spiced Rum and Coke
- 1.5 oz spiced rum
- Top with cola
- Squeeze of lime (optional)
Fill glass with ice, add rum and cola. Stir and garnish with lime if desired.
Spiced Rum Hurricane
- 1.5 oz spiced rum
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- .5 oz lime juice
- .5 oz orange juice
- Grenadine
Shake rum, juices and grenadine with ice. Strain into glass filled with ice.
Conclusion
While Captain Morgan Original Spiced rum is a top seller, its price tag places it out of reach for many looking for an affordable spiced rum. Thankfully, brands like Bacardi Oakheart, Kraken, Sailor Jerry, and Calico Jack offer extremely similar sweet spiced flavor for nearly half the cost. And you can easily sub them into classic Captain Morgan cocktails like a Spiced Mojito or Rum and Coke. With the right budget pick, you can still enjoy delicious vanilla, caramel, and spice flavors without spending like a Captain.