Kraken Black Spiced Rum is a popular brand of rum that is known for its bold, rich flavor profile. It’s an aromatic, dark rum made with a blend of Caribbean rum, spices, and secret ingredients. Kraken rum has notes of coffee, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon and other baking spices. This makes it a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails and mixed drinks. Here we’ll explore some of the most popular and tasty drinks you can make with Kraken rum.
Kraken Rum Cocktails
Kraken rum’s robust flavor stands up well in cocktails and pairs nicely with fruit juices, cola, ginger beer and other mixers. Here are some classic rum cocktails that are great with Kraken:
Kraken and Coke/Rum and Coke
One of the easiest and most popular ways to drink Kraken is with cola. The sweetness of the cola balances out the spice in the rum. Simply pour 1 1/2 oz Kraken over ice and top with 4-6 oz of cola. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired. For a twist, use cherry or vanilla cola.
Dark and Stormy
A Dark and Stormy combines spiced rum with ginger beer, lime and a dash of bitters. Build in a highball glass filled with ice:
- 2 oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Lime wedge garnish
Kraken Rum Old Fashioned
The classic Old Fashioned cocktail can be made with rum instead of whiskey. To make a Kraken Old Fashioned:
- In an old fashioned glass, muddle 1 sugar cube, 2-3 dashes aromatic bitters and a splash of water
- Fill glass with ice and add 2 oz Kraken rum
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry
Kraken Colada
For a tropical spin, make a piña colada with Kraken instead of white rum. Combine in a blender:
- 2 oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1 cup ice
Blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with pineapple wedge.
Kraken Breeze
To make a Kraken Sea Breeze, mix together over ice in a highball glass:
- 2 oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- Squeeze of lime
- Grapefruit slice garnish
Kraken Rum Shooters
The bold flavor of Kraken rum also makes it ideal for shooters. These fun, quick cocktails pack some spice and sweetness. Popular Kraken shooters include:
Caribbean Sunrise
Mix together in a shaker:
- 1 oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- 1 oz coconut rum
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- Splash of grenadine
Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass.
Spiced Pirate
Mix in a shaker:
- 1 oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- 1 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
- 1 oz orange juice
- Splash ginger beer
Shake with ice and strain into shot glass. Garnish with orange slice.
Kraken Coffee
Mix together in a shaker:
- 1 oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- 1 oz coffee liqueur like Kahlua
- Splash cola
- Splash cream or milk
Shake vigorously with ice and strain into chilled shot glass.
Kraken Rum and Beer Cocktails
The spice of Kraken pairs nicely with many beer styles. It’s great mixed into beers and beer cocktails like these:
Kraken Michelada
Rim a pint glass with a lime wedge and chili-salt. Fill glass with ice and add:
- 12 oz Mexican beer like Modelo or Pacifico
- 1-2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1-2 oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce or chili powder to taste
- Lime wedge garnish
Stir gently and add more rum, lime, hot sauce or salt to taste.
Kraken and Ginger Beer
For a simple highball, build over ice in a tall glass:
- 1 1/2 oz Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge garnish
Black and Tan with Kraken
To make a Black and Tan, slowly pour equal parts Kraken and stout beer like Guinness into a pint glass. The dark rum will float on the top while the stout settles below. Enjoy the layered effect!
Kraken Rum Mixers and Cocktail Ingredients
Here are some great mixers, juices, liqueurs and ingredients to use in Kraken rum cocktails:
- Cola or ginger ale
- Ginger beer
- Cranberry, pineapple, orange or grapefruit juice
- Lime, lemon or grapefruit juice
- Simple syrup
- Grenadine
- Triple sec
- Coffee liqueur like Kahlua
- Irish cream like Baileys
- Amaretto
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
Kraken rum also pairs well with many beer styles like pale ales, IPAs, porters and stouts.
Kraken Rum Shots
Some popular Kraken rum shots include:
- Kraken Bomb: Drop a shot of Kraken into half a pint of Red Bull
- Spiced Surfer: 1 oz Kraken rum + 1 oz Malibu coconut rum
- Ink Spot: 1 oz Kraken + splash blue curacao
- Kraken and Coke
- Kraken Lemon Drop: 1 oz Kraken + lemon juice + sugar
Kraken and Non-Alcoholic Mixers
For non-alcoholic Kraken rum drinks, try mixing it with:
- Cola, ginger ale or root beer
- Ginger beer
- Pineapple, orange or cranberry juice
- Iced tea or lemonade
- Coffee
- Cream soda, root beer or other flavored soda
Kraken can also be mixed into homemade Italian sodas. Combine soda water, flavored syrup and a splash of Kraken rum over ice.
Popular Kraken Rum Drink Recipes
Here is a summary of some of the most popular Kraken rum cocktail recipes:
| Drink Name | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Kraken and Coke | Kraken rum + cola + lime wedge |
| Dark and Stormy | Kraken rum + ginger beer + lime + bitters |
| Kraken Colada | Kraken rum + pineapple juice + coconut cream |
| Kraken Breeze | Kraken rum + cranberry juice + grapefruit juice + lime |
| Kraken Old Fashioned | Kraken rum + sugar + bitters + orange slice |
| Caribbean Sunrise shot | Kraken rum + coconut rum + pineapple juice + grenadine |
| Kraken Michelada | Kraken rum + Mexican beer + lime juice + hot sauce |
Tips for Making Great Kraken Rum Drinks
Here are some tips for making delicious Kraken rum cocktails at home:
- Use fresh ingredients – the juice from fresh limes, lemons, oranges, pineapple, etc. makes a big difference.
- Add spices to complement the flavor – a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves enhances Kraken’s spice.
- Use quality mixers – premium ginger beer, cola, etc. lets the rum flavor shine.
- Shake or stir with plenty of ice to chill and dilute.
- Garnish with fruit slices, mint sprigs or cinnamon sticks.
- Store Kraken rum at room temperature away from direct light.
- Rinse glassware with hot water before building chilled drinks.
- Use a jigger or shot glass to measure ingredients accurately.
- Chill glasses before pouring.
Kraken Rum for Beginners
New to drinking Kraken rum? Here are some tips:
- Start simple – Kraken & cola or ginger beer are easy starters.
- Try it on the rocks first to taste the rum’s flavor.
- Gradually mix in more Kraken as you get accustomed to the spice.
- Add citrus, juices or cream to soften and sweeten the flavor if needed.
- Try Kraken rum cocktail recipes before creating your own mixes.
- Use a lighter hand with the spices at first.
Kraken’s bold flavor may be strong for beginners. But starting with simple mixes and small amounts makes it more approachable. You’ll soon be enjoying Kraken’s signature spiced rum flair.
Conclusion
Kraken Black Spiced Rum is a mixable rum that pairs well with a wide range of ingredients. It can be mixed into classic rum cocktails or new creations. Cola, ginger beer, fruit juices and cream liqueurs all complement Kraken’s blend of Caribbean rum and exotic spices. Whether enjoyed in a proper cocktail or simple mixed drink, Kraken rum brings bold, rich flavor that makes a distinctive addition to any home bar.