Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic11.2% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- 2 ozLight RumBase
- 1 ozLemon JuiceCitrus
- 1/2 tsp superfineSugarSweetener
- 1OrangeCitrus
- 1Maraschino CherryGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStrain
- In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the rum, lemon juice, and sugar.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Shake well.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into a sour glass and garnish with the orange slice and the cherry.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness — reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Rum Sour?
- The Rum Sour is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Whiskey Sour Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 11.2%. A standard serving contains approximately 228 calories.
- What does a Rum Sour taste like?
- Rum Sour has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sugar, Lemon, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Rum Sour?
- Rum Sour pairs well with Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Rum Sour?
- The Rum Sour has an ABV of approximately 11.2%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 228 calories, 18.4g sugar, 24.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Rum Sour typically served?
- Rum Sour is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Rum Sour?
- If you enjoy Rum Sour, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Rum Sour at home?
- Yes. The Rum Sour uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Whiskey Sour Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Rum Sour with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.