Ruma Rum Bar Celebrates One Year with New Menu, Sustainable Cocktails, and Fresh Initiatives

Ruma Rum Bar in Edinburgh, home to Scotland’s largest rum collection, is commemorating its first anniversary with a bold new direction. Founded by Jamie Shields and Steven Aitken, the bar continues to evolve in response to the dynamic cocktail scene.

“We opened Ruma one year ago to welcome Scotland’s largest rum collection,” Shields told The Spirits Business. “The response from our loyal guests has been amazing. Our staff love talking about a thirst for knowledge and interest in where each rum comes from and what it tastes like.”

A Menu That Reflects Modern Drinking Habits

To celebrate its first year, Ruma Rum Bar introduced a revamped cocktail menu that features non-alcoholic and non-rum options alongside its signature rum-based creations. Shields explained the inclusive approach in an interview with The Spirits Business:

“At our heart, we will always be a rum bar, but we also thought, ‘Why can’t we offer a range of other drinks too?’ Non-alcoholic options are now key in hospitality. Rather than relegating these to a section at the back of the menu, we believe that guests who are not drinking alcohol should have the same menu experience as those who are.”

The new menu is organized by flavour profile: fresh, fruity, short, smoke and savoury, and classics, making it easy to navigate for guests seeking specific taste experiences.

Sustainability Meets Creativity at Ruma Rum Bar

In line with global efforts to reduce bar waste, Ruma Rum Bar has embraced ingredient reuse. A standout example is the Spiced Pear Mule, which uses syrup made from poached pears. Rather than discard the fruit, the team repurposes it in a new drink called the Mrs Kenmore, which blends gentian liqueur, Brugal 1888 Rum, and sparkling wine.

This innovative, zero-waste mindset aligns with the bar’s values. “We love championing local,” Shields emphasized in his Spirits Business interview. “Ruma’s goal is to serve the widest range of rum in the country through unforgettable experiences, but also offer deliciously alternative drinks to ensure guests leave with a satisfied smile on their face, and always come back for more.”

Ruma Rum Bar Launches New Experiences and Products

Looking beyond its menu, Ruma Rum Bar is also expanding its offerings:

• An Online Shop: Launching in May, the shop will offer 30ml sample bottles from its rum library, allowing customers to explore new expressions at home.
• Canned Cocktails: Ruma plans to distribute ready-to-drink cocktails to local bars and shops, strengthening community ties among independent venues.
• Rum Experiences: Weekly tasting sessions are now available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Guests can choose curated flights such as Taste of the Caribbean or Intro to Scottish Rum.
• Passport Sessions: Every month, Ruma hosts guided tastings spotlighting a different rum-producing nation. Recent themes included rare selections from Guyana, Haiti, Barbados, and Martinique.

Honouring Heritage While Looking Forward

Ruma Rum Bar strikes a balance between celebrating rum heritage and staying ahead of industry trends. With new menu offerings, an expanded guest experience, and a firm commitment to sustainability, the bar continues to set a new standard in Scotland’s cocktail scene.

By integrating thoughtful innovation with an unwavering love for rum, Ruma proves that even in a saturated market, vision and passion can turn a bar into a cultural destination.

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Source of information

The Spirits Business Article — Ruma reveals new menu, written by Miona Madsen

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