Spiced Rums Under $30 for Christmas Cocktails
When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing better than spicing up your festivities with rum-based cocktails that capture the warmth and cheer of Christmas.
Thanks to their rich, aromatic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and clove, spiced rums are the go-to spirits for holiday drinks. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy premium quality.
Below, we’ve curated a list of a few exceptional spiced rums under $30, ideal for crafting your favorite Christmas cocktails.
Bacardí Spiced Rum
Priced at Total Wine: $21.99 (1,75 l)
BACARDÍ Spiced Rum is a versatile and affordable option for casual sipping and mixing into cocktails. Crafted with a blend of rums aged in American oak barrels, this spirit embodies the iconic BACARDÍ quality with a contemporary twist of spices.
Tasting Notes
BACARDÍ Spiced Rum offers a hint of smokiness and a unique caramel-like smoothness profile with subtitles notes of almond and dried, dark fruits, rounded out by cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of honey. On the nose, it features a rich and oaky aroma, with hints of smoke and dried fruit.
Its warm, smooth finish makes it perfect for sipping by the fire or adding depth to holiday cocktails.
Holiday Pairing
Pair BACARDÍ Spiced Rum with a classic eggnog or use it to elevate a creamy hot buttered rum. Its vanilla and nutmeg tones harmonize beautifully with these festive drinks, creating a cozy experience.
Why It Stands Out
Bacardí Spiced Rum’s balance of sweetness and spice makes it an approachable option for newcomers to spiced rum. Its versatility ensures that it works equally well in traditional recipes and modern twists.
Christmas Cocktails to make with Bacardí Spiced Rum
Ho Ho Mojito
What you will need?
- 1 1/2 oz BACARDÍ Spiced Rum
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 6 mint leaves
- 3 oz ginger beer
How to make it?
- Build all the ingredients (except the ginger beer) in a highball glass.
- Churn with crushed ice.
- Top with more crushed ice and ginger beer.
- Garnish with mint sprig.
Hot Rum Toddy
What you will need?
- 1 1/2 oz BACARDÍ Gold rum (Try to twist it with BACARDÍ Spiced Rum)
- 3 oz hot water
- 1/4 oz honey
- 1 lemon wedge
How to make it?
- Pour hot water into a tempered glass mug.
- Squeeze the lemon wedge into water, add honey, and stir until the honey is dissolved.
- Add BACARDÍ Gold Rum, and stir gently.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon slice.
Recipes created by BACARDÍ.
Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum
Price at Total Wine: $31.99 – well, $1,99 over (750 ml)
Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum is crafted in Puerto Rico, using premium rums aged in American white oak barrels. Known for its quality and sustainability efforts, Don Q delivers a spiced rum with depth and character.
Tasting Notes
This rum offers a warm and inviting blend of baking spices, including cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg, complemented by caramel and toasted oak. The barrel aging imparts a smoothness that elevates its overall complexity.
Holiday Pairing
Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum is perfect for a hot toddy or spiced apple cider, where its oaky notes add richness to these seasonal classics. It’s also a great addition to dessert-inspired cocktails like a spiced rum cream.
Why It Stands Out
The use of oak barrel aging gives Don Q an edge, delivering a sophisticated flavor that rivals more expensive rums. Its dedication to sustainability makes it a feel-good choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Christmas Cocktails to make with Don Q Spiced Rum
Spiced Daiquiri
What you will need?
- 1½ oz Don Q Spiced rum
- 1½ oz Lime juice
- ¾ oz Vanilla Simple Syrup
- Two Drops of Angostura bitters
How to make it?
- Shake rum, juice, syrup, bitters and ice. Strain into a coupe glass.
- *Simple syrup: Dissolve 8 oz. granulated sugar in 8 oz. hot water.
- *Garnish up to discretion
Recipes created by Don Q
Fede’s Rum Choice!
Our editor has handpicked these premium spiced rums for those seeking something extra special this holiday season due to their unique character and exceptional quality.
Tanduay Spiced Rum | Price: $20.99 (750 ml)
A beautifully balanced rum from the Philippines with hints of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon, perfect for exotic holiday cocktails.
Foursquare Spiced Rum | Price: $15.99 (750 ml)
A Barbados classic with natural spices and no added sugar, offering a refined, dry, and elegant flavor profile.
Ron Millonario Kuytchi
A luxurious Peruvian rum with toffee, milk chocolate, dates, sultana raisins, and honey notes on the palate, enhanced by subtle spices for an indulgent festive experience.
Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum | Price: $29.99 (750 ml)
A rich and aromatic St. Lucian rum infused with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, ideal for sipping or mixing into warm holiday punches.
Other consumers favorite Spiced Rums
Spiced rum continues to be one of the leading categories, and many consumers love their traditional staple brands. So we looked for some key brands and also shared a recipe!
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Price at Total Wine: $20.99 (1,75 l)
Inspired by the legendary tattoo artist Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is a bold and flavorful option perfect for the holidays. Crafted from Caribbean rums and a robust blend of spices, it caters to individuals seeking a more robust spirit.
Tasting Notes
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum boasts intense flavors of vanilla, clove, and cinnamon, accompanied by hints of toffee and allspice. Its ABV of 46% adds a pleasant warmth and a slightly peppery finish.
Holiday Pairing
This rum excels in bold cocktails like spiced rum eggnog or a holiday rum punch. The vanilla and cinnamon flavors also make it a wonderful addition to festive desserts like rum-soaked fruitcake.
Why It Stands Out
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum’s higher proof and bold flavors make it a top choice for those who prefer their spirits to pack a punch. Its iconic branding and rich taste make it a memorable gift or addition to your holiday bar.
Christmas Cocktails to make with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Sailor Jerry Hot Chocolate
What you will need?
- I part Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
- 1 part Butterscotch Schnapps
- 1 ½ parts Almond Milk
- 3 Parts Dark Hot Chocolate
- Dash of Sea Salt
- Whipped Cream
- Cinnamon
How to make it?
Heat milk and dark hot chocolate until combined and smooth. Add Sailor Jerry Rum, butterscotch schnapps, and sea salt and stir. Serve in a tall mug and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Sailor’s Yule Nog
What you will need?
- 1 oz Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
- 1 ¾ part coconut milk
- ¾ part sweetened condensed milk
- ½ part pineapple juice
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 drops vanilla extract
How to make it?
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
Recipes created by Sailor Jerry
Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Price at Total Wine: $29.99 (1,75 l)
Named after the mythical sea creature, Kraken Black Spiced Rum is a bold and distinctive spirit known for its dark color and rich flavor. It’s made with Caribbean blackstrap molasses and infused with a blend of secret spices.
Tasting Notes
Expect a robust flavor profile featuring cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla, layered with a toffee aroma. The slightly smoky and peppery finish gives it an edge that stands out in cocktails.
Holiday Pairing
Kraken Black Spiced Rum shines in spiced cider or mulled wine, where its deep, rich flavors can complement the warm spices of the season. It also works wonders in a spiced rum punch.
Why It Stands Out
The rum’s bold and complex flavor makes it a standout for adventurous palates. Its dramatic presentation, from the iconic octopus-adorned bottle to its inky black hue, adds a touch of intrigue to any holiday gathering.
Christmas Cocktails to make with Kraken Spiced Rum
Kraken Eggnog
What you will need?
- 1 part Kraken® Black Spiced Rum
- 4 parts Eggnog
- Grated Cinnamon
- Grated Nutmeg
How to make it?
Combine all ingredients in an eggnog or highball glass and stir. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the top.
Holiday Kraken
What you will need?
- 1 part Kraken® Black Spiced Rum
- 1/4 part Cinnamon Syrup (1:1 Sugar to Water and 4 Cinnamon Sticks)
- 1/4 part Lemon Juice
- Top with Hard Dry Cider
How to make it?
Combine ingredients in a pint glass. Add ice, then top with dry cider. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cloves.
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
Price at Total Wine: $26.99 (1,75 l)
Captain Morgan is one of the most recognized names in rum, and its Original Spiced Rum remains a holiday favorite. This classic spirit is crafted with a proprietary blend of spices and Caribbean rums, delivering consistent quality at an affordable price.
Tasting Notes
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum features a smooth, medium-bodied profile with flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, honey, and clove, rounded out with subtle hints of brown sugar and oak. The slightly sweet finish makes it ideal for holiday cocktails.
Holiday Pairing
This spiced rum pairs wonderfully with cola for a simple yet satisfying drink or serves as a key ingredient in rum-based eggnog. Its cinnamon and clove notes also make it an excellent base for gingerbread-inspired cocktails.
Why It Stands Out
Captain Morgan is synonymous with reliability and affordability. Its smooth, balanced flavor profile ensures it’s approachable for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned rum enthusiast or a holiday host looking to impress.
Christmas Cocktails to make with Captain Morgan Rum
Hot Toddy
What you will need?
- 2 fl oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- .5 fl oz Honey
- 6 fl oz Hot water
How to make it?
- Add 2 fl oz of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum and a tablespoon of honey to your favorite mug.
- Sprinkle in 3 cloves, a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick.
- Fill mug to the top with boiling water.
- Stir and enjoy hot.
Captain Morgan’s Hot Buttered Rum
What you will need?
- 1.5 fl oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- 0.5 fl oz Caramel syrup
- 0.25 tsp Demerara simple syrup
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground cloves
- 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
- Hot water
How to make it?
- Add syrup, honey, and spices into a mug and muddle.
- Add Captain Morgan and then fill to the top with hot water.
- Top with softened butter.
- Spice it Up: Mix up 6 servings and place a hot kettle of water in the center of your table to create a cozy tea service to share with your friends.
This selection of spiced rums offers an incredible range of flavors and characteristics, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy high-quality spirits during the holidays.
Each rum has its unique personality, from the boldness of Kraken and Sailor Jerry to the smooth versatility of Captain Morgan and Bacardí. If you’re hosting a festive gathering or seeking the perfect rum to elevate your holiday treats, these budget-friendly options are exactly what you need.
Now it’s time to bring these rums to life in your Christmas cocktails. From spiced cider to eggnog and beyond, the possibilities are endless. Gather your friends and family, shake up some holiday cheer, and toast to a season filled with warmth, flavor, and celebration!
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The image of the article is courtesy of © 5PH via Canva.com
