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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recipes created by BACARDÍ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recipes created by Don Q
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.
A beautifully balanced rum from the Philippines with hints of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon, perfect for exotic holiday cocktails.
A Barbados classic with natural spices and no added sugar, offering a refined, dry, and elegant flavor profile.
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.
A rich and aromatic St. Lucian rum infused with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, ideal for sipping or mixing into warm holiday punches.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recipes created by Sailor Jerry
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.
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.
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.
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.
Combine all ingredients in an eggnog or highball glass and stir. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the top.
Combine ingredients in a pint glass. Add ice, then top with dry cider. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cloves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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