Rum Daisy Cocktail Recipe

Rum Daisy Nutrition Facts

Calories:215

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:17g

Alcohol:16%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Rum Daisy is a classic cocktail that dates back to the late 19th century. It was first mentioned in Harry Johnson's Bartenders' Manual in 1888. The Daisy is a family of cocktails that typically includes a base spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The Rum Daisy is a popular variation that features rum as the base spirit.

  • The Daisy family of cocktails has been enjoyed by many famous figures, including President Theodore Roosevelt.
  • Rum Daisies were particularly popular during Prohibition, as rum was more readily available than other spirits.
  • The name 'Daisy' is thought to have originated from the Old English word 'daes eage,' meaning 'day's eye,' referring to the bright and refreshing nature of these cocktails.

How Rum Daisy Tastes?

The Rum Daisy is a well-balanced cocktail with a sweet and sour flavor profile. It has a bright, citrusy taste from the lemon juice, balanced by the rich, molasses notes of the rum and the sweetness of the simple syrup. The addition of orange liqueur adds a touch of fruity complexity.

Interesting facts about Rum Daisy

  • The Rum Daisy is often served in a chilled cocktail glass, garnished with a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint.
  • The Daisy family of cocktails also includes the Gin Daisy, Whiskey Daisy, and Brandy Daisy.
  • The Rum Daisy is sometimes made with grenadine instead of simple syrup, giving it a vibrant red color.

Ingredients

Rum

Rum is the backbone of this cocktail with its sweet and sometimes spicy flavors. We use 2oz because it's enough to give the cocktail its characteristic kick without knocking your socks off. If you skimp on the rum, you might as well call it a 'Rum Daisy Lite'.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

1oz of Lemon Juice is perfect for adding a bright, tangy flavor to the drink, balancing out the sweetness. Too little and you'll be missing that zesty zing; too much and you'll pucker more than a fish out of water.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup

At 0.5oz, simple syrup brings just the right amount of sweetness to round out the citrus edge. Less and you're in Tart Town, more and you're sipping syrup. Balance is key, like a tightrope walker in a circus.

Alex Green

Orange Liqueur

0.5oz adds a hint of citrusy sweetness and gives the cocktail a robust flavor profile. Without it, you lose depth—like a pool without water. And if you feel adventurous, try a splash of Grand Marnier for a fancier twist.

Mary Mitkina

Soda Water

A top of Soda Water adds fizz and lightness to the cocktail, lifting it to new bubbly heights. No soda? No problem—a still Daisy is still tasty, but why not live a little?

Emma Rose

Garnish

A Lemon Twist or Mint Sprig is not just for show; it adds aromatics and style. Without garnish, you have a naked drink, and nobody wants to see a drink without its little green hat or citrusy swirl.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Rum Daisy Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Top with a splash of soda water.
  6. Garnish with a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint.

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass in advance for a refreshing drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Ceviche: The acidity of the lemon juice complements the fresh flavors of ceviche.
  • Grilled Shrimp: Pair with grilled shrimp for a beachy, tropical vibe that matches the rum base.

Main Courses

  • Jerk Chicken: The sweetness of the cocktail balances the heat of the jerk spices.
  • Fish Tacos: A good Rum Daisy can enhance the flavor of a fish taco with its citrusy notes.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: Its citrus profile complements lemon-based desserts without overpowering them.
  • Tropical Fruit Salad: The rum and citrus in the cocktail will highlight the natural sweetness of the fruit.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Rum Daisy

  • You can substitute the rum with bourbon for a different flavor profile.
  • Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice.
  • If you don't have simple syrup, you can use honey as a sweetener.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Spiced Rum Daisy

Incorporate 2oz of spiced rum for a depth of flavor that regular rum can't match. This variant brings a warming sensation perfect for cooler evenings. Just follow the original recipe but prepare to embark on a spicier journey across the seven seas of flavor.

Tropical Daisy

Add 0.5oz of coconut cream and use pineapple juice instead of lemon for a vacation in a glass. Shake it up, pour over ice, and garnish with a slice of pineapple for that island flair. You'll hear waves crashing with each sip!

Berry Daisy

Muddle a few fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This twist will lend a fruity and slightly tart nuance to the drink, turning it into a garden party in a cup. Plus, the added antioxidants make you feel smarter already, right?

In case you forgot basics how to make Rum Daisy

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Rum Daisy

What type of rum is best to use in a Rum Daisy?

A dark rum is typically used for a Rum Daisy due to its stronger, more robust flavors which balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients. However, a high quality white rum can also be used for a lighter, smoother taste.

What are some other cocktail recipes where I can use rum as a base spirit?

Rum, due to its versatility and various flavor profiles, is used in numerous cocktail recipes including Daiquiri, Mojito, Piña Colada, Dark 'n' Stormy, Cuba Libre, and Mai Tai.

What's a suitable non-alcoholic substitute for rum in a Rum Daisy?

You can substitute the rum with a non-alcoholic rum extract or a rum-flavored syrup. Please note that these alternatives will not have the same depth and complexity of flavor as real rum.

How can I make a low-calorie version of a Rum Daisy?

To make a low-calorie version of a Rum Daisy, you could substitute the simple syrup with a zero-calorie sweetener or syrup. Be aware that this could potentially alter the traditional taste of the cocktail.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making a Rum Daisy?

Common mistakes when making a Rum Daisy include using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh, over-shaking which can dilute the drink, and not chilling the glass beforehand.

More similar recipes to Rum Daisy!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe