How to Drink Craft Rum: Neat, Ice or Cocktails?
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How to Drink Craft Rum: Neat, Ice or Cocktails?
Craft rum is more versatile than many people realise. Unlike heavily flavoured or sweetened styles, a well-made craft rum is designed to be enjoyed in several ways — depending on your taste and the occasion.
Drinking Craft Rum Neat
Drinking rum neat is the best way to understand its character. A quality craft rum will be balanced, smooth and expressive without relying on added sugar or flavourings.
Pour a small measure into a glass and take your time — you’ll notice more nuance as it opens up.
Over Ice
Adding ice slightly softens the spirit and can highlight different flavours. This is a great option if you enjoy rum neat but want something a little more relaxed, especially in warmer weather.
One or two large cubes work best to avoid over-dilution.
In Simple Cocktails
Craft rum also shines in simple cocktails where it isn’t masked by lots of ingredients. Fresh citrus, soda or a light tonic allow the rum to stay front and centre.
The key is restraint — fewer ingredients, better balance.
Which Is Best?
There’s no single “right” way to drink craft rum. Neat shows its quality, ice makes it approachable and simple cocktails let it adapt to different moments.
At The Open Grove, we create rum with this versatility in mind — a spirit that works just as well on its own as it does in a thoughtful serve.