The Espresso Martini gets all the attention in the coffee cocktail category. It’s delicious, but it requires an espresso machine, a shaker, and at least three ingredients. Rum and iced coffee require none of that and produce a drink that’s tasty in a totally different way.

This is a slow-sipping, spirit-forward coffee cocktail for the afternoon or evening. It’s richer than a spiked cold brew, and the rum’s molasses base pairs perfectly with coffee’s bitter, roasted notes.

Which rum

Dark rum is the best choice thanks to the molasses, caramel, and vanilla notes that align with coffee in a way that white rum, which is too light and neutral, simply doesn’t.

Spiced rum is worth considering if you want something sweeter and warmer. The cinnamon and vanilla notes pair well with coffee, especially when you add vanilla syrup (see my upgraded version).

The coffee

Cold brew concentrate is less bitter and more intensely flavored than regular iced coffee, and it’s thick enough to hold up to the rum without getting lost.

Regular brewed coffee cooled over ice works fine too. Just make it strong. A weak iced coffee will make a watery cocktail.

Cocktail Ratios

This runs spirit-forward, mixing 2 oz rum with 4 oz iced coffee. If you want something longer and lighter, go up to 5 or 6 oz of coffee.

Sweetness

This drink has no added sweetener in the base version, which means the sweetness of the rum and the slight natural sweetness in dark roast coffee are carrying it. If you want it sweeter, a half-ounce of simple or vanilla syrup is the easiest way to add it.

3-Ingredient Upgrade: Add Vanilla

Add half an ounce of vanilla syrup before topping with iced coffee. The vanilla adds sweetness and warmth, tying the rum and coffee together and making the drink feel more finished.

A dusting of cinnamon on top adds aroma.

Mocktail Version

Cold brew concentrate with vanilla syrup, a splash of cream, and ice. This is basically a fancy iced coffee. For something with a little more body, stir in a small amount of simple syrup made with coconut sugar instead of white sugar.

Glassware

A rocks glass will help you sip this coffee cocktail slowly, not chug it from a highball glass. A large, clear ice cube keeps it cold without diluting the coffee flavor.

I use a clear ice cube maker specifically for spirit-forward drinks like this one.

If you want a more dressed-up presentation, a sphere ice mold in a lowball glass looks great with dark rum and cold brew.

Other rum cocktails to try

• Guava After Dark
• Orange Blossom Mojito
• Allspice Pomegranate Sour

Try More 2-Ingredient Rum Cocktails

• Rum and Coke
• Dark ‘n Stormy
• Rum Pineapple
• Rum Mango
• Rum Guava

Rum and Iced Coffee

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum
• 4 oz cold brew or iced coffee (strong)
• Large ice cube

Instructions

1. Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass.
2. Add dark rum.
3. Top with cold brew or iced coffee and stir gently.

3-Ingredient Vanilla Version

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum
• ½ oz vanilla syrup
• 4 oz cold brew or iced coffee
• Pinch of cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions

1. Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass.
2. Add rum and vanilla syrup.
3. Top with cold brew and stir gently.
4. Dust with a pinch of cinnamon.