Post #753896 by JenTiki on Thu, Nov 12, 2015 1:41 PM

Ditto the Mai Tai, but only if you're going with the traditional Trader Vic's version (no orange or pineapple juices, no grenadine, no dark rum float).

My favorite non-rum drinks are the Saturn (also a very light drink) and Singapore Sling (both gin-based and you can find them in Beachbum Berry books and his ios app.)

For strong drinks, a good Zombie recipe or Navy Grog works. Also the 151 Swizzle (also in BBB books and app).

For a lighter drink, a basic daiquiri is good since it only has 1.5oz rum.

Strong & Fruity: Hurricane, Sidewinders Fang

Spicy: Nui Nui

I can't really help you with a virgin drink ... cuz what's the point? :wink:

Good recipes for some of these can be found here.

As for rums:
My favorite basic white rum is Cana Brava. Don Q Cristal also works well.
Basic Jamaican mixing rum: Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
Basic Virgin Islands mixing rum: Cruzan Aged Dark Rum
Regular Proof Demerara Rum for mixing: El Dorado 5 or 8
Overproof Demerara: Hamilton 151
Overproof Jamaican: Wray & Nephew is great in stronger punches
Premium sipping rum: Ron Zacapa 23 is a good start and not terribly expensive (under $50).

You should be able to get by with 7-10 bottles of rum in your bar.