Rum is one of the most versatile and misunderstood spirits in the world. From light, crisp white rums perfect for mojitos to rich, complex aged rums that rival any fine whiskey, there's a rum for every palate and occasion. Here's everything you need to know — plus our top picks available at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Kenmore, or for same-day delivery across Buffalo.
What Is Rum, Exactly?
Rum is a spirit distilled from sugarcane or its byproducts — most commonly molasses. It's produced across the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond, with each region bringing its own style and character. Unlike bourbon or scotch, rum has no single set of aging rules, which means you'll find incredible variety from brand to brand.
The Main Types of Rum
White (Light) Rum
Clear, clean, and usually unaged or aged briefly then filtered. White rum is the backbone of classic cocktails — mojitos, daiquiris, piña coladas. It's light-bodied with subtle sweetness and a clean finish that lets other ingredients shine.
Gold (Amber) Rum
Aged in oak barrels for a period of time, gold rums pick up warm color and richer flavors — think caramel, vanilla, and light spice. They work beautifully in cocktails that need more depth, like a rum old fashioned or a dark & stormy.
Dark Rum
Aged longer in heavily charred barrels, dark rum is bold and rich with deep molasses, chocolate, and dried fruit flavors. It's excellent for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails where you want the rum to be the star.
Spiced Rum
Infused with spices like cinnamon, vanilla, clove, and nutmeg, spiced rum is approachable and flavorful. It's the go-to for mixed drinks — try it with ginger beer for an easy, delicious cocktail.
Flavored Rum
From coconut to pineapple to lime, flavored rums add tropical character to any drink. They're perfect for warm-weather cocktails, punches, and easy mixed drinks when you want something fun without the fuss.
Bacardi Coconut
$23.99
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Bacardi Lime
$18.99
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Bacardi Pineapple
$23.99
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Bacardi Dragonberry
$23.99
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Aged (Premium) Rum
Like fine whiskey or cognac, premium aged rums spend years in oak barrels developing incredible complexity. These are meant for sipping — neat or with a single ice cube. If you've never tried a well-aged rum, you're in for a revelation.
Our pick for trying aged rum: Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve at $42.99 is a Jamaican classic — smooth, complex, and an incredible value for the quality.
3 Easy Rum Cocktails Anyone Can Make
Classic Mojito
Muddle 6 mint leaves with 1 oz lime juice and 2 tsp sugar. Add 2 oz white rum, ice, and top with soda water. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Dark & Stormy
Fill a glass with ice, pour 2 oz dark rum, and top with ginger beer. Squeeze a lime wedge on top. Simple and perfect.
Rum Punch
Mix 2 oz gold rum, 1 oz orange juice, 1 oz pineapple juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and a dash of grenadine. Serve over ice — this is summer in a glass.
Buffalo House delivers: Need rum for tonight? We offer free same-day delivery across Buffalo, Kenmore, Tonawanda, Amherst, and beyond. No minimums, no delivery fees.
Looking for something special? Beyond the big brands, we carry premium sipping rums from the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond. Ask our staff about Diplomático, Ron Zacapa, or Appleton Estate — perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Best Rum Cocktails to Make at Home
Rum is one of the most versatile spirits for cocktails. Here are the classics every home bartender should know:
Mojito
The quintessential summer cocktail. Muddle 8-10 mint leaves with 1 oz simple syrup and 1 oz lime juice. Add 2 oz white rum, top with soda water, and stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
Daiquiri
Not the frozen slushy version — the real daiquiri is a refined, elegant cocktail. Shake 2 oz white rum, 1 oz lime juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Simple, balanced, and delicious.
Dark and Stormy
Fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz dark rum, and top with ginger beer. Squeeze in half a lime. A bold, warming cocktail perfect for cooler weather.
Piña Colada
Blend 2 oz white rum, 3 oz pineapple juice, and 1 oz coconut cream with ice. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with pineapple. Transport yourself to the Caribbean.
Rum Storage Tips
Rum should be stored upright in a cool, dark place. Unlike wine, rum does not improve with age once bottled. An opened bottle will stay good for about a year, though the flavor may mellow slightly over time. Premium aged rums should be consumed within 6 months of opening for the best flavor.
Buy Rum in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo House Liquor & Wines carries a full selection of white, dark, spiced, and aged rums at our store at 1230 Colvin Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14223. From Captain Morgan and Bacardi to premium sipping rums like Diplomático and Ron Zacapa, we have something for every rum lover. Shop online for free same-day delivery on orders over $49.
