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National Rum Day

Raise a glass and celebrate National Rum Day! Find the best rum-inspired recipes, cocktails, discounts, and more for an unforgettable day.
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When it is?
August 16
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Rum Day on August 16th with a delicious rum-based cocktail! This day has been around since the early 2000s, and it's an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of this popular spirit. Rum is believed to have originated in colonial America, but its roots go back centuries before that. Today, rum is enjoyed all over the world and comes in many different varieties ranging from light rums for mixing to dark rums for sipping neat or over ice. So grab your favorite bottle of rum and get celebrating!

History of National Rum Day

National Rum Day Dates

National Rum Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1651</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Naval Rum Rations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British Navy begins its tradition of giving sailors daily rum rations, contributing to the spirit's popularity throughout the British Empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1703</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mount Gay Distillery Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados, the oldest existing rum company, is established, marking a significant landmark in the history of rum production.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1862</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bacardi's Emergence</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Bacardi Company, famous for its light-bodied rums perfect for cocktails, is founded in Cuba by Facundo Bacardí Masso.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Mai Tai</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Mai Tai, one of the most famous rum-based cocktails, is created by Victor J. Bergeron at his restaurant, Trader Vic's.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Naval Rum Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British Navy ends its tradition of daily rum rations on July 31, known as "Black Tot Day".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Rum Day's Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Rum Day is established, and is celebrated annually on August 16, bringing the spirit's fascinating history into the spotlight.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Rum Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Mix a signature rum cocktail</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Do some research and find a unique rum cocktail that you can mix for your friends and family. There are plenty of recipes online, just make sure you use quality ingredients and don’t skimp on the rum.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a rum tasting party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your closest friends to join you for an evening of rum tasting. Ask everyone to bring their favorite bottle of rum and provide light appetizers and snacks to go along with it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a rum distillery</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you're lucky enough to live close to a distillery, this is the perfect way to celebrate National Rum Day. Take a tour of the facility, learn about the process of making rum, and sample some of their finest varieties.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try out different recipes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative in the kitchen and try out some new recipes using rum as an ingredient. You can make everything from sweet desserts like Banana Rum Cake to savory dinners like Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Rum Glaze.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history of rum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time researching the history and origins of rum, which dates back hundreds of years to the Caribbean islands. Learn about the different types of rums, how they are made, and how they are used in cocktails around the world.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Rum Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Rum is delicious</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rum has a unique flavor that's the perfect blend of sweet and smoky. It pairs wonderfully with citrus fruit juices and other mixers, or can even be sipped straight to enjoy its full range of flavors. Whether you like your rum neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, it never fails to hit the spot!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It has a fascinating history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The history of rum dates back hundreds of years. From its roots in maritime trade to its current use in cocktails, rum has an interesting story that's sure to enthrall anyone who takes the time to learn about it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There are endless varieties</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There are countless varieties of rum available for the discerning connoisseur. From light and fruity white rums, to deep and smoky dark rums, there's something to suit every palate. With so much to choose from, National Rum Day is the perfect opportunity to discover new favorites!</p></div></div>

5 Unexpected Revelations for National Rum Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rum Was Once Used as Currency</h3><p class='facts-text'>In colonial times, particularly in places like Australia, rum was such a coveted commodity that it was occasionally used as a form of currency.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rum is Essential to the World's Oldest Cocktail</h3><p class='facts-text'>The world's oldest known cocktail, the 'Hot Rum Flip', a warm mix of rum, beer, and sugar, relies on rum as its primary ingredient. Its recipe dates back to the 1600s!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rum was thought to ward off the Plague</h3><p class='facts-text'>During the Black Death period in Europe, some people believed that consuming rum could protect them against the plague. Though it wasn't a cure, rum's antibacterial properties might have made drinkers feel better temporarily.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rum is Integral to Naval Tradition</h3><p class='facts-text'>Besides the tradition of daily rations in the British Navy, rum also played a part in naval christening rituals. Instead of champagne, it was common to break a bottle of rum over the hull of a ship for good luck.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Strongest Rum Comes From Austria</h3><p class='facts-text'>While Caribbean countries are known for rum production, the world's strongest rum, the 'Stroh 160', is from Austria and has an alcohol content of 80%, significantly more potent than the usual 40% found in most rums.</p></div></div>

National Rum Day FAQs

When is National Rum Day?

National Rum Day is celebrated on August 16 every year. In 2024 National Rum Day will occur on a Friday.

National Rum Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Aug 16

Wednesday

2024

Aug 16

Friday

2025

Aug 16

Saturday

2026

Aug 16

Sunday

2027

Aug 16

Monday

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