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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.

Sunday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYAlcohol

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

National Rum Day Timeline

British Naval Rum Rations

The British Navy begins its tradition of giving sailors daily rum rations, contributing to the spirit's popularity throughout the British Empire.

Mount Gay Distillery Founded

Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados, the oldest existing rum company, is established, marking a significant landmark in the history of rum production.

Bacardi's Emergence

The Bacardi Company, famous for its light-bodied rums perfect for cocktails, is founded in Cuba by Facundo Bacardí Masso.

Creation of Mai Tai

The Mai Tai, one of the most famous rum-based cocktails, is created by Victor J. Bergeron at his restaurant, Trader Vic's.

End of Naval Rum Tradition

The British Navy ends its tradition of daily rum rations on July 31, known as "Black Tot Day".

National Rum Day's Inception

National Rum Day is established, and is celebrated annually on August 16, bringing the spirit's fascinating history into the spotlight.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Rum Day

Mix a signature rum cocktail

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.

HOST

Host a rum tasting party

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.

VISIT

Visit a rum distillery

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.

TRY

Try out different recipes

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.

LEARN

Learn about the history of rum

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Rum Day

There are endless varieties

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!

Rum is delicious

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!

It has a fascinating history

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.