The base of the popular delicious cocktail is rum, an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting molasses, traditionally a byproduct of sugar production. Its origin dates back to the island of Barbados in 1650, and it was called "rumbullion," which means "great tumult." Over decades, “rum” took its current name.  

Caribbean pirates like Captain Morgan turned it into a mythical drink that began to be mixed with water, lime, mint, and sugar, which eventually led to the famous Cuban mojito. 

Like all liquors, rum has various types, and each one is ideal for making a mojito with a specific character. So, if you're looking for the most spectacular signature mojito, mixologists must take this into account. You will find white, gold, aged, old, rum liqueur or sweet rum, agricultural rum, frosted, light, black, spiced, over-proof, and premium, the latter with a maturation time ranging from 5 to 50 years. An excellent companion for warm nights, its origin dates back centuries. Thanks to the use of lime, it became an excellent remedy for scurvy aboard ships.  

The qualities of the rum you choose will lead to different end results, even though each serves for a Mojito. Bartenders should experiment with different rum options.  

Which are the best rums for making Mojitos?

To talk about the Mojito is to talk about Cuba. It was there where this cocktail was born, and it is where we must look for its secrets. In fact, the top-scoring rum in the 2024 London Spirits Competition was from Cuba: the Eminente Gran Reserva Edition No. 1. 

In fact, the London Spirits Competition holds significant importance for the on-trade, particularly for bartenders and mixologists who rely on expert evaluations to select the best spirits for their menus. This competition provides a reliable guide for on-trade professionals, ensuring that their offerings are of high quality and appeal to discerning customers. By recognizing the finest rums, among other spirits, the competition aids in curating drink selections that elevate the overall bar experience, attract clientele, and enhance reputations within the hospitality industry. 

So, based on the results of the London Competition, here’s the list of the 8 top rum brands for making mojitos.  

The 8 Best Rums for Mojitos: The 2024 List 

1. Eminente Gran Reserva Edition No. 1, 98 points: This aged rum blends chocolate toffee, tropical fruits, and spices. Its nose hints at caramel, muscovado sugar, cloves, and cherries, while the palate offers nutmeg, figs, cloves, and pineapple. This rum makes spectacular mojitos, with distinctive character. The Eminente Reserva also scored well, with 92 points.

Image: Eminente Gran Reserva Edition No. 1

2. Liverpool Lost Dock Rum – Navy Strength, 96 points: From the UK’s 3 Lids Rum, this rum screams Mojito as a rich dark rum with aromas of lemongrass, lemon pie, and candied fruit, boasting flavors of nutmeg, cloves, and orange peel, finishing with notes of chocolate, caramel, and spices.

Image: Liverpool Lost Dock Rum – Navy Strength

3. The Spirit of the Lethbridges - Whisky Barrel-Aged Rum, 92 points: This UK-aged rum is well-balanced, creamy, and zippy, featuring a finish of banana and pineapple. It showcases elegant complexity with herbaceous and creamy notes typical of Agricole rum, leading to a long, pronounced finish.

Image: Whisky Barrel-Aged Rum

4. Revival Rum Pure Cane Spirit, 92 points: This silver rum will become a Mojito favorite. The warm palate boasts hints of toasted sugar, providing a delightful Mojito mint experience. It features pronounced notes of tropical fruits and boasts a well-balanced profile with a long finish. 

Image: Revival Rum Pure Cane Spirit

5. Rum Mater from Distilleria Alma, 92 points: Italy and Mojito don’t jump to mind, but this Italian-made white rum has a clean nose and intense tropical flavors, offering a balanced warmth and a long, mouth-filling finish.

Image: Rum Mater

6. Ron Bermudez Don Armando, 92 points: Back to the Carribean, home of the Mojito. This rich and complex aged rum from the Dominican Republic expresses notes of honeycomb, banana, and wood spice, finishing with molasses dryness and hints of chocolate and cinnamon. Guest will never forget a Mojito made from this rum. 

Image: Ron Bermudez Don Armando

7. Depaz XO from Bardinet Sas, 92 points: Another Carribean choice. From Martinique, the Depaz XO aged rum offers a well-balanced and long finish, with a light, fragrant nose of stone fruit and pear, alongside dates, muscovado sugar, and baked apple flavors on the palate. Delicious as a Mojito. If you prefer white rum in a Mojito, consider the Dillon White from Bardinet, which also scored 92 points: savor this white rum’s grassy freshness and clean finish, with briny notes on the nose and hints of litchi. Enjoy its clean, creamy mouthfeel with subtle flavors of papaya and citrus, finishing with almond.

Image: Depaz XO

8. End of Days Port of Entry Rum from End of Days Distillery, 91 points: A good value rum for a standard Mojito, this silver rum offers a smooth taste and hints of sweetness, accompanied by nutty notes. Medium-bodied and stable. 

Image: End of Days Port of Entry Rum

In conclusion, selecting the right rum can make or break a mojito. The recommendations from the London Spirits Competition provide a diverse range of options, each offering unique characteristics that can transform a mojito from ordinary to extraordinary. For professional mixologists experimenting with these top-rated rums will allow you to craft mojitos with depth, flavor, and distinction. So, raise your glass and toast to the perfect mojito, made with the best rums in the world.