Spiced Citrus Rum Refresher

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and invigorating cocktail blending spiced rum with fresh citrus and subtle sweetness, perfect for a lively evening. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together spiced rum, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz spiced rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 3/4 oz honey syrup.
  2. Step 2: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
  4. Step 4: Top with 2 oz chilled club soda and gently stir with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
  5. Step 5: Express the oils of an orange twist over the drink by holding it over the glass and twisting to release the citrus oils, then rest it on the rim.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig placed upright next to the orange twist.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Citrus Rum Refresher take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Spiced Citrus Rum Refresher?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced citrus rum refresher in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Citrus Rum Refresher?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Citrus Rum Refresher for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Citrus Rum Refresher?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.