Whether on the cusp of a modern-day revival, or forever consigned to holiday destinations, the Mojito is up against another rum classic. “We’re finding even greater momentum behind another legendary Cuban icon – the Daiquiri,” says Dean MacGregor, rum ambassador for Speciality Brands, which includes Takamaka in its portfolio. “Beloved by the trade, effortlessly approachable for consumers, and a brilliant showcase for rum blanc, the Daiquiri is rum-forward, crisp and wonderfully refreshing.”

MacGregor points out a practical advantage the Daiquiri has over the Mojito too. “It doesn’t require crushed ice, which isn’t a mainstay in many modern cocktail bars nowadays. The Daiquiri is what I’m seeing more and more people drinking,” confirms Davies. “It makes sense if you think of the popularity of the Margarita – transitioning from one lime-based cocktail to the next isn’t a big jump for the consumer.”

Kaizen agrees. “The Daiquiri is the only cocktail important to white rum at the moment, riding the wave of Margarita popularity for those who are opposed to tequila.”

“We absolutely love a Daiquiri – simple, sharp and perfect for showcasing a great quality rum,” adds Lewis Hayes, founder and master distiller at UK rum distillery Drop Works.

At the aforementioned series of Duppy Share events, the Mojito accounted for 10% of drinks sales, while Daiquiris accounted for 15%. “It remains a classic, showcasing the quality and versatility of white rum,” says Copp.

“It’s arguably the most popular white rum cocktail in the on-trade,” adds Patrick. “Its simplicity makes it approachable, yet it can be easily elevated into a more complex and consistently delicious serve.”

BEYOND BOTH

In addition to the Mojito and the Daiquiri – fruit-forward variants like the Strawberry Daiquiri in particular – De Sousa is seeing interest in other white rum cocktails. “There’s a lot of love for classic rum punches and modern twists on the Piña Colada – white rum’s versatility is really shining through, as people look for both nostalgic and innovative serves.” 

“Beyond the Daiquiri, we’re seeing riffs on classics gaining momentum – think rum twists on the Paloma or Negroni,” says Hayes. 

During its promotion over the summer, Takamaka showcased its Rum Blanc in everything from Spritzes to Piña Colada Slushies, and in a clarified Miami Vice too. “The diverse line-up allowed us to reach a wide range of consumers, offering something to suit every palate,” says d’Offay.

“Mai Tais, Hurricanes, and even the Cuba Libre, do a lot of heavy lifting for brands like ours,” confirms Warborn-Jones. That diversity in styles of serve is important. “We’ve seen how powerful things like the Negroni or Spicy Margarita can be to a category, boosting sales of the spirit both in the on-trade and for consumers at home,” says Davies. “Rum needs its answer to the Spicy Marg – we need to find that drink that makes rum trendy again.”

Perhaps the answer lies with longer – and easier – serves. “Highball serves remain hugely popular,” reports MacGregor, highlighting the Piña Colada at Odyssey Hoxton, as well as the clarified TM13 from Low Key in Cardiff. Frozen and slushie serves have been a focus too. “Our Frozen Piña Colada at Taste of London was by far the most popular serve of the entire event,” he adds.

“In venues where speed of service and margins are important, the versatility of white rum as a base for highballs is almost second to none,” adds Lugg. “We’re seeing the likes of rum and Dr Pepper or Cherry Cola making it on to menus.”

For the ultimate convenience, there’s always the RTD. In addition to its partnership with Moth Drinks – for the brand’s canned Mojitos and Piña Coladas – Duppy Share has also launched its Pink Ting-A-Ling, Duppy White with Ting Pink Grapefruit. “They give consumers an easy way to discover and enjoy white rum before trading up to a bottle, to explore more crafted serves at home,” says Copp.

That serve may well be a Mojito, if the predictions about its return to former glory turn out to be true, but – maybe better – it could be a Daiquiri, or any of the other white rum cocktails that showcase the broad versatility of this spirit.