Rum is a distilled beverage made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses and sugarcane juice by a process of fermentation and distillation. The distillate, a clear liquid, is then usually aged in oak and other barrels. The majority of rum production occurs in and around the Caribbean and along the Demerara River, Guyana in South America, though there are rum producers in places such as Australia, India, Reunion Island, Mauritius, and elsewhere around the world.

Daiquiri
The most famous rum cocktail, and Ernest Hemingway's favoured tipple. Into a shaker half filled with ice, add a large (50ml) shot of light rum, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and 1 tablespoon of sugar syrup. Shake, and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Zombie
A particularly dangerous drink, invented by Don - The Beachcomber - Beach. Into a shaker filled with two thirds ice add a large (50ml) shot of golden rum, a small (25ml) shot of dark rum, a small shot of apricot brandy, a dash of sugar syrup, a small shot of lime juice and a large shot of pineapple juice. Shake and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice, and float a layer of 151 proof rum on top.

Mai Tai
One of the most well known rum cocktails, this little beauty was invented by Bergeron (Trader Vic) in 1944. Into a shaker two thirds filled with ice, add a large (50ml) shot of dark rum, a small (25ml) shot each of orange Curacao and apricot brandy, the juice of a lime, 2 dashes of orgeat syrup and 2 dashes of sugar syrup. Place one half of the lime husk in a chilled old fashioned glass, and top up with crushed ice. Shake and strain the drink into the glass, and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Mojito
A very popular summer drink thanks to its fresh flavour. Add a few mint leaves and either some sugar syrup or a couple of sugar cubes to an old fashioned glass. Muddle these together, then add a large (50ml) shot of golden rum, and stir. Top up with crushed ice, and add a little soda water to taste.

Planters Punch
Another delicious summer choice. This drink perfectly illustrates the importance of remembering ratios when mixing cocktails. In this case: 1 sour, 2 sweet, 3 strong, 4 weak. Use lime juice for the sour, sugar syrup for the sweet, dark rum for the strong, and fruit juice and ice for the weak. Juices should always be fresh for a drink of this sort. Serve long.