Borinquen Rum Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use fresh-squeezed lime and orange juice—bottled juice flattens the tropical brightness this cocktail needs.
• Float the 151-proof rum by pouring slowly over the back of a barspoon so it sits on top rather than mixing through.
• Chill your glass beforehand and add ice just before serving to prevent over-dilution before the drink reaches the guest.
• Taste for sweetness after adding syrup; passion fruit syrups vary in intensity, so adjust by ½ tsp increments.

Substitutions

• Light Rum → white rum or silver rum (no change in flavor)
• Passion Fruit Syrup → passion fruit nectar or fresh passion fruit pulp (reduce quantity slightly as nectar is thicker)
• 151 Proof Rum → overproof dark rum or spiced rum (changes heat and flavor profile)

Equipment

barspoon (for floating) · rocks glass or hurricane glass

Can I make this without 151 proof rum?

Yes. Use an equal measure of overproof or spiced rum instead, or skip the float entirely for a lighter version.

What's the best way to balance the sweetness?

Adjust passion fruit syrup down by ½ tsp if using store-bought syrup, which tends to be sweeter than fresh.

Should I use fresh citrus juice?

Fresh lime and orange juice will yield better flavor and balance than bottled, especially with the sweetness of the syrup.

What glass and ice should I use?

Serve in a rocks glass or hurricane glass over crushed or large ice to slow dilution and keep the float visible.