Boston Cooler

Name: Boston Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tsp Powdered Sugar; 2 oz Carbonated Water; 2 oz Old Mr. Boston Rum

The Boston Cooler is a light, refreshing cocktail combining rum, carbonated water, and powdered sugar for a quick, easy drink. Its simplicity makes it ideal for casual entertaining.

🏷️Equipment: collins glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$10–$16

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Deluxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

1 tsp Powdered Sugar
2 oz Carbonated Water
2 oz Old Mr. Boston Rum

3 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Into collins glass, put the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, and 2 oz.
2
carbonated water.
3
Then fill glass with cracked ice and add
4
Fill with carbonated water or ginger ale and stir again.
5
Add spiral of orange or lem-on peel (or both) and dangle end over rim of glass.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Dissolve powdered sugar completely before adding carbonated water to avoid grittiness at the bottom of the glass.
Use ice-cold carbonated water and serve immediately after mixing to preserve carbonation.
Stir gently after adding carbonated water to avoid over-agitation that causes fizz loss.

Substitutions

Carbonated water → club soda (identical effect)
Powdered sugar → simple syrup, ½ tsp (easier to mix in)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are served fresh and not stored. Prepare the rum and sugar mix up to 1 hour ahead; carbonate just before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make a Boston Cooler without powdered sugar?

Yes. Dissolve regular granulated sugar in a small amount of warm water first, or use simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, cooled).

What type of rum works best?

Light or white rum is traditional, though dark rum adds deeper flavor. Old Mr. Boston is a common choice, but any affordable sipping rum works.

Is ginger ale the same as carbonated water in this recipe?

No. This recipe calls for plain carbonated water (seltzer). Ginger ale will add sweetness and spice; use it only if you prefer a different flavor profile.