The Rum Runner

Meander your way down U.S.1 from Miami into the Florida Keys and in Islamorada at mile marker 85 you'll see Holiday Isle resort, an oasis for thirsty vacationers and home of the Rum Runner cocktail.  Back in the late 1950’s John Ebert (AKA Tiki John) concocted the drink using wasted overstock items from behind the bar.  The Rum Runner is a frozen cocktail and as it grew in popularity it went from being made in the blender (many a waring blender gave their lives for the drink) to large slushie machines filled on the hour from pre-mixed 20 gallon buckets.  Outside of Holiday Isle through all the Florida Keys, the Rum Runner is king of the cocktails and you'll find it in seafood shanties and five-star resorts alike.  As is with all cocktails there are embellishments, variations, and some conjecture as to the true recipe.  We personally did a stint bartending at Papa Joe’s in Islamorada in the 1980’s and offer you below the classic recipe that originated at Holiday Isle and the one most commonly known in the Keys.  It is tropical, fruity, and deceivingly easy drinking but beware, two or three Rum Runners in the hot Florida sun will take the wind from your sails.  Cheers!

The Rum Runner

In a blender filled with 1 ½ cups of ice add:

• 1 Ounce Light Rum
• 1 Ounce 151 Rum
• ¾ Ounce Banana Liqueur
• ¾ Ounce Blackberry Brandy
• ¾ Ounce Rose’s Lime Juice
• ½ Ounce Grenadine Syrup

Blend till smooth, pour into a Hurricane glass.  Garnish with a lime wedge and maraschino cherry.