Mixing Drinks 101: Can You Mix Rum And Tequila?

can you mix rum and tequila
Joe | Last Updated: September 24, 2023
I'm Joe, a veteran bartender with over a decade in the industry and a burning passion for mixing drinks.

Mixing drinks is a great way to test and develop your mixology skills but it can be a dangerous game if you don’t know which drinks work well together.

That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on which drinks should and shouldn’t be mixed together, and that is the reason why we created our mixing drinks 101 series.

Rum and tequila are two of the most popular spirits on the planet, and both are enjoyed by millions of people around the world separately and as part of delicious cocktails.

But one question that often arises is; Can you mix rum and tequila together?

If this question has ever crossed your mind, stick around as you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about combining these two powerhouses of the spirits world.

So let’s get into it…

Can You Mix Rum And Tequila?

Yes, rum and tequila are two spirits that work very well together and are used in various cocktail recipes such as the Harlem Mugger, Aperol Sunrise, and Tequila Sunrise.

This is a combination that has endless possibilities and is great for those looking to get adventurous.

Both rum and tequila have very different flavor profiles, but when combined together with the correct ingredients that complement each spirit the result can be a delicious cocktail that is one to remember.

Try adding syrups, lime juice, and different garnishes to create a cocktail that works well with your palate. Not everyone will enjoy a rum and tequila mix, but if done correctly it can certainly be a great drink for rum and tequila lovers.

When mixing rum and tequila, it’s important to consider the flavor profiles of each spirit and find a balance that complements their distinct qualities.

can you mix rum and tequila
Photo by Timur Weber

Rum, known for its sweetness, richness, and diverse range of flavors, can add depth and complexity to a tequila-based cocktail.

Tequila, on the other hand, brings a vibrant and earthy agave-forward flavor profile to the mix.

The key to successfully combining rum and tequila lies in understanding the individual characteristics of each spirit and selecting the right types and brands that harmonize well together.

This is why it’s important not to cheap out when using spirits to mix together, and if you can afford it, always opt for premium brands for the best experience.

If you are curious about mixing rum and tequila, I’d recommend trying one of the cocktails mentioned above first to get a taste of what the mixture is like before experimenting with your own concoctions.

>> Read more: Can you mix Jack Daniels with orange juice?

What Happens When You Mix Rum And Tequila?

When you mix rum and tequila, the result is a combination of their individual flavors and characteristics and the specific outcome will depend on the types of rum and tequila used, as well as the proportions and other ingredients in the cocktail.

Rum typically contributes sweetness, richness, and a range of flavors such as caramel, vanilla, tropical fruits, and spices. Whereas tequila, on the other hand, adds earthy, agave-forward notes with hints of citrus and pepper.

When these two spirits are mixed together, their flavors can intertwine, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste experience.

It won’t be for everyone, but use ingredients and flavored spirits that complement one another and you could be onto a winner!

The interaction between rum and tequila can create a harmonious blend where the sweetness of rum complements the earthiness of tequila.

can you mix rum and tequila
Photo by Aaron Houston

Alternatively, it can produce an entirely new flavor profile that is unique to the combination. The balance and harmony of the cocktail will depend on the specific proportions of each spirit and the other ingredients used.

So if you’re someone that prefers rum over tequila, try using ratios that are heavier on rum and perhaps use only a splash of tequila.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes, ingredients, and techniques to craft innovative drinks that showcase the fusion of these two spirits.

That’s what mixing drinks is all about! Trying to craft new and surprising drins that keep you coming back for more.

>> Read more: Can you mix rum and whiskey?

Is Mixing Rum And Tequila A Good Idea?

Yes, mixing rum and tequila can be a great idea if you’re someone that enjoys experimenting with mixing different spirits and you already enjoy both rum and tequila on their own.

If you’re not the biggest fan of rum or tequila, it’s unlikely that you’ll enjoy this mixed drink and perhaps you should opt for mixing other drinks that you’re more fond of.

It all comes down to personal preference when it comes to mixing drinks, so it’s important to consider which other ingredients to use that create a drink that works well for your palate.

As mentioned earlier, it’s wise to select high-quality spirits and consider their individual characteristics when mixing rum and tequila.

Not all combinations will work well together, so it may require some experimentation and adjustment to find the right balance.

Tasting, adjusting ratios, and considering other ingredients in the cocktail are key to achieving a harmonious blend.

Keep in mind that both rum and tequila are strong spirits on their own, so you don’t want to go too heavy on the pours as you could end up far too intoxicated.

I’ve been there before and it’s not fun in the morning! And always remember when mixing drinks that it’s important to drink in moderation and with care.

Hydrating well between drinks is a very good idea.

There’s nothing worse than waking up with a brutal hangover and this can put you off drinking the liqueur for a long time, so remember to take it easy when dealing with spirits.

>> Read more: Can You Mix Dark Rum With Lemonade?

Can Rum Be Drank After Tequila?

Yes, rum can be enjoyed after tequila, and the choice of the order in which you consume these spirits is largely a matter of personal preference.

It’s not uncommon for drinkers to enjoy rum and then add in a few shots of tequila during the night when they want to feel a bit of a kick.

But the decision to drink rum after tequila, or vice versa, depends mostly on individual taste preferences and the desired experience.

Some individuals may prefer starting with tequila and then transitioning to rum to appreciate the contrasting flavors and characteristics of each spirit.

Whereas others may enjoy the transition from rum to tequila or prefer alternating between the two.

can you mix rum and tequila
Photo by Francisco Galarza

Secondly, consuming rum after tequila allows for a contrasting flavor experience. Rum typically offers sweetness, richness, and a diverse range of flavors such as tropical fruits, spices, and caramel.

By following tequila with rum, the palate can experience a shift in flavor profile, providing a refreshing and distinct taste.

If you are going to be drinking rum after a tequila or vice versa, it’s a good idea to cleanse your palate by drinking a glass of water between the transition.

This will not only help in keeping you hydrated and help avoid the hangover but also cleanse your palate so you can enjoy the flavors of each spirit without remnants of the other.

>> Read more: Can You Mix Beer And Wine?

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the answer is a resounding YES. Mixing rum and tequila can work very well together especially when the correct ratios and other ingredients are used.

Whilst mixing drinks can be risky with some spirits, rum, and tequila are generally a safe combination so long as you drink in moderation and use appropriate measures.

I would recommend starting out with small pours of both spirits and experimenting with different ingredients such as fruit juices, syrups, and garnishes.

Remember to use premium spirits where you can as this will likely result in a more desirable outcome.

Give this combination a try the next time you’re feeling adventurous and good luck with your cocktail crafting experiments!