• Rum is distilled from sugar cane.Tractor with Sugar Cane image by Liz from Fotolia.com
  
  As "one of the oldest and most varied of distilled spirits," rum originated in the Caribbean in the 17th century, according to the Drinks Mixer website. Distilled from the juice of the sugar cane plant or a byproduct of molasses, it is typically aged in charred oak casks, giving the drink its distinctive golden-brown color. Extremely versatile, rum can be combined with fruit juice in a number of cocktails that conjure up images of relaxing on a tropical island or staying warm after skiing.
  
  

Spiced Wine With Dried Fruit

• This hot drink, called Krambambuli in Austria, is made from hot chamomile tea combined with a semi-dry white wine, such as a Chenin Blanc, sugar, orange juice, rum, lemon juice, raisins, mixed dried fruit, a bay leaf, a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg. The ingredients are heated until the sugar has dissolved. After bringing the mixture to a simmer, it is removed from the heat, covered and left to steep for approximately 12 minutes. To serve, rewarm the spiced wine (do not boil), remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, and scoop the wine, raisins and dried fruit into mugs, as suggested by the Epicurious website.
  
  

Hurricane

• The Hurricane was invented in New Orleans' French Quarter.new orleans balconies image by Elly from Fotolia.com
  
  According to Epicurious, this drink was invented in Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans' French Quarter. It became so popular that it now even has its own glass for serving. A Hurricane is created using light and dark rum, passion-fruit juice and fresh lime juice. Pineapple juice can also be added for variety. The ingredients are shaken with cracked ice and strained into either a chilled cocktail glass or, of course, a Hurricane glass.
  
  

Bahama Mama

• A Bahama Mama is a cocktail using equal parts 151 proof rum and coffee liqueur, combined with equal parts dark rum and coconut liqueur, lemon juice and pineapple juice. All of the ingredients are combined and served over cracked ice in a collins glass. Garnishes can include fruit, such as a strawberries or cherries. A frozen variation can be made with overproof rum, equal parts of pineapple juice and coconut milk, a splash of grenadine syrup and half a banana. The ingredients are blended with crushed ice and served in a pina colada glass, as suggested by Drinks Mixer.
  
  

Mai Tai

• The Mai Tai became famous at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach.waikiki beach at night image by NorthShoreSurfPhotos from Fotolia.com
  
  One of the best-known cocktails using rum and fruit juice is the Mai Tai, made famous by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach. The hotel boasts two different versions: the Traditional Mai Tai --- made with dark and light rum, orange curacao, orange and lime juices, and a dash of orgeat and simple syrup --- and the Pink Mai Tai, which adds a dash of grenadine to create the pink color.