For pirates and Tiki bar lovers, today is a very important occasion. National Rum Day (Sunday, August 16, 2026) celebrates the sweet and spicy alcohol found in piña coladas, zombies, and mojitos.
Let’s take a look at some history before we dive into the deals.
How rum is made
There are many different varieties of rum, but all of them start with sugarcane. Once harvested, the sugarcane is transformed into one of the base ingredients for the liquor: molasses, cane juice, or cane syrup.
Next is the fermentation process where water and yeast are added to the mix. This new mixture is distilled by heat.
The amount of times this occurs depends on the type of rum. Some rums are also aged in oak barrels while others go straight to the bottle.
A brief history of rum
Modern rum as we know it today has an unsavory history.
It dates back to the 17th century and the expansion of sugarcane production and enslaved labor in the Caribbean. Somewhere along the line, it was discovered that molasses could be fermented.
These early concoctions were crude and strong. They were named “kill-devil” or “rumbullion.” The latter was eventually shortened to rum.
Pirates learned to loot the liquor from merchant ships.
They weren’t the only ones who appreciated the beverage. Colonial America loved rum. It was cheaper and easier to get than beer or brandy.
Colonists even began distilling their own. They balked when England tried to tax molasses, but got the last laugh there when winning the Revolutionary War.
Rum has continued to evolve over the years and these days comes in light, amber, dark, spiced, or aged varieties.
National Rum Day deals
Before the rum runs out (which would break Jack Sparrow’s heart), here’s where you can pillage some of your own treasure.
At participating Twin Peaks Restaurant locations, like the one in Broomfield, Colorado, the rum is flowing. There you can order a mai tai for $6.50, a mojito for $7.50, or a Cuban Old Fashioned for $10.50.
In our nation’s capital, Tiki TNT wants to feed you as well. This establishment is offering a $15 burger special. To wash it down, consider ordering a $9 Thrasher’s rum drink with one mixer, a rum and coke, or a Resort Mai Tai. If you want to try many different rums, they are also offering $12 Thrasher’s flights.
In Ohio, at Smash Park Westerville, rewards members are in for a treat. After playing a quick game of pickleball, refresh your taste buds with a $4 mojito. This special runs all weekend, from August 14-16.
At LALO’s Tacos & Cantina in Watkinsville, Georgia, grab a mojito for $7.99, or a rum and soda for $4 with an entrée purchase.
Enter to win at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille with locations in Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and St. Petersburg, all in Florida. With every Doc’s Coco XO Mojito rum cocktail or a rum flight purchase, you will receive a raffle ticket and a chance to improve your at-home bar. The booty? A gift basket featuring a bottle of Mount Gay’s XO rum and all the serving apparatus needed.
Back in D.C. and Virginia, at participating Colada Shop venues, you can imbibe on $5 mojitos. This deal is not available at the DCA Airport location.
At Havana Central in the Big Apple, enjoy half off on classic mojitos.
On the West Coast, Venus Spirits in Santa Cruz, California, is the spot to go-to for a $10 daiquiri. If geography isn’t on your side, head to the online shop for 20% off on El Ladrón Rums. Be sure to use the code RUM20 at checkout.
With all these deals, the rum is sure to last.