Boom Shack-a-Lak and Pass the Rum: 5 Cocktails Stealing the Show at Birmingham Rum Festival

The countdown is officially on. Birmingham’s favourite celebration of all things rum-soaked, sunshine-inspired and dancehall-fuelled is making its triumphant return this June — and it’s bringing serious Caribbean energy with it.

Back for its 11th year, the Birmingham Rum Festival lands at the legendary The Cuban Embassy on 27th June, promising an unforgettable evening packed with Caribbean street food, live music, unbeatable vibes, and enough premium rum to make your summer start early.

And this year? The festival is turning the volume all the way up with special guest Apache Indian bringing his iconic “Boom Shack-A-Lak” spirit to the party — literally. Expect dancehall rhythms, feel-good chaos, and cocktails crafted to keep the dance floor full all night long.

Because while rum may be the headline act, the cocktails are the real scene-stealers.

From tropical twists to spicy sips and smooth island-inspired blends, Birmingham Rum Festival’s cocktail line-up is a passport to paradise in a glass. Here are five signature serves you absolutely cannot miss.

Spiced Rum Colada - Creamy, Tropical, Dangerous

Forget everything you think you know about a piña colada.

The Spiced Rum Colada takes the beach-bar classic and gives it a bold festival remix. Made with Black Dragon Spiced Rum and Black Dragon Pineapple Rum, this cocktail hits you with juicy pineapple upfront, silky coconut cream through the middle, and a zesty lime finish that keeps everything fresh and dangerously drinkable.

It’s sweet. It’s spicy. It’s summer in a cup.

One sip and suddenly you’re mentally on a Caribbean beach instead of in Birmingham.

Cherry Rum Riot - The Mojito’s Wild Cousin

This is not your standard mojito.

The Cherry Rum Riot crashes onto the menu with all the confidence of a headline act. Built around Wildjac’s cherry spiced rum, this cocktail layers pomegranate juice, mint and chocolate bitters into something rich, refreshing and just a little rebellious.

Think deep fruit flavours with a cool mint kick — the kind of drink that starts as “just one” and somehow becomes your entire evening personality.

Appropriately named, because after tasting it, you’ll absolutely be starting a riot for another round.

The Birmingham Bel - Smooth, Sophisticated, Seriously Good

Not every cocktail needs fireworks. Some just need finesse.

The Birmingham Bel pays tribute to locally refined Dilay 1949 rum, bringing together rich rum depth, fiery ginger beer and sharp lime in a serve that’s effortlessly smooth.

There’s something classic about this one — confident, balanced and built for sipping slowly while the music rolls through Moseley late into the night.

It’s Birmingham pride in cocktail form

Titan Strawberry Piña Colada - Tropical Chaos in the Best Way

Yes, another colada. No, we’re not apologising.

The Titan Strawberry Piña Colada takes the Caribbean favourite and dials the fruity energy all the way up. Titan Spiced Rum blends with pineapple, strawberry and coconut milk for a frozen-style festival drink bursting with sunshine flavours.

Fresh strawberries give it a juicy sweetness, while the rum keeps things lively enough to tempt you straight back onto the dance floor.

If summer had an official flavour, this might be it.

Uche Love - Paradise, Bottled

Returning by popular demand, Uche Love is the cocktail equivalent of golden hour.

Made with Uche premium coconut rum, lychee-infused syrup and lime sours, this drink balances creamy coconut notes with delicate floral sweetness and citrus sharpness. The result is vibrant, aromatic and ridiculously refreshing.

Smooth, elegant and just a little indulgent, it’s the kind of cocktail that makes you pause mid-sip and say: “Yep… this is the one.”

Paradise in a glass? Honestly, pretty close.

Diablo Spiced Rum Mojito - Sinfully Good

The Devil’s come down to Birmingham, and he’s here to stay.  

Smooth-talking and slightly dangerous, House of Rum’s Diablo Spiced Rum brings notes of caramel, cinnamon, orange peel and raisin sweetness to a mojito with a mischievous streak.  

Mix that with the classic lime and mint mojito combo and you’ve got a cocktail that’s equal parts refreshing and reckless.  

Trouble never tasted so good.  

More Than a Festival - It’s a Full Caribbean Experience

Birmingham Rum Festival isn’t just about drinks — it’s about atmosphere. It’s the sound of dancehall echoing through the venue, the smell of Caribbean food in the air, and the kind of energy that turns strangers into dance partners by the second cocktail.

Whether you’re a seasoned rum lover or just looking for the ultimate summer night out, this year’s festival promises flavour, music and vibes from start to finish.

So grab your friends, bring your dancing shoes, and prepare to Boom Shack-a-Lak your way through Birmingham’s biggest rum celebration yet.

Buy tickets from £24 from www.birminghamrumfestival.com